A winch is an essential tool you might need any time when your heavy terrain vehicle needs to be moved. This mechanical winch is very useful to haul or lift any heavy object or vehicle smoothly. The whole process of moving a heavy object requires a winch that is highly qualitative, durable, and extensively efficient. Hence, we have come up with the Smittybilt winches reviews.

Undoubtedly, you will find many models of winches in the market. But, not all of them will fulfill your satisfaction and requirement. Some may betray on the spot while working with them. A winch is not one-time tool that you are supposed to buy every time you need it. You have to choose one that is worth buying. Hope our reviewed Smittybilt ones will get to your satisfaction level the moment you finish reading.

Top 2 Smittybilt Winches Reviews

Many people are in search of a good winch. Especially, the car owners very often feel the necessity of having a winch when their car anyhow gets stuck in the knee-deep mud. The Smittybilt winches might be the only accurate tools to solve the problem.

1. Smittybilt X2O – Waterproof Steel Cable Winch

This X20 Waterproof Winch stands out of all other models of this brand for the specific features that make it special. This model is enhanced with advanced technology and feature to have trouble-free performance and smooth operation.

Motor Power

With an amphibious motor of 6.6 HP the winch has some tremendous technical specifications. The X20 series wound is marked with the 6.6 HP motor that confirms the utmost protection and a quiet operation. With this Smittybilt 97512 Winch, you can go up to 12000lbs weighing vehicles to lift or pull in a single line.

Remote Control

This much capacity is enough to deal with maximum vehicles out there. With the IP68 waterproof rating, the device can be controlled with a remote controller. The remote’s one switch reaches up to 3.7m or 12feet distance taking the lead.

Gear System

The machine is designed with a gear system of 3-stage planetary with a 265:1 gear ratio which is lightning-fast optimized. The feature also ensures the topmost speed possible. The range possesses a total waterproof solenoid pack. Although it includes the cable feature yet it can be mounted on two separate locations effortlessly.

Drum Braking System

It empowers different capacities to handle different types of vehicles with different weights. With the sliding ring gear clutch, the winch is long-lasting. It is also engineered with an automatic system out-of-drum brake. The drum has a diameter of 2.5inch. The braking system is way dynamic as it helps to reduce the drum temperature by 66%.

Durability and Warranty

The most satisfying part of the Smittybilt X20 series is that it comes with a mechanical warranty of a lifetime. It is made of steel wire rope that ensures durability. Though some may feel difficulty while mounting the solenoid yet, the winch is pretty much easy to install.

Overall, this waterproof Smittybilt winch is a bit heavy yet comes with a great deal of efficiency. The black finish texture of the machine also makes it a beast to handle the whole job properly. You can literally count on this IP68 rated winch without any second thought.

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2. Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch | 9,500 Pound Load Capacity

To ensure the way efficient property, the Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC winches have undergone various improvements and development. The heavy-duty specifications are added for the enhanced operation and durability. The range is likely to be more preferable by most of the people.

Waterproof with Strong Motor

This one from Smittybilt is also waterproof like our previously reviewed model. So, it is easily resistant even in the downpour location. This model is IP67 rated which indicates its complete sealing off from the water damage. Like the X20, the XRC winches are also equipped with the 6.6HP motor series wound.

Quiet but Efficient

The machine works quieter and also can handle heavy weight loads. For off-road vehicles, this tool is highly preferable as its capability is remarkable. Just like every other Smittybilt winches, this model also includes an aluminum fairlead of high-quality.

Powerful Pulling Capacity

This one from the Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch empowers a load capacity of 9,500 pound. Offering you the fastest line speed and way powerful pulling strength, the revised gear ratio allows easy escape from any slippery or tougher situation. The featured solenoid of the winch also allows the mounting in three locations.

The winch also weighs lesser compared to other Smittybilt winches. Though most of the winches from Smittybilt come with a wireless remote, this model doesn’t include a wireless remote. Some may find it a problem, yet its large load capacity feature balances everything. The winch is also featured with a sliding ring gear clutch.

Strong Rope

The drum also comes with a 2.5-inch diameter just like the Smittybilt X20 Series. The rope that is included in the winch can be chosen according to the size and needs of the vehicle. The rope material is higher in quality. It is fully synthetic and marked the military grade which makes easy moving of cumbersome vehicles.

Durable

The 78-pound winch also offers a lifetime warranty to its buyers. So, if the unit tears down while working, you can save the repair cost by handing it over to the manufacturer. Again, the tool is constructed with stainless steel which is hard, strong, and sturdy. This feature ensures longer durability. So, you may not ever need the warranty at all.

Overall, this Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch is durable, has easy set-up features, and most importantly affordable. Hence, this winch from Smittybilt can be a great deal to you.

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Things to Consider when Buying the Best Smittybilt Winches

Waterproof Feature: In both of our reviewed models we see that both the winches are waterproof. The Smittybilt X20 range and the Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC are rated IP68 and IP67 respectively. By the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), the terms are marked as the IP6X, IPX7, and IPX8.

Each of them serves different purposes. They protect the machine from harmful dust and the ratings make the winches resistant to water depths up to one meter or more.

6.6 HP Wound Series Amphibious Motor

Most of the Smittybilt Winches are equipped with heavy-duty Series Wound motors. These motors are not the magnet ones that are permanent. Yet, the Wound Series ones are capable enough to handle tougher tasks and they are also durable.

Even in cold, dry, and wet environments, the wound series motors function better than the magnet motors. So, always look for the 6.6 HP amphibious motors while looking for the Smittybilt winches.

Remote Function

Some of the winches from Smittybilt come with a wireless remote like the ones of X20 models. In this case, you can control the machine by staying some feet away from it. But some winches come with a corded remote. So, with the corded ones, you won’t have to worry much about dead batteries.

Quick Setup and Easy Use

The winches model from Smittybilt is engineered with an exceptionally quicker and easier setup and installation process. The waterproof machines are also easy and smooth to mount. Again, the remotes are also included in these machines which make it way easier to set up and then install.

Customer Service and Warranty

You should always count on a winch that offers you a warranty along with customer service. The defective tool may cause unwanted experiences. Fortunately, the Smittybilt offers a lifetime warranty to its winch buyers and it is an excellent deal.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Smittybilt Winches

Q1. Which Smittybilt winch I should buy between the X20 and XRC?

In the case of price, both series do not differ much. But the X20 series is less pricy than the XRC one. So, if you are on a budget you can go for the X20. But it is wiser to select the one according to your gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). In this way, you will know which one will be able to recover your vehicle more readily.

Q2. Do I need to purchase the battery separately?

Yes, Smittybilt winches do not come with a battery inside them to control. You have to buy it separately. However, the company suggests buying a 650CCA battery for better control.

Q3. What do the IP67 and IP68 mean in the Smittybilt Winches?

They mean the type of protection they offer in their every winch. IP stands for International Protection Rating. These ratings indicate the machine’s resistance to dust and water. A look at the chart of ‘IP rating’ might help you with a better acknowledgment.

Final Words

If you are an off-road enthusiast and love driving your vehicle through the muddy, slippery, or rocky terrain, then the Smittybilt winches have a lot to offer you. To serve the exact solution of the problem you are looking for, the winches are just life saviors.

Both the reviewed X20 and GEN 2 XRC models of Smittybilt are waterproof with high ratings and each of the features and specifications of them is built confirming maximum protection.

The Smittybilt winches are reliable enough as they are tested by real off-road drivers. So, if you love taking off-road challenges make sure you are prepared with a Smittybilt winch for better safety.