Champion Winches Vs. Warn Winches

[Hi Lo Silver]

I've got the 8000lb champion winch,hasn't let me down yet.......and my buddy bought the hitch receiver type,works great.........

Here's a prime example of a faulty Champion winch but yet you defend them, and you've only had it for two years.
Now have you figured out why it hasn't let you down. Is it the reverse gearing or the remote that's faulty? And why are you up there in the first place.  :lol:

[02TJSport]

well my two year old champion hasen't had any repairs yet,and it was only 300 bucks at the time.........

For two years but I know guys that have proven warn winches for much longer.  Who knows maybe Champion will be good too.  They just havn't had a chance to prove themselves yet as it is fairly new.   I still want to stick with what is proven right now.

[BlackYJ]

Seems like most people seem to consider the Warn winches bulletproof.

But hasn't everyone see ads for secondhand ones that need work? (motor, solenoids, etc.) :lol:

Also playing that Devils Advocate eh?  

Nothing is maintanence free, and yes stuff wares, and I will admit I have had to have my brushes cleaned and replace a couple solenoids.  I look at a winch as an investment as it is a piece of safety equipment

[Iron James]

Well I just picked up the champion 9500 pounder so I guess we'll see how she goes this summer.


 DON'T FAIL ME NOW

[Vinman]

I would take the money and buy a used Warn instead of a new off-brand.
But that's just me.

Vince

[dunl]

Seems like most people seem to consider the Warn winches bulletproof.

But hasn't everyone see ads for secondhand ones that need work? (motor, solenoids, etc.) :lol:

Also playing that Devils Advocate eh?  

Nothing is maintanence free, and yes stuff wares, and I will admit I have had to have my brushes cleaned and replace a couple solenoids.  I look at a winch as an investment as it is a piece of safety equipment

I'm just stating the  same, nothing is maintenance free. And I agree Champion hasn't been around long enough to prove themselves either.

[Doug Kris Mclean]

I have a Warn 8274, it's about 20 yrs old , best winch i ever had!! I did have to replace the solenoids and cable. awsome winch!

[mudslinginjoel]

so how many years does champion have to be around to be cosidered good?hondas were manufactured after fords....which thier cars have 350000+ klms,and have kids are buying them and bolting wings to it....I'm not saying champions are gold,but its been really good to me...

[stuffed_in_a_locker]

I had a champion on my last TJ which went with the jeep when I sold it. That winch was awesome. For the $400 you spend on it you cant go wrong. I'm sure that the WARN is a better winch but I dont think it's worth the extra $800 - $1500 your gonna spend just to pick up a little more winching speed and a nicer logo. Anyone who own's or has owned a champion that I know has never complained about it once. It wont let you down and that's all that matters. Cheers.

[TrappersJeep]

I agree with most of what everyone is saying..as long as it gets you outta your stuck, then good on ya!  I'm running an 8274 (going on 3 years now) and have to say there's not a chance I'd ever change - or even consider a change.  Have wheeled with folks using the Champions and sure they'll eventually get you out, but man, doesn't the slow line speed get a little annoying after awhile?  Get in, get out...sure do love my Warn! :lol:

[XJHERO]

I wish my champion was a warn.

But its not

and so far it been ok

almost 3 years now

[01sahara]

You should consider your other options.

I have a 9000lb Super Winch. It was less $ than a Warn but the company has a better and longer history than a Champion. It also comes with a snatch block and roller fairlead, items that cost you extra with the other winches. I have abused it for a full year now with no problems. It has worked very well on lots of long pulls. Warn also makes a line of lower cost budget winches.

[Bnine]

so how many years does champion have to be around to be cosidered good?hondas were manufactured after fords....which thier cars have 350000+ klms,and have kids are buying them and bolting wings to it....I'm not saying champions are gold,but its been really good to me...

about 100 years should prove up champions quite well.

Nothing is without faults.

I was on a trail run 2 years ago that had 5 dead warns due to shoddy maintenance. It happens.

What doesnt happen with warns is sudden, abrupt failure when loaded hard.

It has happened to champions.

To each his own. Everyone has a choice, and no one should be begrudged for making that choice.

Often the reason these threads escalate to BS is because people force or try to force their opinions on others.

Stick to facts and it should be good.

Facts, warns are proven more reliable, still american made, more expensive then almost every other brand.

Facts, Champion is a very affordable winch, Costco gives  a great no question warrenty on Champs, they are a lower quality then most USA winches, they are the exact same unit sold by harbor freight, mile marker, and other small companies, made in china with individual dealers stickers put on them, chinese pricing on the winches is based on quality and level of QC desired.Champs can prematurely fail if loaded hard.

An individual needs to take those facts and decide what he would select based on his own priorities.

IMHO, everybody wheels in groups these days, and a champ is better then no winch. 99% of the time, if a champion, or any other winch for that matter fails, there are half a dozen others to help someone out.

Here is an informative but controversial read on low end winches. Some good info in there.

http://www.rubiconownersforum.com/phpbb2/viewtopic.php?t=35491

Finally, my personal choice is a smaller, or used warn before buying a champ, mm, opr harbor freight. But thats me.