[RTD2013RANGER]

I purchased a like new 2013 Ranger 800 mid size last fall, and used the winch for the 1st time last week. And it wasn't pulling. I took it apart, and found that the end housing was stripped. And it's only a 2500 lb. Warn winch. I'm thinking it's too small. What do you think? And what are your recommendations on a new winch?

 

[alloutdoors]

I purchased a like new 2013 Ranger 800 mid size last fall, and used the winch for the 1st time last week. And it wasn't pulling. I took it apart, and found that the end housing was stripped. And it's only a 2500 lb. Warn winch. I'm thinking it's too small. What do you think? And what are your recommendations on a new winch?

In general, I see many post recommendations of 2-3 times the weight of a vehicle, suggesting something like 3000-4000 lbs. I have seen many great comments about Viper winches here, but regardless of brand, I would highly recommend a unit with a synthetic rope vs. wire. Synthetic rope is light weight and does not store energy while under load. Therefore, if the unfortunate occurs, i.e., snap/break it will harmlessly fall to the ground. On the other hand, steel wire stores energy and if it breaks there will be a violently snap back and whiplash.

 

[RTD2013RANGER]

I was thinking the same thing in regards to the size of the winch. The winch that is currently on my Ranger has rope not wire, and I'd never go with a cable for the exact reason you posted. Cables breaking scare the hell out of me! I've seen people get hurt, and equipment get messed up because of it breaking..... I'm honestly surprised a dealership installed this small of a winch on the Ranger when it was purchased new.... I haven't heard much about the Viper winches, most of the guys I ride with either have Warn or Superwinch. I'll look into them to see what the quality is.

 

[alloutdoors]

Actually, I would strongly consider Warn, because well known, excellent brand, but chances are it may mount to your existing plate without having to purchase additional components.

 

[RTD2013RANGER]

I was thinking the same thing.

 

[rowe doo]

You should be able to fix the old winch and resell or reuse somewhere else.

 

[jokout]

While it is common practice to go by weight of the vehicle alone while choosing a winch, what many do not consider is how much more area exists on the bottom of a UTV and just how much more power is needed to pull out a machine of this size when compared to an ATV! Personally, I would not consider a winch of less then 4000# on a Ranger! For the relatively small cost of a more capable winch, it seems to be money well spent! Especially when your stranded miles from the truck in the middle of no where!

Cheers