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12,000 vs 9,500 lb winches

hogshooter

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I'm looking at winches, and I'm kind of at a stalemate between a 12000 and a 9500 winch. From what I've read, a 9500 would more than likely be fine for a Tacoma, but would going up to a 12k winch have any downsides, other than weight?The cost difference is negligible.
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hogshooter

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I am in same shoe as you! Following you! Thanks for bringing it up!
I went with the 12k. After I looked at the specs again, the 12k was just over a pound heavier and $50 more. I'd rather have the extra strength and not need it than vice versa.
 

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I went through the same thought process and ended up with a 12k winch. There are lots of videos comparing winch's, and what I learned is that within brands often times the motor is exactly the same, the difference is the gearing. So, the 12k can pull more than a 9.5k winch, but because of the gear ratios, the 12k is slower. To me that trade off is worth it.

The other thing to consider though is that the 12k may also be a bit larger and may not fit, although the 12k I bought (HF Badlands Apex) fit just fine with the CBI Covert Super Sport bumper.
 
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I went through the same thought process and ended up with a 12k winch. There are lots of videos comparing winch's, and what I learned is that within brands often times the motor is exactly the same, the difference is the gearing. So, the 12k can pull more than a 9.5k winch, but because of the gear ratios, the 12k is slower. To me that trade off is worth it.

The other thing to consider though is that the 12k may also be a bit larger and may not fit, although the 12k I bought (HF Badlands Apex) fit just fine with the CBI Covert Super Sport bumper.
I have the Ironman 4x4 hidden winch bumper, and I wish they had provided specs on how big a winch would fit. The Smittybilt winch I bought didn't fit, and I finally gave up on trying to get it to work after two days of futzing with it.
 

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I'm looking at winches, and I'm kind of at a stalemate between a 12000 and a 9500 winch. From what I've read, a 9500 would more than likely be fine for a Tacoma, but would going up to a 12k winch have any downsides, other than weight?The cost difference is negligible.
I went with CBI Covert bumper and WARN EVO 12S. From what I hear, the install's going to be difficult for the bumper because there is a possibility that the parking sensors don't reach because the wires are too short. As far as what winch to get, I think 12K is the way to go because you only get 12,000 lb on the bottom wrap of the drum. Once you have more wraps around the winch drum, you start to lose that maximum pull rating. Going with the 12K lb winch could prove beneficial and put less strain on components because there's a lower gearing ratio.
 
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hogshooter

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I went with CBI Covert bumper and WARN EVO 12S. From what I hear, the install's going to be difficult for the bumper because there is a possibility that the parking sensors don't reach because the wires are too short. As far as what winch to get, I think 12K is the way to go because you only get 12,000 lb on the bottom wrap of the drum. Once you have more wraps around the winch drum, you start to lose that maximum pull rating. Going with the 12K lb winch could prove beneficial and put less strain on components because there's a lower gearing ratio.
The Ironman bumper came with parking sensor extension cables, I'd look to see if you can find some for your install. They've got to be out there somewhere.

I ended up buying a 12k winch that is confirmed to fit my bumper. The weight and price difference are minor between a 9.5k and a 12k.
 

24Trailhunter

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The Ironman bumper came with parking sensor extension cables, I'd look to see if you can find some for your install. They've got to be out there somewhere.

I ended up buying a 12k winch that is confirmed to fit my bumper. The weight and price difference are minor between a 9.5k and a 12k.
Is there a part number for those parking sensor extension cables?
 
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hogshooter

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