2011 Frontier 580

[jetman]

looking for winch recommendations:
capacity?
brand recommendations

[curtisbyrne]

warn 2000 or more.nice score on the 2011 vs older vanguard

[thebuggyman1]

Winches 101:
The Warn brand IS a better quality winch, but it does come with a higher price tag. Warn typically uses wire wound magnets in the motors vs a permanent magnet in the cheaper brands. On long hard pulls the heat buildup can damage the permanent magnets. I believe the low end Warn models also use the permanent magnets. Permanent magnets have the advantage of lower power consumption and with the typical small battery in our machines this is a definite plus. As for size.....Winches are rated at the bottom of the spool where the amount of line (or wire) they pull in is the least per revolution. Essentially the slowest gear ratio. Fortunately our machines float and when stuck they don't sink deep needing that large force to get them out.

I buy the cheaper winches. Most of the time I use the winch it is a pull of 5' or less. If I ever were to need to over use the winch, I would just watch the temp. Testing the temp by putting a hand on the motor and using the available water to help cool it.

I'm rarely ever alone in unfamiliar areas, and some experience on choosing the spots to travel through helps a lot. I carry a tow strap so the other machine can pop you out without using the winch. A snatch block would also be a good thing to carry if you expected bad conditions.

[ARGOJIM]

Be sure to get the proper argo mount or build it similar as the frame mounting makes a difference.

[fornarog]

Highly recommend the argo winch mount! not too expensive and will save your machine from significant tub damage. I got my winch from Tractor Supply or Northern tool (can't remember which) it was a 5K winch and cost me less than $300.