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4 Best 8000 Lb Winches In 2023 – Top Models Reviewed

As an off-roader, getting your car out of the mud is probably your biggest concern. Luckily, one simple winch can solve all your hauling issues even in the toughest situations. If you have a light truck, SUV, or regular passenger car, getting the best 8000 lb winch will be enough to haul up to 6,500 lbs.

But how do you pick the right one for your vehicle? You need to choose a high-quality winch made of durable materials, boasting a powerful motor, heavy-duty rope, and weather-resistant features.

To help you find the finest winches available in the market, here We'll walk you through the features of four top-tier winches. So without further ado, let's dive right in.

Product Name

Why Best?

Material

Rope Type

Rope Length

Rating

1. WARN VR EVO Standard-Duty Winch

Top Pick

Metal

Steel or Synthetic

90 Feet

2. VEVOR 8000lb Electric Winch

Best for Lower Price

Steel and Copper

Steel

94 Feet

3. WARN M8000 Series Electric Winch

Best for Jeep

Stainless Steel

Stainless Steel or Synthetic

100 Feet

4. WARN VR8 Series Electric Winch

Best for Car

Cast Iron

Synthetic

90 Feet

In-Depth Reviews of 4 Best 8000 Pound Winches

Now it's time to introduce you to our top picks. All the winches on this list are from reliable brands with the best possible features. Let's check them out and choose the right one for you.

1. Top Pick: WARN VR EVO Standard-Duty Winch

WARN VR EVO Standard-Duty Winch
Technical Specs:
  • Loading Capacity: 8,000 Lbs
  • Winch Weight: 83.5 Lbs
  • Rope Type: Steel or Synthetic
  • Winch Rope Length: 90 Feet
  • Fairlead Type: Roller or Hawse Fairlead
  • Motor: 12V DC
  • Remote Type: 2-in-1 Wired or Wireless

When it comes to delivering the most innovative winches, WARN is one brand that has been leading the industry for 70 years now. This 8000 lb WARN winch is powerful, durable, and highly versatile with its unique design and features.

Without a doubt, the most noticeable feature of this winch is the motor and fairlead. A powerful 12V DC series wound motor with a 4-way roller fairlead easily pulls up to 8,000 lbs. Moreover, the full load speed is 6ft per minute which is pretty impressive compared to other brands.

WARN provides both synthetic and steel rope options to satisfy all types of users. We also appreciate that the steel rope style comes with a roller fairlead, whereas the synthetic rope mingles with a hawse fairlead. The 90ft rope length is enough to perform any recovery operation safely.

Talking of safety, this winch also comes with a 2-in-1 remote control device. You can either use it with the 12ft wire or go wireless with the provided batteries. This way, you can launch any recovery operation from a safe distance. Plus, the battery drains slower than regular.

Instead of a tie bar, This one uses a one-piece tie plate made of cast aluminum instead of a tie bar. It increases the structural integrity, durability, and reliability of the winch. Moreover, this winch features a waterproof Albright contractor instead of solenoids. This way, it becomes easier to control the winch.

Other handy features of this winch include planetary gear, automatic cone brake, IP68 waterproof rating, and redesigned clutch. Altogether, this synthetic winch is perfect for 2-door jeeps and SUVs. However, you need to check the price beforehand as WARN winches are pretty expensive.

Good Sides:

  • High-power motor with low ampere draw to carry up to 8,000 lbs
  • 90' long, high-quality Synthetic or steel rope options available
  • Aluminum-made tie plate increases strength and durability
  • Both Wireless or wired remote control function
  • Waterproof Albright contractor for a smooth recovery

Drawbacks:

  • Installation instructions aren't the best
  • Doesn't come with a mounting plate

2. Best for Lower Price: VEVOR 8000lb Electric Winch

VEVOR 8000lb Electric Winch
Technical Specs:
  • Loading Capacity: 8,000 lbs
  • Winch Weight: 66 lbs
  • Rope Type: Steel Cable
  • Winch Rope Length: 94 Feet
  • Fairlead Type: 4-Way Roller Fairlead
  • Motor Power: 5.2 HP
  • Remote Type: Wired and Wireless

Want to get a super-strong winch without breaking the bank? This 8000 lb winch from VEVOR is exactly what you need. With a weatherproof construction and top-notch components, it can pull out your stuck jeep or light truck with ease.

The winch features a stainless steel body with a black powder coating for maximum strength and durability in any weather condition. Users love the waterproof control box and plastic coating on the wires that keep them safe while winching.

As for the motor, it's a 12V DC motor with 5.2HP power for easily pulling up to 8,000 lbs. It goes hand in hand with the 3-stage planetary gear to make the process smooth and fast. A sliding ring gear clutch ensures precise handling of the winch.

While most steel cables tend to rust after some years, this winch's 94' high tensile steel rope effectively prevents rust and corrosion. It doesn't easily break under pressure. Even if it does, your car will be completely safe, thanks to the automatic drum braking.

For one-handed control, the package includes a wired and wireless remote device. The winch has a complete accessory kit with a 4-way roller fairlead, a hook, a cleaning brush, and a control box.

Overall, this 8000 pound winch is pretty decent for its price. But, some users complaint it becomes a bit noisy while pulling heavier loads. So, keep that in mind while shopping.

Good Sides:

  • A 5.2HP motor with planetary gear provides power and efficiency
  • Full-metal body with powder coating safeguard from weather abuses
  • Durable and rust-resistant 94' steel cable for safe pulling
  • Comes with a complete accessory kit
  • Waterproof control pack

Drawbacks:

  • The motor might become noisy under pressure
  • Clutch release mechanism isn't very handy

3. Best for Jeep: WARN M8000 Series Electric Winch

WARN M8000 Series Winch
Technical Specs:
  • Loading Capacity: 8,000 lbs
  • Winch Weight: 74 lbs
  • Rope Type: Stainless Steel or Synthetic
  • Winch Rope Length: 100 Feet or 80 Feet
  • Fairlead Type: Roller or Hawse Fairlead
  • Motor Power: 4.8 HP
  • Remote Type: Wired

If you want a robust winch for your jeep, this will be an ideal choice. WARN has infused all its unique features and the best materials to make this high-performance winch.

Thanks to the 4.8HP series wound motor, it works perfectly with trucks, jeeps, and sport utility vehicles. The winch is compact, lightweight, and low-profile, so you can easily carry it for your off-road adventures. Besides, the convertible control pack can be mounted in different styles for even lower-profile installation.

Too often, users find it difficult to move the clutch while using gloves. WARN redesigned the clutch so that you can precisely control it in any given condition. Plus, the Albright contractor is waterproof and offers more control than solenoids.

As for safety, all the wires come with a shockproof plastic coating. Besides, the mechanical cone brake works automatically if the power goes off. The design also includes a free spooling clutch with steel-made hardware and a lever. Hence, controlling the recovery process will be even easier for you.

The best part? Depending on your needs, you get to choose from a 100 ft or 80 ft wire. Plus, both stainless steel and synthetic rope options are available. Go with the one that you feel is the most durable.

Good Sides:

  • Compact, lightweight, easy-to-install
  • 4.8HP motor with metal tie plate delivers powerful yet quiet performance
  • Convertible control pack for versatile mounting
  • Free-spooling clutch works precisely even with gloves
  • Multiple rope wire options

Drawbacks:

  • Doesn't include a wireless remote
  • Motor power could have been increased


4. Best for Car: WARN VR8 Series Electric Winch

WARN 96800 VR8 Electric Winch
Technical Specs:
  • Loading Capacity: 8,000 lbs
  • Winch Weight: 59.61 lbs
  • Rope Type: Synthetic Wire
  • Winch Rope Length: 90 Feet
  • Fairlead Type: Cast Iron Hawse
  • Motor: 12V DC
  • Remote Type: Wired

To wrap up our list with a bang, We picked a heavy-duty WARN winch for your car this time. Without a double, this electric winch is the smoothest and most durable one of the WARN VR series.

What users love about this winch is that it's incredibly easy to install. The rope comes pre-wounded into the metal drum and pre-wired so you can install it right out of its box.

Moreover, all the necessary kits and a detailed instruction manual are included in the package. Overall, the process will take only about 20 minutes!

For reliable winching, a 3-stage planetary gear is provided with the 12V low-amp motor. 

The energy-saving motor also prevents heat dissipation. So, the amount of power wastage will be minimum. You can control the full process with ease, thanks to the clutch lever.

To hold the load during a power outage, the winch features an auto-function direct drive cone. It supports the full weight of the vehicle during power in and off. A strong cast iron hawse fairlead offers smooth function even in the roughest weather conditions.

Although the 90' synthetic rope is strong enough, you might not like it if you prefer steel ropes. You can go for the 10,000-lb models instead to get both steel and synthetic wire options.

The provided wired remote has 12 feet coverage. However, there's no wireless remote control and that's a negative for us at this price point. Besides, the connector cables are placed on the front without any coverage. It can be distracting and somewhat unsafe.

Good Sides:

  • Pre-wounded rope and installed wires for easy installation
  • 3-stage planetary gear increases load line speed
  • Energy-saving quiet motor
  • Direct drive cone braking system for full load support
  • Free-spooling clutch lever offers precise control

Drawbacks:

  • The control pack isn't waterproof as the manufacturer claims
  • Connector cables aren't protected or hidden


FAQs

1. How much can an 8000 lb winch pull?

8,000-lb winches have a maximum weight capacity rating of 8,000 lbs. However, not all winches are built the same, and it's not a good idea to reach the maximum capacity.

Typically, an 8000-lb winch will be able to carry 6,500 lbs without any issue.

2. How much does an 8000 lb winch cost?

It depends on the winch’s brand, style, and rope type. Top-rated brands like WARN way cost more, and a WARN winch might cost you up to $1000 or more. However, brands like VEVOR are cheaper, with the price starting at $100.

3. How much does an 8000-pound winch weigh?

If the winch has a full-metal construction, the weight of the winch will be higher. Plus, stainless steel winches are lighter than cast iron or copper winches. You can expect an 8000-lb winch to weigh anywhere between 50 lbs and 100 lbs.

4. What size winch do I need for a 1/2 ton truck?

A winch with 10,000 lbs load capacity will be an ideal choice for a 1/2 ton truck. If the construction is sturdy, you can also go with an 8,000-lb winch. However, experts recommend you go for a 10,000-lb winch for the best results.

Final Verdict

That was all about the best 8000 lb winch. Now that you know the details of each winch, it's time to give our final verdict.

With all its excellent features, WARN VR EVO Standard-Duty Winch takes the top position. It's powerful, heavy-duty, durable, and highly efficient.

With an IP68 waterproof rating, planetary gear, and automatic brake system, this winch is perfectly safe for all-weather uses. If you want to save some bucks, you can go for the VEVOR 8000lb Electric Winch. This winch boasts a 5.2HP powerful motor to deliver the best for lightweight vehicles.

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