7 Best Warn Winches Reviews and Buyer’s Guide In 2023

You encounter many different winches on the market, and it can be difficult to decide which one is right for you. Warn as a manufacturer ensures their winch units perform all the tasks a winch is meant for. On its top, Warn winches stand for premium quality, constructions, and updated design leading to maximum product lifespan. So, it is one of the most popular winch brands globally.

This article will review the best warn winches on the market. We have reviewed Top 7 Warn winches in our guide. So if you want to buy a high-end winch, go for more information about them and check out those reviews first. They include a variety of winches, from small, portable units to massive industrial winches to match multiple applications.

Top 7 Warn Winches with Brief Summaries

Here you go with a short overview of the top-rated Warn winches loved by users for their quality construction, industry-grade design, superior performance, and ability to bear with off-road terrain pulling, lifting, and dragging pressures.

1. Top Rated Warn Winch: WARN VR EVO Series Electric Winch

"The WARN VR EVO Series Electric Winch is their latest offering, and it's a doozy. This bad boy has a maximum 12,000 lbs capacity and can handle any job you can throw at it. It's also packed with features that make it easy to use, even for novice users."

2. Best for Jeep: WARN Zeon Series Winch

"A heavy-duty winch that is perfect for off-road use. It has a capacity of 10,000 pounds maximum, which makes it powerful enough to pull even the heaviest vehicles out of tough spots. The Winch also features a synthetic rope that is strong and durable, making it perfect for off-road applications."

3. Best for Car: WARN 96800 VR8 Electric Winch

"A powerful and reliable tool that can be used for various purposes. This Winch has a pulling capacity of 8,000 lbs, making it perfect for heavier loads. It also features a dynamic brake for added safety and control. The VR8 is easy to operate and can be mounted in various locations."

4. Best for Truck: WARN M12000 Series Electric Winch

"WARN knows how to make a quality winch. The WARN M12000 Winch is no exception. This Winch can handle any pulling job you might need it for. Besides a 12,000 lbs of robust capacity, it has a fast line speed, so you can get the job done quickly. And with its durable construction, this Winch will last for years."

5. Best Versatile Pick: WARN Zeon Platinum Winch

"An electric winch, designed for heavy-duty use, has a pulling capacity of 10,000 pounds and a considerable line speed. The Winch is equipped with a thermal overload protection system that prevents overheating and a low-voltage detection system that shuts down the Winch if the battery voltage drops below a safe level."

6. Best Affordable Warn Winch: WARN M8000 Series Winch

"WARN M8000 is a 12-volt electric winch that offers 8,000 pounds of pulling power perfect for recovering vehicles or heavy equipment from difficult terrain. It features a three-stage planetary gear train, a thermometric protection sensor, and a high-speed line pull. It also comes with a handheld remote control for easy operation."

7. Best Extreme Duty Winch: WARN 68801 16.5ti Series Thermometric Winch

"This Winch is perfect for larger trucks and SUVs. With a 16.5ti Series Thermometric Winch, you'll have the power to pull your vehicle out of whatever mess it's in. The thermometric technology ensures that you'll never have to worry about overloading your Winch again."

In-Depth Reviews of 7 Best Warn Winch Models

Now, it's time to see the complete picture of What Warn stands for. Go for the detailed analysis of the top 7 Warn winch units.

1. Top Rated Warn Winch: WARN VR EVO Series Electric Winch

The Warn VR EVO 12 is one of the most popular models in the line, often found in four-wheel-drive trucks and Jeeps designed for heavy-duty use with its 3/8-inch steel wire rope, heavy-duty housing, and oversized drum. This Winch can pull up to 12000 pounds using its handy remote control.

Backed by a high torque series-wound motor, the planetary gear train provides higher efficiency than the rivals because it does not require multiple gears or clutches. This transmission also delivers smoother operation when pulling loads with fewer moving parts.

The Albright contactor is designed for the harsh conditions on heavy-duty vehicles such as trucks and construction equipment. And the control pack design allows you to install your Winch in a variety of locations without sacrificing performance. You can even relocate them if needed.

Your Winch will operate safely, no matter how wet or dirty it gets, because this unit features an IP68 rating and is protected against dust, dirt, moisture, and other contaminants that could damage internal components.

The two-in-one remote lets you choose between the convenience of a wired connection or the freedom of wireless operation. It also includes a built-in LED light, so you'll always know when it's on.

The one-piece design makes installation easy and ensures your Winch is securely fastened to whatever surface you're using. Plus, its heavy-duty aluminum body resists corrosion for years of reliable service.

Designed, engineered, and manufactured right here at the headquarters in New Jersey. Warn stands behind every product we sell with an industry-leading warranty - both for mechanical (limited lifetime) and electrical parts (7-year).

Bottom-Line: The unit is packed with features, including a brushed motor with an electronic, variable speed controller that allows fast line speed in tight spaces or slow when pulling outlines. In addition, it is a powerful and well-built winch, perfect for use with a pickup truck, ATV, or tractor.

2. Best for Jeep: WARN Zeon Series Winch

The WARN Zeon Series Winch comes with a synthetic rope and roller fairlead. The unique design of the roller fairlead allows for easy installation, maintenance and replacement of ropes without tools or special equipment. This is an ideal solution when you need to replace your ropes frequently.

The WARN Zeon Series Winch winch has a good reputation for being a dependable, heavy-duty winch. Its high performance, backed by maximum 12000 lbs pulling power, makes it suitable for many applications.

The ergonomic handle allows you to operate the Winch easily, even when wearing gloves or mittens. This Winch also features a safety lock system so that no one will be able to accidentally start the machine while it's not attached to anything.

You can choose between two different controls depending on your preference or application requirements. The WARN Zeon can be mounted on the bumper or stowed in the truck, but its true value lies in its ability to be easily removed and mounted on either fender for use with PTO winches.

The black powder coat finish provides superior corrosion resistance and durability. Stainless steel fasteners are rust-resistant and will not rust over time.

The large diameter, high-strength aluminum alloy drum provides excellent pulling capacity and durability performance.

Bottom-Line: The WARN Zeon Series Winch is a sturdy top-of-the-line winch designed to offer the ultimate performance and reliability. This Winch features durable construction that offers easy pull of different sizes and various applications.

See Also: Top 10 Best Jeep Winches On The Market

3. Best for Car: WARN 96800 VR8 Electric Winch

WARN 96800 VR8 Electric Winch is a competition-level winch that can be mounted on a roof rack, bumper, and more. The unit has an integrated controller and comes with two separate control packs to use either of these controllers in any combination without buying multiple units.

Engineered to provide up to 8,000 lbs of pulling power at the maximum speed, the Winch also includes a remote control for convenience and an integrated hook with a safety latch to prevent the rope from releasing unexpectedly.

It features a three-stage planetary gear train that ensures smooth and reliable operation with unexpected power and torque. The electric Winch comes fully assembled and includes a nylon rope, hook, and mounting hardware for easy installation.

This Warn Winch comes with a high-performance, series-wound motor with plenty of power and fast line speed. The VR8 model can be used for pulling, pushing, or lifting.

The Warn VR8 offers an excellent alternative for a low-profile design. It is a small, compact unit that installs quickly and easily with its universal plate mounting bracket.

The unique braking system allows you to stop your load in less than half the distance compared to conventional brakes. Brake pads are made from high-quality steel that will last longer than standard rubber pads.

Bottom-Line: The WARN 96800 VR8 Electric Winch is a great little winch with excellent quality, usability, and superior control for those looking for emergency rescue. It is a powerful, durable winch ideal for robust commercial use and in all weather conditions.

See Also: The 10 Best Car Trailer Winches On The Market

4. Best for Truck: WARN M12000 Series Electric Winch

The WARN M12000 Winch is perfect for those who need a heavy-duty winch - a larger capacity hoist line. This unit comes complete with all necessary mounting hardware to install it quickly and easily.

12,000 lbs of pulling power are more than enough power to pull just about anything you want off your truck or SUV. In line with that, it's built tough, so you don't have to worry about breaking down when you're working hard. And its rugged design means it will last longer than most units out there.
This compact 4.6HP motor sets this model apart with its high torque capabilities, and so this little guy pulls like a big one!

125' of string length is great because you can use this long cable instead of having to climb up and tie yourself into knots. The 3/8" thicker gauge also helps prevent damage from overloading.

This handheld remote is easy to operate even when wearing gloves or mittens. You don't have to worry about accidentally turning it off while driving down the road.

The WARN M12000 control pack is meant for unparalleled clearance and easy access. Powered by a reliable 12V Warn motor with an integrated planetary gearbox, it is one of the most powerful winches available on the market.

A maximum line speed of 3.86 feet per minute means it will take a few minutes to complete the rescue task.

Bottom-Line: This Warn winch is perfect for off-road vehicles like ATVs, trucks, tractors, and tractors. Made with quality materials and designed to be durable, The M12000 is a great product and offers a fantastic experience which makes it great for extreme conditions.

See Also: 10 Best Truck Winches On The Market

5. Best Versatile Pick: WARN Zeon Platinum Winch

The WARN Zeon Platinum Winch is the strongest winches that Warn has to offer. It features a heavy-duty, self-storing cable of 100 ft with a 10,000 lb capacity-enough to lift a vehicle. In addition, the remote control operates the Winch from a safe distance, meaning it can be used to complete many tasks without even getting closer. Moreover, the cable is a synthetic rope to improve its durability and grip.

WARN Zeon Platinum Winch reads motor temperature. So, the Winch will stop when overheating and thus helps prevent damage to your equipment. If you're looking for a reliable winch with a high-quality design to make sure dust and water stay out, this is a perfect choice for you. It can read up to 2 other accessory devices: battery voltage, water temp, oil pressure, fuel level, etc.

Powered by 12 volts, it comes with a USB charging cable and car charger adapter. With its built-in LED lights, it can easily be seen at night while working on your vehicle. This warn model will pull your vehicle out of any situation, such as stuck in the mud, sand, snow, ice, etc.

Bottom-Line: WARN Zeon Platinum is more than twice as strong as other models of the brand on the market today. Comes with 100ft of Spydura Synthetic Rope, made from high-strength polyester fiber, provides excellent strength retention over time.

6. Best Affordable Warn Winch: WARN M8000 Series Winch

Designed to be low profile and with a sturdy aluminum housing, this Winch is durable and provides dependable power with an 8,000-pound pull capacity. The Winch features a cast-iron drum which ensures long life and smooth operation.

WARN's new M8200 series electric winches are featured with separate controls that allow for a wide range of mounting options without having to remove any other equipment.

The Winch has a generous 100 ft of 5/16" wire rope for powers loading in and out without needing any additional equipment to use this. WARN M8000 Series Winch comes with electrical controls that offer less noise and are quieter than a hydraulic winch.

It features a 3-stage planetary gearbox allowing it to be used with motors not powerful enough to drive more than one output shaft directly.

The Automatic Direct Drive Cone Brake System is a revolutionary design that breaks a trailer's load without using a "traditional" manual brake. This is a commercial-grade winch with a powerful 4.8 hp series wound motor fit for heavy-duty use on trucks, boats, heavy equipment, agricultural machinery, and more.

Its design is compact and user-friendly, and it is compatible with a handheld remote featured with a 12 ft. long cable to operate efficiently and at ease while keeping a safe distance.

Bottom-Line: When you need to pull something heavy out of a tight spot, there's no better tool than this Winch. The WARN M8000 Series Electric 12V Winch is built for this purpose, but it can also be used for many other applications.

7. Best Extreme Duty Winch: WARN 68801 16.5ti Series Thermometric Winch

To start with, the thermometric indicator displays the temperature of the winch drum, so you can carefully monitor it and avoid any potential damage caused by overheating, thus ensuring smooth and efficient operation. Additionally, it has a fast line speed resulting from a series-wound powerful motor, making it an ideal choice for your needs.

The latest design in their product line, this Winch is designed for heavy-duty use and can handle up to 16,500 pounds of pulling power. This WARN model is a well-built and high-quality winch that can handle extreme duty tasks. This helps protect the Winch from the outside elements, making it a great choice for those who need a reliable and durable winch.

As for superior control, while winching, the exclusive brake design ensures that the load is always under control. This Winch is perfect for any situation, whether you are out on the trail or left stranded in off-road terrain.

This Winch also comes with an aluminum control box cover to protect the electronics from damage. The cover can be easily removed when not needed to keep everything neat and tidy.

A great choice for those looking for an extremely durable and chip-resistant winch. The powder-coated finish with primer undercoating provides superior corrosion protection in even the harshest environments. A limited lifetime warranty also backs this Winch, so you can rest assured that your investment is well protected.

Bottom-Line: The WARN 16.5ti Series Thermometric Winch is a high-quality, reliable product that can be used for various applications. Featured with a steel cable wire rope with a diameter and a pull rating of 16,500 lbs, it can be used for off-road and industrial applications.

Considerations While Buying Warn Winch

Warn Winch is a well-known name in the winching industry. If you are in the market for a winch, it is worth considering a Warn winch. Consider what you will be using the Winch for. Here are crucial factors to consider while going for Warn winches.

Hydraulic vs. Electric

Each type has its advantages and disadvantages. There are two types of warn winches: electric and hydraulic. 

Electric winches are powered by an electric motor, while hydraulic winches use hydraulic pressure to power the Winch.

Hydraulics have the advantage that they can be operated with a single hand, but they need constant attention because if not maintained properly, it may cause damage to your vehicle or even get stuck itself. They also require more maintenance than other types of winches.

Electric winches do not require any manual intervention; however, they cannot pull as much weight due to their limited power source. The best option would be to choose between these two options depending on how often you plan to use them.

See Also: In-depth Electric Winch Vs Hydraulic Winch Comparison

Unit Weight & Weight Capacity

The weight of the unit is one thing that needs to be taken into account. If the Winch is too heavy, it can be difficult to use and can cause strain on the user and vehicle. It's also important to consider the power of the Winch and what it will be used for.

Another most important factor is the weight capacity of the Winch. This will tell you how much weight the Winch can safely pull. If you are not sure how much weight your vehicle can handle, you should consult a mechanic before purchasing a winch.

Choice of Cable

One of the most important decisions you'll make is cable type to use. There are two main types of cable: steel(wire) and synthetic(rope). Each type has its advantages and disadvantages, so choosing the right one for your needs is important.

Steel cables have more strength than synthetic ones, but they also weigh more. Synthetic ropes don't break as easily or last as long as wire rope does, but they cost less money.

Warn offers both types of winch string to pick as per your need.

See Also: In-depth Synthetic Rope Vs Steel Cable Comparison

Budget

A warn Winch can help you get out of tough spots or pull your vehicle out of the mud or snow. However, before you buy a Warn winch, you need to consider how much you want to spend on a winch as Warn price tag is pretty high in line with their high-end product. But the premium quality will compensate for the exclusive cost.

How To Use A Warn Winch?

Using a warn winch is no rocket science, and in these few steps, you shall become a master on how to use a Warn winch. So, without further ado, let us get going!

Step 1: Rig the Winch

Before we can start doing anything, the very first thing that we have to do is get the winch ready for the task.

And, to do that, you have first to connect the remote to the winch. After you are done, shift the controller to disengage mode. By doing that, you will be able to move the rope freely.

By the way, do not forget to wear gloves when you are pulling the ropes to avoid being cut by them.

Anyways, find a sturdy and unyielding anchor. Once you have, wrap the loops and belt to that and attach the hook of the winch to it. Check if the winch is taught by switching it back.

After that, press on the controller in the direction you want the winch to pull.

Step 2: Hop in the Car

Even if the winch is in place, it will not be able to pull the car out. So, what should you do? Get in your vehicle, start it up, put it in gear, and rev. The winch will require this additional force from the car to get itself out of that particular messy spot.

Step 3: Undo the Warn Winch

Once your car is out, move to the controller and shift the switch again to free spool. Then, unhook the cable from the anchor and then click on the reverse. On doing that, the cable will rewind and go back to its original spot.

How To Wire A Warn Winch?

It would help if you had a proper understanding in order to wire a Warn winch correctly.

Step 1: Gathering All the Materials

You will not be able to wire a winch if you don't have the following things:

• Battery
• Fasteners
• Winch line
• Fairlead
• Electrical Cables
• Remote
• Mounting Hardware

Step 2: Identifying Wires

Every wire is a different color so that you know which one is what. You will find the earth cables on the bull bar.

Step 3: Attaching Wires

You will need to connect the positive wire from the control box to its partner. Repeat the same thing with the negative wire. You also have the option to attach the positive wire towards the end of the process to the battery.

Step 4: Run the Winch

Now, in order for your winch to get adequate electricity for a smooth operation, you must run the winch off the cranking battery.

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Free Spool a Warn Winch?

At first, put on thick leather gloves so that your hands are protected. Then to enable free spooling of the winch to occur, you have to free the clutch; your battery capability would be saved by free spooling.

Now, from the anchor point, unfasten the winch hook. Then you have to attach it to a hook band.

Once the anchor point has been established, attach the choker chain around a solid thing close to you.

How to Test Warn Winch Solenoid?

Luckily, testing the solenoid is a relatively easy process.

The first thing you need to do is make sure the power source for your Winch has sufficient voltage and amperage. You can test this by using an ohmmeter or millimeter to read NONE.

First off, you'll want to remove any loose wires from around the solenoid. Next, you'll want to use a screwdriver to pry open the back of the solenoid. This should expose two pins inside the solenoid, which connect to the positive terminal on the battery.

After removing all the screws holding the solenoid together, look at the wiring harness connecting between the solenoid and the motor. Now, remove that connector by pulling it out with pliers or tweezers.

Now, look at the small two studs that should have a reading if the solenoid is okay.

Where Is the Serial Number on a Warn Winch?

To find the serial number on a Warn winch, locate the area on the Winch where the serial number would be located. This can vary depending on which brand/model of Winch you own. For example, most brands use a sticker near the handle while others place their numbers inside the housing. For most Warn winches, the serial number sits on the gear housing.

What Grease to Use in a Warn Winch?

There are a few different factors you need to consider when it comes to winching, and what kind of grease to use in a warn Winch is crucial. In this case, the best grease to use in a warn winch will be a high-temperature grease that has been specifically designed for your type of Winch. However, if you want to be more specific, we recommend the AEROSHALL Grease 17 for your Warn winch, an entirely synthetic grease with 5% molybdenum disulphide.

Who Builds Warn Winches?

Warn Winches are a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts and truck owners. They are known for their quality and durability. But, who builds Warn Winches is a crucial wondering for many. The answer is Warn Industries Inc., and LKQ is their parent company with over 500 employees building the premium grade winch in the industry.

How to Lubricate a Winch?

Whether you have a manual or electric winch, you will need to lubricate it regularly. This prevents wear on the gears that can cause them to break down and fail.

To lubricate your Winch, here are the steps:

• Disconnect the power source to the Winch.
• Remove the cover of the Winch.
• Lubricate all of the moving parts of the Winch with light oil.

How Long Will a Warn Winch Last You?

A Warn winch is the answer when you need to get your vehicle out of a tough spot. These powerful machines can pull your car or truck out of mud, sand, or snow, and they can do it quickly. But how long will a WARN winch last? It lasts as long as possible and how you take care of it. To be specific, a Warn winch should serve you 10 years at best, given your maintenance is proper and on time.

Final Words

This review article on the best warn winches on the market has discussed the features of each Winch to help you decide which one is best for you. The most important thing we need to consider when buying an electric winch is its capacity or load rating. It can handle heavy loads without any problem and save your time and effort if it has enough capacity.

All the 7 Warn winch units reviewed here live up to that standard on the top, featuring several innovative and user-friendly designs. Therefore, you can go for any unit presented here, or you can browse for more guided by the knowledge derived from this in-depth guide.

Read Next: Guide To Fixing 7 Common Warn Winch Issues