Winch recommendation

Hello, I am considering getting a winch for my 2019 SR5P. We tow a Casita travel trailer which loaded is about 3200 lbs or so. I have no idea how much a winch and a bumper would weigh so my concern is to not diminish the towing or braking capability of the runner to a great extent. How should I approach this challenge? Recommendations are desired. I can afford to do it.

 

Welcome, I would start by checking the payload capacity of your vehicle. Its listed on the driver’s door jam.

Once you have that figure, subtract the tongue weight of your trailer, and the total weight of any passengers, gear, and other modifications made to the vehicle. Anything that adds weight will reduce your available payload. This is where i’d start to see if you have 100+lbs available for a winch/bumper.

 

Welcome

 

Welcome

 

Welcome

 

I guess the first question is what do you want to do with the winch? Do you want it to live up there for essentially emergency use, or are you planning on rock crawling and using it four times a day? Will you be pulling other people out or is it purely for self-recovery? What is your budget? Just because you can't afford something doesn't mean you should necessarily buy the most expensive thing - and a budget gives us a better window for recommendations. Do you want it exposed, living on its own bumper; or are you looking for something that's more concealed and hidden behind the existing bumper? What weight capacity are you looking for?

Asking an open-ended question about what winch should I buy is like asking what car you should buy without any background information as to intended to use, budget, etc.

 

Well, yes it was an open ended question because I really am in the beginning of the consideration of getting a winch. The winch would be for my own use as I have no experience using one nor intent on rescuing people. I see the builds and like the look. There are many considerations such as how much stuff I have in the runner to start with. I have the Dobinson drawers full of stuff and on top of them typically is a solar panel, a propane generator, chairs and some other stuff, so lots of weight in the back. At Casita when picking up the trailer, they installed an Anderson weight distribution hitch which improves the towing immensely by transferring weight to the front axle. I need to do more investigation on this. Thank you all for the insights given. Much appreciated.

 

So for your own use, weight rating wise I would suggest an 8k or 10k winch. I think most guys here run a 10k. I've only ever run 8k and I think it's fine for the weight of the 4R (I have a GX, but same-same). Sounds like you are heavily loaded so maybe a 10k would be better for you.

Brand and model is pretty up in the air based on personal preference.

If you are mainly concerned with weight and plan for infrequent use only, a hidden winch mount such as SDHQ (my suggestion), CBI, Budbuilt, possibly others would be ideal. You are adding about 90 pounds total with mount and winch. Use synthetic line for additional weight savings.

No concerns about weight, and / or regular use;l, and/or hard off road, a full bumper would be the way to go. Tons of brands to choose from. Probably around 150-180 pounds total weight added.

With as much weight as you have in the back plus towing plus winch and bumper you are easily in new suspension territory....

 

Welcome to the forum from San Diego!

 

Welcome!

For bumpers there are two types:

• 'covert' - 35 lbs (aluminum) to over 75 lbs (steel)
• full width of various construction (tube, plate) - 50 lbs (aluminum) to well over 150 lbs (those with bull bar/hoops)

Winches add another 50-60 lbs, a fairlead and hook adds another 5-10 lbs.
Will your suspension (coils) have enough overhead to support the added weight? You may need to upgrade shocks as well.
As for winch capacity, a basic rule of thumb is 1.5x GVWR. Sure, you might opt for a 9600 lb rated winch and use snatch blocks/rings to increase pulling power, I personally went with a 12K.
Look for local clubs or an Overland Expo in your area to get some 'hands-on' education on rigging and training.

 

The bumper/winch mount should say what it’s rated for…9500, 10, 12…

this is BIG…lots of people have “stuff” with no idea how to use it…I mean even changing a tire
So getting familiar with your gear is vital

I’ve played with my winch round my property n on the beach…just to see how it would work in DE sand haha

but I’ve recently upgraded the cables n would love to take a legitimate class(amongst other subjects of interest)

then experience will take the wheel