Best Warn Winches Reviews 2022 + Buying Guide 2022

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 7 top-rated electric 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.

What are the Best Warn Winches?

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. 

WARN 103254 VR EVO 12 Electric Winch: Top Rated Warn Winch 

The WARN 103254 VR EVO 12 Electric Winch is their latest offering, and it’s a doozy. This bad boy has a 12,000 lb. 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. 

Warn 89611 ZEON 10-S Winch: Best for Jeep

A heavy-duty winch that is perfect for off-road use. It has a capacity of 10,000 pounds, 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. 

WARN 96800 VR8 12V Electric Winch: Best for Car

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. 

WARN 17801 M12000 12000-lb Winch: Best for Truck

WARN knows how to make a quality winch. The WARN 17801 M12000 12000-lb Winch is no exception. This Winch can handle any pulling job you might need it for. Besides a 12,000 lb. 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. 

WARN 92815 Zeon Platinum 10-S: Best Versatile Pick

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.

WARN offers the M8000 Series Electric 12V Winch: Best Affordable Warn 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. The M8000 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.

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

7 Best Warn Winch Reviews

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. 

WARN 103254 VR EVO 12 Electric Winch

Product Specifications:

• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Product Weight: 1 pound
• Rope: Steel cable and Synthetic rope
• Rated Line Pull: 12,000 lbs

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). 

Good Sides:

• Robust built, enduring construction and sturdy cables
• Efficient and dependable motor for swift loading and unloading
• Highly reliable to bear with off-road wear and tear
• a wireless remote for distant control 
• corrosion-resistant aluminum body
• confident warranty 

Drawbacks:

• Is a tad expensive

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.

Warn 89611 ZEON 10-S Winch 

Product Specifications:

• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Product Weight: 16 pounds
• Rope: Wire rope
• Rated Line Pull: 12,000 lbs

Warn 89611 ZEON 10-S 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 89611 ZEON 10-S winch has a good reputation for being a dependable, heavy-duty winch. Its high performance, backed by 10000 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 89611 ZEON 10-S 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. 

• Go Highly durable build and dual-control 
• Black finish coating for scratch and corrosion resistance
• Higher pulling power to withstand any off-road odds
• superior fairlead design to let run the rope free
• Easy to operate and attach
• Rust-resistant stainless steel fasteners

Drawbacks:

• pretty expensive but compensated by high-end features

Bottom-line: The Warn 89611 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. 

WARN 96800 VR8 12V Electric Winch

Product Specifications:

• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Product weight: 65.2 Pounds
• Rope: Steel cable
• Rated Line Pull: 8,000 lbs

WARN 96800 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. 

Good Sides:

• Sturdy and reliable build to last longer
• Easy to install and operate
• Safety feature prevents the load from slipping
• plenty of power and fast line speed
• three-stage planetary gear train for smooth and reliable operation

Drawbacks:

• Not suitable for trucks and the massive vehicles

Bottom-line: The Warn 96800 VR8 12V 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. 

WARN 17801 M12000 12z000-lb Winch

Product Specifications:

• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Product weight: 131.6 pounds
• Rope: Wire Rope
• Rated Line Pull: 12,000 lbs

The WARN 17801 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 17801 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. 

Good Sides:

• Rope extending up to 125 feet
• Robust and enduring construction to withstand heavy-duty recovery
• Easy to install and operate
• Mighty 4.6 HP motor for quick and smooth pulling
• High line speed for fast pull
• Handheld remote for safe distance operation 

Drawbacks:

• Not suitable for heavy-duty vehicle

Bottom-line: This Warn 12000-lb winch is perfect for off-road vehicles like ATVs, trucks, tractors, and tractors. Made with quality materials and designed to be durable, Warn 17801 is a great product and offers a fantastic experience which makes it great for extreme conditions. 

WARN 92815 Zeon Platinum 10-S 

Product Specifications:

• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Product weight: 69.4 pounds
• Rope: Spydura Synthetic Rope
• Rated Line Pull: 10,000 lbs

The WARN 92815 Zeon Platinum 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 92815 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. 

Good Sides:

• Spydura synthetic rope for exceptional longevity and sturdiness
• Easy to install and operate
• Able to read motor temperature to prevent overheating
• USB charger and an adapter to be charged on the move
• Remote control to run recovery without getting closer

Drawbacks:

• Very expensive as Warns are usually 

Bottom-line: WARN 92815 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. 

WARN 26502 M8000 Series Electric 12V Winch Review

Product Specifications:

• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Product weight: 83 pounds
• Rope: Spydura Synthetic Rope
• Rated Line Pull: 8,000 lbs

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 26502 M8000 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 WARN 26502 Winch 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. 

Good Sides:

• 100 feet cable to enable recovery from deeper ditch and distance
• Withstand a maximum of 8,000 pounds
• Easy Installing and comfortable operation
• Well-designed remote control for effortless 
• Revolutionary brake design to load without manual braking
• Superior electrical control 

Drawbacks:

• Not ideal for more rigorous functionalities

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.

WARN 68801 16.5ti Series Thermometric Winch

Product Specifications:

• Voltage: 12 Volts
• Product weight: 134 pounds
• Rope: Steel Cable
• Rated Line Pull: 16,500 lbs

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. 

Good Sides:

• Durable and long-lasting build
• Massive 16,500-pound pulling capacity
• Chip-nick-and-wear resistance for superior string life 
• Easy to operate and straightforward installation
• Limited lifetime warranty 
• Anti-corrosion powder-coated finish

Drawbacks:

• No cons nut but the typical high-end cost

Bottom-line: The WARN 68801 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. 

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. 

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?

If you’re not familiar with using a warn winch, here’s a quick guide on how to do it. 

Step 1: Rig the Winch: 

Before using a Warn winch, it is important to rig it properly. This involves attaching the winch cable to the vehicle and the object being pulled. The most common way to attach the cables is with a “deadman” style hook-up, allowing one person to safely control the load while another holds the line in place. While this method works well on smaller loads, larger ones require more than just two people. 

Step 2: Hop in the Car: 

Now that the Winch is properly hooked up to your car, hop in the car after finding a strong tree or post to attach the other end of the winch cable. Finally, crank the winch handle to pull your car out of the ditch and keep cranking the Winch until the tires are back onto solid ground. 

Step 3: Undo the Warn Winch 

Know when and how to undo the Warn winch to use it correctly. It can be undone by simply pulling on the rope, which will cause the hook to drop from the bumper. The Winch should not be left unattended as this could result in serious injury to someone who may trip over the hook while trying to free their vehicle. 

How to Wire a Warn Winch?

The wiring of a WARN winch is a process that, while not overly complicated, does require some forethought and careful planning. You’ll need to gather all the materials you’ll need before you get started and take your time in completing the wiring so that everything is done correctly. 

Step 1: Gather All the Materials:

When wiring a winch, there are a few crucial materials you’ll need. 

• a spool of marine-grade electrical wire
• wire connectors, 
• a screwdriver, 
• and a drill

Step 2: Identify Wires 

Knowing how to identify wires is important for wiring a Warn winch. All it takes is an eye on the job at hand. The following steps will help guide you through identifying each wire: 

Take note of which side of the motor has positive (+) polarity. This can be determined by looking at the direction in which the wires run from the battery terminal(s). If one end of the wire runs toward the front and another towards the back, that means that + pole is on the right. 

Look closely at all four terminals on both sides of the engine block. There are two black dots on top of a red circle. These represent the negative (-) poles of the battery. A white dot represents the ground connection for the entire system. 

Identifying the ground wire is pretty easy as well. It always goes between two other wires with opposite polarities.

Step 3: Attaching Wires 

It is important to know how to attach the wire, and here is how to do just that. 

Attach the positive (+) and negative (-) poles using either wire nuts or electrical tape. The + and – are not attached in any way; they simply go through each other so that there is no resistance at all. 

Connect the end of the cable to the winch motor. There should be two holes located near the middle of the Winch itself for this purpose. These holes must face opposite directions. 

To connect your battery-powered vehicle, make sure the switch is turned off. Then insert one end into the hole facing towards the direction the wheel turns. The other end goes in the opposing hole and then tightens down the screw that holds the whole thing together. 

 Step 4: Run the Winch:

Before starting the Winch, be sure to read and understand the manufacturer’s instructions.

Be extremely careful when handling a load. Make sure the rope is clear of any obstacles and that no one is in the way of the load before you begin winching.

When winching, always use a slow, steady speed. Don’t jerk or stop suddenly, as this can damage the Winch and injure someone.

Always use the brake when winching to prevent the rope from unraveling. Failure to do so may result in injury. If your Winch does not have a built-in braking system, make sure it has at least two hand brakes on each side. 

Frequently Asked Questions

How to Free Spool a Warn Winch?

Warn Winches are a popular choice for off-road enthusiasts. Here you go with the steps to free spool a Warn winch:

• Freeing the Winch: There are a few ways to do this, depending on the make and model of the Winch.

• Disconnecting the Winch from the Vehicle: This can be done by removing the bolts that hold it in place.

• Removing the Drum: There are a few screws that need to be removed to take the drum off.

• Releasing the Cable: The cable will have to be loosened before being removed from the drum.

• Putting it all Back Together: After the cable is reattached, put everything back together in reverse order.

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? 

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. 

Wrap Up 

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.

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.