Factory Winch Yes or no

[Marksman]

If Jeep was thinking about cost on a $95K vehicle wrapped in leather and luxury, I’d be surprised they’d cheap out here of all places. The 8K fits the spec. Plain and simple. 12K would be unnecessary, heavier, and too damn slow. I’d rather have something that fit the spec. If you need 12K either you’re doing some insane off road recoveries, or using your winch wrong.

Good debate.

I appreciate hearing both sides of the argument.

Now the real debate… 9mm versus 45 ACP!

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

Good debate.

I appreciate hearing both sides of the argument.

Now the real debate… 9mm versus 45 ACP!

That one is simple 45 by the bed 9mm CC both HK of course

 

[Marksman]

That one is simple 45 by the bed 9mm CC both HK of course

I personally would choose a Sig, but that’s another thread…

So then maybe the Jeep factory 8K unit up front, and this behemoth in the back mounted via a hitch mount is the right answer???

 

[Sulley]

I personally would choose a Sig, but that’s another thread…

So then maybe the Jeep factory 8K unit up front, and a 12K behemoth in the back mounted via a hitch mount is the right answer???

Wilson fan here. Sig is fine I guess.

I think the right answer is, if you plan on keeping the physics of your vehicle stock, factory 8K is ideal. If you’re going to be making a lot of mods (especially the kind that adds weight or height), or plan on weighing your Jeep down with some heavy gear (tent etc) then probably best to order without winch and make it part of your own customizations.

 

[guruman]

I personally would choose a Sig, but that’s another thread…

So then maybe the Jeep factory 8K unit up front, and this behemoth in the back mounted via a hitch mount is the right answer???

View attachment 24837

Hitch mounted winches are the devil...


Seriously, no receiver was designed to handle 12k of angled pulling. Straight online pull maybe, but add any angle at all and the engineering math gets dicy very quickly.

If you think those extended crash cans are ugly, wait until you pull the entire rear frame cross member out.

 

[Sulley]

Hitch mounted winches are the devil...


Seriously, no receiver was designed to handle 12k of angled pulling. Straight online pull maybe, but add any angle at all and the engineering math gets dicy very quickly.

If you think those extended crash cans are ugly, wait until you pull the entire rear frame cross member out.

This is how i know you can never please everyone. They literally put boobs on a truck and people still complain.

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

Wilson fan here. Sig is fine I guess.

I think the right answer is, if you plan on keeping the physics of your vehicle stock, factory 8K is ideal. If you’re going to be making a lot of mods (especially the kind that adds weight or height), or plan on weighing your Jeep down with some heavy gear (tent etc) then probably best to order without winch and make it part of your own customizations.

Agreed and if you plan on keeping the OEM bumper. And I mean really really mean it not like I did then swap it. I am sure If It would have been available in 23 I would have ordered the winch then swapped it out like I did everything else I planned to keep stock

 

[CornPop]

This is how i know you can never please everyone. They literally put boobs on a truck and people still complain.

Maybe they’d be happy if the boobs shot 9mm.

 

[@WhiteBronze392]

Maybe they’d be happy if the boobs shot 9mm.

Nope then they should shoot 45

 

[Mouse]

The higher rated winch draws less amps meaning your vehicles charging system has to work less to keep up with the winch. If you are running a single battery a winch will drain your battery down and put the load on your alternator . best information I can find is that the 392 has a 220 amp alternator #68417026AA with a hefty price tag of $632. I know winches have a duty cycle also but I couldn’t find accurate information on that but like a welder a winch will have an on/off cycle. just for example, winch under load on for 35 seconds then off for 5 minutes. This allows the battery to recharge and the electric motor to cool. A higher rated winch using less amps will have a bit longer duty cycle. This is also the reason that heavy duty pickups have a dual alternator dual battery option with the snowplow prep package, like what was included in my 2020 F350. A long day of plowing snow will kill a truck with only one alternator and one battery. Living in Maine my entire life I have seen that play out several times.
Most of this is unimportant in situations like pulling yourself a foot to get off a rock but if you have a long distance to cover in a mud hole or snow you charging system is in for a rude awakening. Also take into consideration power loss for each layer of line on the drum.

With nearly identical dimensions (the 12s a bit shorter), only 5lbs difference and with a $223.52 msrp difference the reasoning behind Jeeps decision to go with a 8k winch will probably remain a mystery like so many of their other decisions. (red seats only )

I still say buy what you want, rocks and ledge are different than mud and snow, weekend explorers are different than hard core off-roaders so it’s like my grandfather always use to say “not my circus, not my monkeys.”

as for 9mm or 45 acp and being out in nature, neither. 454 casull, mostly because if you shoot a bear with a 9 or 45 it’s going to shove that handgun where the sun doesn’t shine then use the rest of you as a chew toy. im not saying 454 will drop a bear in its tracks instantly but the odds of survival go up dramatically. Also you can shoot 45 colt for target practice with less recoil.

 

[Sulley]

The higher rated winch draws less amps meaning your vehicles charging system has to work less to keep up with the winch. If you are running a single battery a winch will drain your battery down and put the load on your alternator . best information I can find is that the 392 has a 220 amp alternator #68417026AA with a hefty price tag of $632. I know winches have a duty cycle also but I couldn’t find accurate information on that but like a welder a winch will have an on/off cycle. just for example, winch under load on for 35 seconds then off for 5 minutes. This allows the battery to recharge and the electric motor to cool. A higher rated winch using less amps will have a bit longer duty cycle. This is also the reason that heavy duty pickups have a dual alternator dual battery option with the snowplow prep package, like what was included in my 2020 F350. A long day of plowing snow will kill a truck with only one alternator and one battery. Living in Maine my entire life I have seen that play out several times.
Most of this is unimportant in situations like pulling yourself a foot to get off a rock but if you have a long distance to cover in a mud hole or snow you charging system is in for a rude awakening. Also take into consideration power loss for each layer of line on the drum. View attachment 24842
With nearly identical dimensions (the 12s a bit shorter), only 5lbs difference and with a $223.52 msrp difference the reasoning behind Jeeps decision to go with a 8k winch will probably remain a mystery like so many of their other decisions. (red seats only )
View attachment 24840
I still say buy what you want, rocks and ledge are different than mud and snow, weekend explorers are different than hard core off-roaders so it’s like my grandfather always use to say “not my circus, not my monkeys.”

as for 9mm or 45 acp and being out in nature, neither. 454 casull, mostly because if you shoot a bear with a 9 or 45 it’s going to shove that handgun where the sun doesn’t shine then use the rest of you as a chew toy. im not saying 454 will drop a bear in its tracks instantly but the odds of survival go up dramatically. Also you can shoot 45 colt for target practice with less recoil.

According to my build sheet it’s a 220 amp alternator and a 700 amp battery.

 

[Aaron Redstone]

I'm getting ready to order and see the winch option is almost $2000.00 for a winch that can be had for less than $800 on line. Am I missing something that is included in the winch package that justifies a $1200 premium?

For anyone coming across this post now, here’s a breakdown to help decide whether the factory winch option is worth it for your Jeep 392.

The factory winch option is priced around $2,000, which might seem high compared to buying a similar winch online for less. What you’re really paying for with the factory setup is:

• Factory installation: This includes the winch plate and safety recalibration that comes with it.
• Factory warranty: By going with the factory-installed winch, your Jeep's warranty remains intact, and you won't have to worry about voiding it if something goes wrong.
• Heavy-duty front springs: Some users mentioned that the factory winch package includes upgraded springs to handle the extra weight, which is something you won’t get with an aftermarket setup.

If you prefer a DIY approach and don’t mind the work, buying a similar winch (like the Warn Zeon 8-S) and installing it yourself can save money. However, if you want everything done perfectly from the factory, the extra cost could be justified, especially considering the added peace of mind with the warranty and proper integration with the Jeep's systems.

In short, if convenience and factory support are important to you, it may be worth the premium. Otherwise, going the aftermarket route can be a cost-effective option if you’re comfortable handling the install yourself.

 

[22 392]

If your already in 100k + whats another 2k. Think i paid 1,700 for my Warn 10k platinum winch plus the winch plate. So I guess I would go ahead and order it from factory.

 

[Warped]

For anyone coming across this post now, here’s a breakdown to help decide whether the factory winch option is worth it for your Jeep 392.

The factory winch option is priced around $2,000, which might seem high compared to buying a similar winch online for less. What you’re really paying for with the factory setup is:

• Factory installation: This includes the winch plate and safety recalibration that comes with it.
• Factory warranty: By going with the factory-installed winch, your Jeep's warranty remains intact, and you won't have to worry about voiding it if something goes wrong.
• Heavy-duty front springs: Some users mentioned that the factory winch package includes upgraded springs to handle the extra weight, which is something you won’t get with an aftermarket setup.

If you prefer a DIY approach and don’t mind the work, buying a similar winch (like the Warn Zeon 8-S) and installing it yourself can save money. However, if you want everything done perfectly from the factory, the extra cost could be justified, especially considering the added peace of mind with the warranty and proper integration with the Jeep's systems.

In short, if convenience and factory support are important to you, it may be worth the premium. Otherwise, going the aftermarket route can be a cost-effective option if you’re comfortable handling the install yourself.

For more insights on winches and off-road gear, feel free to visit our website for helpful information.

I think the biggest question that most have (that I have seen or spoken to) is whether or not the 8,000 lb. winch is worth it. I have a Zeon 10-S on my other Wrangler. That said, the winch came standard on my 2024 Final Edition, so I will keep it and I think it will be enough as you can always use a double line pull and I read that it is rated for 9K, but advertised as 8K to keep it from infringing on 10K sales. Truth? Who knows, I found it all on the internet. LOL But I don't believe Jeep would have used it if it wasn't capable enough in their engineers eyes and Warn wouldn't approve it as massive failures would damage their reputation.

 

[WHLN392]

I think the biggest question that most have (that I have seen or spoken to) is whether or not the 8,000 lb. winch is worth it. I have a Zeon 10-S on my other Wrangler. That said, the winch came standard on my 2024 Final Edition, so I will keep it and I think it will be enough as you can always use a double line pull and I read that it is rated for 9K, but advertised as 8K to keep it from infringing on 10K sales. Truth? Who knows, I found it all on the internet. LOL But I don't believe Jeep would have used it if it wasn't capable enough in their engineers eyes and Warn wouldn't approve it as massive failures would damage their reputation.

100% agree.

I went with the factory winch option for all the reasons seen on this thread ie its integrated with the factory safety systems, its already installed etc etc.

Plus as @Warped said the 8,000lb rating is more the sufficient to give me that little bump in most situations I get myself into.

If I'm really stuck, I always carry the necessary equipment to go for a double line pull with winch line extensions, snatch block etc when I offroad.

 

[Turboencabulator]

I'm planning on adding a winch to my 392. So I'd like to learn more about the factory winch...

I went with the factory winch option for all the reasons seen on this thread ie its integrated with the factory safety systems, its already installed etc etc.

Factory installation: This includes the winch plate and safety recalibration that comes with it.

Just curious what "factory safety systems" and factory "safety recalibration" is it integrated with?

Also is there a power shutoff switch for the winch in the cab? I didn't see a solenoid or battery cut-off when I looked at a factory winch at my local dealer. It looks like they just ran the wires straight up to the battery and they left on the packaging tape on just to show that they didn't really give a F**k about fit and finish. Here is a pic:

LOL But I don't believe Jeep would have used it if it wasn't capable enough in their engineers eyes and Warn wouldn't approve it as massive failures would damage their reputation.

well.... there was that 4XE recall...... honestly as someone who teaches engineering "capable" and ideal are two very different things. If I was starting from scratch, and the extra 5 lb. of weight wasn't a deal breaker, i'd opt for the increased capability of the 12-s over the 8-s. I think it's just a cost thing. Here is the AEV "factory" installed winch for comparison, it was sitting right next to the jeep with the "factory" installed winch. AEV chose the 10-S winch (cost was less of a factor) and their techs at least took the time to wrap all the wires with TESA tape and like a million zip-ties for good measure, but still no solenoid or shut-off that I could see. Here are some pics of the AEV "factory" winch setup for comparison:

Oh yeah and I prefer an issued H&K45USP with LEM modification, Tritium sights, and hollow-points. But if we are talking bears.... then Federal AE 230 grain FMJ's, and someone slower than me near by.

 

[WHLN392]

I'm planning on adding a winch to my 392. So I'd like to learn more about the factory winch...


Just curious what "factory safety systems" and factory "safety recalibration" is it integrated with?

Also is there a power shutoff switch for the winch in the cab? I didn't see a solenoid or battery cut-off when I looked at a factory winch at my local dealer. It looks like they just ran the wires straight up to the battery and they left on the packaging tape on just to show that they didn't really give a F**k about fit and finish. Here is a pic:
View attachment 40737

well.... there was that 4XE recall...... honestly as someone who teaches engineering "capable" and ideal are two very different things. If I was starting from scratch, and the extra 5 lb. of weight wasn't a deal breaker, i'd opt for the increased capability of the 12-s over the 8-s. I think it's just a cost thing. Here is the AEV "factory" installed winch for comparison, it was sitting right next to the jeep with the "factory" installed winch. AEV chose the 10-S winch (cost was less of a factor) and their techs at least took the time to wrap all the wires with TESA tape and like a million zip-ties for good measure, but still no solenoid or shut-off that I could see. Here are some pics of the AEV "factory" winch setup for comparison:
View attachment 40738

View attachment 40739

View attachment 40740
Oh yeah and I prefer an issued H&K45USP with LEM modification, Tritium sights, and hollow-points. But if we are talking bears.... then Federal AE 230 grain FMJ's, and someone slower than me near by.

Hi there, poor wording on my part.

I read and saw interviews with engineers online for the launch of the 2024 Jeep factory winch that it has been engineered with crash safety requirements, ie timing of airbag deployment, the Madonna cones etc.

I have two young daughters so this resonated with me.

Confirmed it does not come with a solenoid or power interrupt from the factory.

Fully appreciate the AEV setup. Here is my previous JL that I added a warn interrupt solenoid connected to one of the AUX switches.

The factory winch checks off the boxes for what I need it to do but fully appreciate they everyone has unique requirements for their oreferred setup

 

[Turboencabulator]

I read and saw interviews with engineers online for the launch of the 2024 Jeep factory winch that it has been engineered with crash safety requirements, ie timing of airbag deployment, the Madonna cones etc.

I have two young daughters so this resonated with me.

Confirmed it does not come with a solenoid or power interrupt from the factory.

Fully appreciate the AEV setup. Here is my previous JL that I added a warn interrupt solenoid connected to one of the AUX switches.

I appreciate the info about the factory winch setup @WHLN392. I got a daughter too, so I get it. We're looking at a used 2024 Rubicon because of the side curtain airbags for her first Jeep. I think your AEV setup with the solenoid connected to the AUX switch sounds good. I'll probably make a simple bracket and mount it between the battery and the fender nice a high up and activate it off AUX 1. Using a solenoid with the vehicle's accessory logic seems like the correct (OEM) way to do it. I added a ARB fuse for my compressor running the wire through the wire harness enclosures and activated off AUX 2 which looks pretty much like it came that way from the factory. Here is a good video for anyone who is interested: Jeep Winch relay DIY by Down and Dirty Off-Road. Thanks again

 

[SunsetHill]

I'm planning on adding a winch to my 392. So I'd like to learn more about the factory winch...

From my research when I was shopping for the 2024 392:

First, you cannot buy the exact Warn winch that's on the new Wrangler. This 8,000-pound-capacity puller appears to be based on the Warn Zeon 8-S, but Jeep explained the new winch was built specifically for the Wrangler. This Warn winch features a smaller drum holding 90 feet of synthetic winch rope (compared to 100 feet of similar rope on the Warn Zeon 8-S), as well as a Jeep-specific fairlead that anchors the winch hook to the driver side. We were also told this winch uses an "automotive grade grease" within the winch casing.

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2024-jeep-wrangler-rubicon-factory-warn-winch/

Warn and Jeep also collaborated on small changes required to pass Jeep's internal-performance and environmental-durability standards, including a reformulation of the winch's internal grease.

https://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/a44364210/2024-jeep-wrangler-drive/

At the time, the Warn website did not sell 90-foot synthetic rope. Maybe someone here can navigate Warn's website better than I can, to find it.

Otherwise, to have a 90-foot synthetic rope as a back-up spare, will we have to order it from Jeep? And for how many years will they stock it? A 100-foot rope may not fit on the smaller factory drum.