12000lb generic ebay winch yay or nay

Mate who fixes winches for a living reckons the main problem with the cheapies is the gear sets. For occasional use they are OK, BUT, he suggests that you always use a snatch block to lesson the strain on the gears, but don't be surprised if they go bang.

I had a 12,000lb cheapy that got used 1/2 dozen times without issues, sold still attached to the last car. I have a Tabor (built by Warn) on the Patrol, it replaced an old 8,000lb Warn that sh!t itself, from old age and water ingress. For occasional use the Tabor has been a good investment I think, and is fixable, with parts readily available if needed.

Think you've hit the nail on the head TIMe, Buy a winch that is servicable and spare parts are readily available for it, even though cheap less than $400 you dont want to throw it away after
one recovery, get a warranty as well and check if Aust wide . I'm still of the opinion to save your money for a front locker. Your winch is a major investment. It may sit unused on your 4x4 all year, sort of wasted money, sort of. then you have all that extra weight on the front, 45 kg for winch then batteries ,winch bar, I'd be going a diff lock first, then really think if I do need a winch.

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Originally Posted by snewin

Can you spray some WD-40 or other dispersal agent in there to help? Contact cleaner?

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yeah sure I use inox and spray it on or around all electrical parts on my winch after i wash it and before any trip!