Review on 🏋️ 12000 lb. Load Capacity Smittybilt X2O Waterproof Steel Cable Winch – Enhanced for SEO by Robert Howell

Great winch. No need to break the bank with name recognition. Installed on a Wrangler JKU 08 and great. Build quality is excellent, installation is very easy, and wireless capability is a must. There are 2 criticisms that initially prevented it from getting 5 stars. One is picky about wireless range. The manual states a maximum distance of 50 meters, even after replacing a new quality battery, the maximum line of sight is only 50-60 feet. Not a showstopper by any means, but as the manual states the value it's only a third. Even on its own, it would be handy to have a remote control running the length of the line. The real reason for the missing 5 stars is the magnetic holder. It comes with brackets that are great for reel mounting. Didn't want to install it somewhere else above the engine. A constructive change is required here, as it is only held by 2 screws and both are located on the side of the coil. This means the other side of the box will flap up and down. Very disappointed with this design as everything else is well thought out. I ended up using adhesive washers between the motor housing and the bottom of the solenoid to align and reduce movement. Not required for a brand new product. The winds are strong, cut down the tree with the winch to pull the tree - the widow who stayed after the storm and used it to pull it uphill. It only takes one finger to hold the cord to release it into a free spool, which was a pleasant surprise. The remote control feels good in the hand and has a soft, rubbery texture. Updated 12/17/2015. Since installing this winch I have used it extensively every weekend. I've made 10 very heavy pulls, almost breaking a cord with no problems. The device gets quite hot, but does not reach thermal shutdown. Loose coiling is almost too smooth as there is no visible resistance to allow the bird to be hooked when the tightly coiled rope is pulled by hand without braking the drum. Updated 07/23/15. This winch has proven itself and received 5 stars. 17 hard moves with half the stall point approaching but never made it. 5 pulls using double line and a 20k pulley to slide a 60 foot, 15 inch diameter maple tree a little into the ground. The winch has always worked. The safety latch on the originally supplied hook broke, but this is due to the design and can happen regardless of the brand. Will switch to a much better hook with a different lock design. Updated 2/7/16. Great wind, I like it very much. Replaced the hook with a heavy duty TMJ self-locking hook which was a great addition. There is nothing wrong with supporting the cross member on this winch, care must be taken not to overload it to allow the cable to build up in an area that crosses the gaps. Any damage is a usage issue, not a product issue, although Smittybilt will be kind enough to replace it. Added photo with updated hook. Last update 03/18/16. An unrealistic winch that pulls heavy loads smoothly. Even tested overnight after freezing rain and a foot of snow. Cleared enough snow to turn on the wireless switch. I thought this would be the ultimate test of the uncoated CA winch. The steel cable was heavily frozen in the ice, but this winch worked perfectly. If I ever needed another I would repurchase the 2/27/17 update after the wireless stopped working. Smittybilt customer service was great and determined that the switch in the solenoid valve was faulty. They were quickly replaced, but I settled on a genuine Revain waterproof switch myself, Foios added. Stick the part number on the packaging and use it in place of your current factory part. Provide this information to our engineers and they will take it into account. I hope to offer this surf as a guaranteed replacement and even come up with it instead. We still loved the winch and pulled out countless trees by tapping and pulling them. I've been shy for 3 years in the block goes strong. Pulled countless trees, lifted lumber with a block overhead, and even climbed steep mountains within a road after slipping in deep snow. The loads being pulled were so heavy that I had to tie the rear of the jeep to a large tree to keep the 4-door Jku from sliding on the pavement with the brakes on. I've just ordered a replacement cable, this one has held up almost all of its use, with a bit of wear and a few small kinks. . Added a photo of a unit that is now getting stronger. Now use it at least once a month to make sure it stays in good condition. The only real sign of wear on the steel cable is that the case is illuminated by direct UV exposure as I don't coat it year round.