Thread: Hand vs electric winch: solo travelling

Or step right up and get a pto winch and u can winch to u run out of fuel

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I don't tow or carry huge loads or anything like that, so I'm leaning towards the standard EWX9500 over the 11XP, keeping current draw in mind. Generally speaking would a 9500lb winch at its full capacity be drawing more amps than an 11000lb winch working at 75% capacity?

I only have a hand winch, I've had to use it (first time too) uphill and all I was thinking was don't fail, don't fail! It didn't and worked a treat. I've used it a few times now and don't leave home without it. Having both would be the best as options are what you want when it goes a bit squiggly out with only the dog as company.

Originally Posted by Landi

I don't tow or carry huge loads or anything like that, so I'm leaning towards the standard EWX9500 over the 11XP, keeping current draw in mind. Generally speaking would a 9500lb winch at its full capacity be drawing more amps than an 11000lb winch working at 75% capacity?

I was advised by Ben at Apt to go up one size from 9500 for a fully loaded 110
If you don't have a tow bar have a look at Nugget s rear hitch

Where are you going to be heading to?
This may be a factor in what you can do.
If your solo and using any type of which you need to be able to get out to set things up.
Not so easy if your half way up a steep track in the high country.
If your out in the desert sands you may not find it easy to access a anchor point.


An electric which on the front can only pull you forward, over or through the obstacle.
A hand winch can be used to pull you back out of trouble.
The other thing I've done is set a hand winch of the side to stop a rig falling over the edge of a track.


As has been said....
Hand winch's make you think about where you're going.
An electric winch can led to a false sense of security but are easier(and more dangerous) to use.

Originally Posted by Landi

I don't tow or carry huge loads or anything like that, so I'm leaning towards the standard EWX9500 over the 11XP, keeping current draw in mind. Generally speaking would a 9500lb winch at its full capacity be drawing more amps than an 11000lb winch working at 75% capacity?

Amperage draw will depend on the on the winch, some of the 11000lb jobs use bigger motors.
The load pulling power and speed of recovery will vary depending on how many layers of rope are on the drum.
Have a look at the different specs at the bottom of these links(chosen as popular choice only)..
http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/M1200.shtml
http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/95xp_winch.shtml

I'd be going for a slightly bigger winch(as I did on the last purchase).
Better pulling power with less rope out.
Covers you on any bigger trips when fully loaded.
You also don't know what or who you may be helping one day.


Don't forget if you go with an electric winch they do require maintenance.
It's also good to fire them up once a month to keep things moving.

Hi Landi, I'm sure you'll find the 9500lb winch adequate. if in doubt use your snatch block. I have dragged my defender along a track on the diff centers for a short distance, when the ruts were too deep to proceed. ( only have 32" tyres) and dragged a defender with trailer and 1500 kgs of wood up a slippery hill with a 9500 lb. Regarding batteries, I have only one battery in my car, its a big one though. (Truck King). I found as long as the engine is running I can get out of situations. Most winching is short distance so the battery has adequate reserve. IMV tough job is winching the car and a full trailer, ( about 4000 kg) for 100-150 m up a steep slippery slope with trailer etc. But even then the winch gets a break, because you have to re rig the winch every 20- 25 meters . cheers simmo

I was wrong, i was looking at 8000, but APT recommended 9500

With a Defender full of touring kit, it would be better to run a 9500lb winch. The M8000S comes in at 25Kg $1750, awesome performer, pushing its limits with a fully loaded 110 in harsh conditions. I have the following reliable options -
Warn Zeon 10S 34KG $2295
Warn 9.5XP S 30.8KG $2750

Avenger 9.5 TDS 27.5KG $1335

As far as a great touring winch goes, I can solidly recommend the Avenger. I fitted one to Roothy's truck about 6 years ago and I've had one on our 110 for around 3 years. Both have performed superbly time and time again. I run Warns on some of our more aggressive vehicles, these trucks are built for a different purpose though.