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Winches and towing businesses go hand in hand. They are essential for many other businesses as well. So, people need to have a quality winch to keep their business running smoothly.
A winch is a device that is designed to pull or let out the tension of a rope and is mainly used for hauling or lifting heavy items. If you’re in the hauling profession, and need a Smittybilt winch to haul cars, trucks, or other heavy items, then this article is for you.
Smittybilt winches are a major name in the winch industry and people trust them fully. Here are some of the best Smittybilt winches that you can go for.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Smittybilt Winch
- OUR TOP PICK: Smittybilt (98510) X20 Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch
- RUNNER-UP: Smittybilt 9500 lb 97495 XRC GEN2 Winch
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: Smittybilt 97203 XRC-3
Table of Contents
- Comparison of the Best Smittybilt Winches
- Who is Smittybilt?
- What to Look For When Buying a Smittybilt Winch
- How Does Smittybilt Compare to the Competition?
- Review of the Best Smittybilt Winches
- What Are The Benefits of Purchasing a Smittybilt Winch?
- Comparison Overview
- How to Install a Smittybilt Winch
- How to Use a Smittybilt Winch
- Conclusion
- People Also Ask
Comparison of the Best Smittybilt Winches
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Who is Smittybilt?
Smittybilt was launched back in 1956 when Basil Smitty Smith changed up the off-road parts in his garage workshop. For more than five decades, Smittybilt has manufactured accessories, as well as high-quality parts and winches for 4-wheelers. The organization developed a very thoughtful and fragile manufacturing process that ensures that every product distributed is 100% perfect.
Smittybilt is dedicated to developing innovative products that employ the highest-level technology, and are fully operational, functional, and aesthetically pleasing. They have more than 2000 products internationally and are world-renowned for their high-quality.
What to Look For When Buying a Smittybilt Winch
Smittybilt winches come in many types. Here are the aspects that you need to keep in mind while choosing one:
Load Capacity
The first thing that you have to consider is the load capacity that you will be dealing with. This depends on the amount of weight that you will be dragging with your winch. So, first, figure out whether you need to move some minor furniture or heavy timbre, and then choose a winch accordingly.
Pricing
You have to be mindful of your budget restrictions, while you are going through some available options. You should compare the price of all the suitable winches and then choose one that fits your budget well.
Rope Type
Also, be mindful of the type of rope or cable that you choose. If you travel farther distances, it is better to go for a synthetic rope. If the kinetic load is not an issue for you, steel cables will work well also.
Water Resistance
Water damage is a major concern when it comes to winches as they are exposed to varying environmental conditions. So, go for a waterproof winch if you want a long-lasting winch.
How Does Smittybilt Compare to the Competition?
Before we jump into the reviews, let’s look over the features that make Smittybilt distinct from its competitors, especially brands such as WARN:
Customer Base
Smittybilt has a large customer base that believes in the quality of their winches. These winches are easy to install and perform very well for longer periods. They also have amazing warranty and customer service and work exactly like they are advertised. This is the reason why their products are well-known and sought after in the market, and they have a loyal customer base.
Pricing
Smittybilt products are also less expensive and considered to be mid-range in the industry. Brands such as Warn are considered to be high-end as their winches come with a heftier price tag than Smittybilt. However, they are known to be luxurious products as well.
Features and Accessories
Smittybilt winches have many cutting-edge technological features such as wireless remotes. These remote controls are very helpful for operation by a single user. Smittybilt winches are also waterproof, which adds to the longevity and appeal factor of the winches. This is another feature that most brands or competitors do not offer.
Review of the Best Smittybilt Winches
Now that you have an idea about Smittybilt, let’s dive into its best winch controllers on the market. We’ve devised detailed reviews for each product so that you can decide which product is best for you.
Best Overall:
Smittybilt 9500 lb 97495 XRC GEN2 Winch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The design of the winch controller is pretty simple and easy to use, which makes it a great product. The magnet that attaches itself to the bumper of the car makes this winch controller very convenient for using it to haul heavy items and loads. It is an overall amazing product.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This waterproof winch controller offers stellar performance and functionality. The 3-stage planetary gearing system allows for more speed and pulling power for heavier objects or vehicles. It also comes with a magnetic remote control that attaches itself to metal objects in order to make the pulling process easier.
Who Will Use This Most
We think that this is an amazing controller if you need to pull your truck or small SUV out of trouble. It is a very powerful device that allows you to do more with less equipment. The materials used in this winch controller are of top-notch quality, and the unit is highly reliable for any kind of vehicle that weighs around 9500 pounds.
Bottom Line
With a lifetime warranty for replacement and a complete kit with instructions given, this winch controller is one of the best ones you can find on the market today. It is versatile, and it is packed with many impressive features that will allow you to pull or haul heavy loads with ease.
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most of the people who bought this unit find it very convenient to use. They reported that they were apprehensive about the price as it seems quite expensive. But, later on, they found the winch well worth the money. So, they suggest that everyone should buy it as long as they are not on a strict budget. It is easy to mount and comes with 3-stage planetary gear. The cable built is quite sturdy and durable, which makes this winch controller last for a longer period of time. The cable is also super flexible.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This winch's most striking feature is its wonderful compatibility with ATV and UTV as they need something trustworthy. It gives an excellent off-road performance, so it works on all kinds of terrain.
This winch controller comes with a universal mounting plate and an 11-feet remote control. It is made up of high-quality materials and is packed with amazing features such as a long steel cable and 4-way steel roller fairlead so that it is easy to pull heavy weights.
Who Will Use This Most
In addition, there is a remote controller that works up to a range of 11 feet. Thus, you can configure the winch even if you are away from your trailer. Other than this, it has a forged hook that might seem like a step behind other winches. But, in reality, it offers more durability, and it is easier to hook onto trailers and other items to be dragged.
This is perfect for heavier hauling items such as trucks and other vehicles that need a stronger cable. If you’re a loyal customer of Smittybilt products, then you will love this winch controller. It is a very useful device if you’re road-tripping or shipping a huge shipment in your truck and need a safe back-up in case of accidents.
Bottom Line
Overall, this winch has greater usability as it has a universal mounting plate. It can be installed on any trailer or vehicle without any modification. Its steel cable works fine in all weather conditions, so you should go for it to avoid any complications.
Looking for the best winch controller which works on different types of vehicles or for multipurpose use? Then look no further because this is one of the the best winch controllers that you can find on the market. With its high-quality materials and impressive features, this is the ultimate winch controller to get.
Best for the Money and Best Smittybilt ATV Winch:
Smittybilt 97203 XRC-3
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users seemed to be quite pleased with the results of this powerful winch controller. It can lift heavy weights and is designed for heavy-duty purposes, and it is quite easy to install and use. Moreover, it works just as advertised and comes with a replaceable hook and a long cable.
Why it Stands Out to Us
It is one of our favorite Smittybilt winches with its permanent magnet motor, which runs on 12 volts. It runs on the lowest possible amperage to keep your electric expenditure to a minimum.
In addition, there is a replaceable hook on the end of the rope that you can replace when needed. The cable in it has aircraft-grade material that has galvanized polishing on it. This helps the cable stay strong and damage-free even when you are using it in harsh weather conditions. Since it has a line rating of 3,000 pounds, you can even use it for timbre transportation.
People who invested in this unit lately are quite happy with their purchase. It has a planetary gear system that does not require much effort to shift the gears. This is why buyers loved it because they found it so easy to use.
The unique features and design of this winch controller make this stand out. The weight capacity that it holds is also super impressive, and for the price, this product definitely provides a bang for the buck. It comes with a powerful permanent magnet motor and a great planetary gear system as well.
Who Will Use This Most
This winch controller has a good weight hauling capacity, which makes it ideal for many types of vehicles. It can be used on trucks, cars, SUVs, and even boats! You can use it to open doors, and for mountain bikes as well. Overall, this is a high-quality and reliable winch that can be used for various purposes.
Bottom Line
All in all, this is a remarkable winch that doesn't cost much but offers high reliability. The permanent magnet motor is up for supplying power in no time. Its galvanized aircraft cable is also worth appreciating, so you can buy this one without any hesitation.
Overall, this winch controller is designed to provide you with excellent performance and use with easy-to-follow instructions. It is a great winch if you want to save some money as well. So, if you’re on the hunt for the best value that you can get for your money, then definitely check this one out!
4. Smittybilt 97415 XRC Gen2 Winch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Recent buyers report that this is a great product that is affordable and made of high-quality materials. It is well-built and works very well too. It is also super easy to install and looks really sleek and sturdy as well. It is also very powerful and can lift up to 15,500 pounds, making it a real showstopper.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Most of the customers found this device to be super easy to use and highly valuable for the price. The quality and build of this winch controller are also great, and it has many of the features that you will find in expensive winch controllers. If you’re looking for an impressive model to haul your heavy car, then this is the way to go.
Who Will Use This Most
This winch controller can be used for harbor freight and vehicles such as cars. It can also be used to haul dead cars, as the wireless remote control allows the user to see if the car is being hauled or towed safely or not. The range of this device is also great, which adds to the versatility factor of this device.
Bottom Line
If you’re on the hunt for a reasonable winch controller that performs well, then this is one device that you should consider. It can hold a huge amount of weight and can even pick up a car trailer! This device is also weather-resistant and will not disappoint you in terms of performance.
5. Smittybilt 98203 XRC-3 Comp-Series
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Buyers took a liking to this unit because of its high-quality and affordability. It comes at a surprisingly low price for all the features that it comes with. This is why buyers loved using it and recommend it to everyone who wants a budget-friendly winch.
Why It Stands Out to Us
This winch grabbed our attention primarily due to its 136:1 gear reduction ratio. This reduction ratio is because of the three-stage planetary gearing system.
Along with the gearing system, it has a 10.5-meter long synthetic rope that does not rust. It is also great because synthetic ropes do not carry any kinetic load, thus, there are fewer accidents.
Moreover, it has an aluminum hawse fairlead that fights off oxidization, so it stays safe from corrosion. The permanent magnet motor has a value of 3.9 HP, which works perfectly for moderate loads.
Bottom Line
Considering all this, the Smittybilt 98203 XRC-3 is a reliable model that you will surely love. It has an easy configuration and an even easier installation. Its gearing and braking systems are flawless as well. So, there is hardly anything that you will not like once you buy this one.
Best Smittybilt XRC Winch:
Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC 97417
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This is another one of Smittybilt's winches that has earned the trust of customers. It has a magnetic remote control, which helps in heavy-duty usage. As a result, buyers could use it more effectively, even when they were at a distance.
Why It Stands Out to Us
It has distinguished itself with the amazing warranty that it offers. The mechanical stainless steel parts have a lifetime warranty, whereas the overall winch has a five-year warranty. This way, it stays useful for years, and you do not develop worries even if there are flaws.
The company takes full responsibility for the parts and overall construction. Moreover, it has a non-rotational build, so there is minimal stretch in the cable. This keeps the cable safe from splintering. It also has a special coating that helps to prevent it from slipping off.
Bottom Line
In our opinion, this winch is made to last for many years on end, so there won't be any issues with its build quality. It has stainless steel parts, thus, there is hardly any damage to them. So, you can trust this winch for your investment.
Best Smittybilt Winch X20:
Smittybilt X2O COMP
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This winch has left its mark on customers with its 6.6 HP amphibious motor. As a result, it supplies more power than most other winches. The dynamic brakes in it also help in controlling the spooling and usage.
Why It Stands Out to Us
The X20 Comp has won our approval with the presence of two mounting options for the solenoid. This way, it helps in setting up the solenoid at the point that you prefer to have your winch on. Moreover, it has a forged hook that is easy to fix on any vehicle. The hook is so strong and easy to use so, it does not disappoint you even when you are in a hurry.
Furthermore, it has a waterproof construction, so it does not rust or corrode easily. It comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty along with a five-year electrical warranty.
Bottom Line
Summing it up, this is an incredible winch with its superior braking system and waterproof nature. The warranty on it is also quite reliable, so go for it if you are looking for durability.
Best Smittybilt 9500 Winch:
Smittybilt 97695
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Users have been quite impressed with the strength and speed of this model. It has a 12% faster-spooling action than most other similar winches, so it helps save a lot of time. Buyers also like it because of its ability to be used on tough trails and bumpy roads.
Why It Stands Out to Us
It caught our attention with its powerful performance at such a low expenditure of energy. The motor in it has the highest rated horsepower value of 7 HP. This helps the winch work on heavy objects at low amperage draw.
In addition, there is a built-in flashlight in its remote controller. With its help, you can attach the winch to any vehicle at night too. There will be no delays or hurdles in your work even when you are facing low-light conditions. Also, it has a forged gearing that increases the speed of performance without decreasing its durability.
Bottom Line
To sum up, this is an amazing option if you want to speed up your work without compromising the winch quality. It has a load indicator that warns you if you have put on extra load. The winch is waterproof as well, so it is a great product on the whole.
11. Smittybilt 12000 lb 97412 XRC GEN2 Winch
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
This winch controller works great and is highly convenient to use. The remote control’s long-range is also an amazing addition and makes this product far more versatile and flexible for usage. It is also waterproof, which means it stays sturdy and new for longer and doesn’t wear out that easily.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The reason this winch controller makes this list is because of the highly advanced technological features that it is equipped with. With a wireless remote controller and a hauling weight of 12,000 pounds, this winch controller is safe to use and packed with high performance and versatility.
Who Will Use This Most
If you are a racer or a frequent road-traveler who travels using a heavy truck or a large SUV, then this winch controller is perfect for you. It is safe to use, super convenient, and does not get damaged easily. Its heavy-duty performance is also stellar, and it can work in long ranges as well.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a winch controller with fewer hassles and no wires, then this is the one for you. Get ready to be amazed at this advanced piece of technology that lets you get more done in less time. You will find yourself at ease while carrying this safety weapon in your vehicle at all times for emergencies.
Best Smittybilt 12000 Winch:
Smittybilt GEN2 XRC 97495
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Nearly all recent buyers found this model quite useful as it has a 500 Amp solenoid in it. It balances the load well and does not require much voltage to operate. As a result, it does not drain your trailer’s batteries. So, buyers loved it for its performance and strain reduction on batteries.
Why It Stands Out to Us
This model has made it to our round-up of the best Smittybilt winches due to its competitive construction. It has a lightweight frame at only 89 pounds while other units easily cross 200 pounds. This way, it does not put extra weight on your vehicle and helps in improving fuel economy.
Moreover, it has a 94-inch diameter rope that serves the purpose of pulling heavy objects well. This is why you will not have to stress about whether it can withstand a certain load or not.
Bottom Line
The bottom line on this winch is that it has a construction well-suited to modern-day users' needs. It has a powder-coated body that actively fights major forms of damage. Thus, getting this one can be a wise decision if you want an easy-to-use and long-lasting winch.
What Are The Benefits of Purchasing a Smittybilt Winch?
Buying a Smittybilt winch can be beneficial in many ways, especially if you choose the right one. Here is a list of the major perks that you can expect from it:
Effective Spooling
Smittybilt winches have a simple free spooling mechanism that does not take too much time. It also does not require you to spend extra effort on spooling.
Convenient Use
Another major perk is that the Smittybilt winches are highly convenient to use. The hooks and remote controllers are all so easy to use that you can do it without even pausing other tasks.
Easy Installation
Smittybilt winches are quite easy to install as they have multiple mounting options. The solenoids in them do not use much power. So, you can install these winches without seeking a mechanic’s help.
High Compatibility
These Smittybilt winches do not have any strict compatibility requirements, so they can fit almost all vehicles. Hence, you can use them on your trailers without any extra modifications or attachments.
Comparison Overview
Well, we have shed light on all the important details about Smittybilt winches. Now, let’s have a look at how their products compare to their competition.
Smittybilt Winch vs. Warn
The biggest rival for Smittybilt winches is Warn products. Here are some of the similarities and differences between the two.
Both of these brands are well-known for their high-quality truck accessories. Both brands also have a loyal customer base, but there are a few differences that set them apart:
Customer Satisfaction
Most of the Smittybilt users are highly satisfied with their products. Their winches are easy to install and perform very well for a long period of time. They also have an excellent warranty and work exactly like they are advertised. Warn products are harder to install, but their performance is stellar. Their products are also longer-lasting than Smittybilt.
Features
Smittybilt winches have many convenient features, such as, wireless remotes. These remote controls are very helpful for operation by a single person. They are also waterproof, which is another great feature that adds to the durability factor of the winches. Meanwhile, Warn winches do not come with a remote control, but their modern line of winches is waterproof and has a better clutch lever and brace.
Off-road Use
Both Warn and Smittybilt winches work amazingly well when it comes to off-road performance. They can take heavy loads and work smoothly on bumpy and uneven surfaces as well. Their winches work well on ATV's and UTV's, also.
High-quality
Smittybilt and Warn products have high-quality construction. Their assembly and power draw are also quite easy to maintain, so both companies offer high-quality products.
Pricing Policy
The only major difference in their products is that they have a different pricing policy. The winches by Smittybilt have higher affordability than those by Warn.
Smittybilt products are also relatively less expensive than Warn winches and are considered to be mid-range in the industry. Warn is considered to be a high-end brand, and their products come with a higher price tag but are also expected to last for a longer period of time.
Quadratec Winch vs. Smittybilt
Smittybilt has another competitor, Quadratec, with almost the same quality of products. So, let’s compare their characteristics to see which one works for you.
Affordability
Quadratec and Smittybilt are both well known for their customer-friendly pricing policy. They have similar quality products at almost the same prices.
Warranty Offered
The warranty offered by Smittybilt is much more reliable than the one offered by Quadratec. There are hardly any hidden technical details in their warranty policy, so people trust the former more.
How to Install a Smittybilt Winch
Before we wrap up the article, let’s go over the instructions on how to install a Smittybilt winch. You can also look at the video linked below for a more detailed guide:
- Flip the solenoid upside down and put the brackets on.
- Put the brackets on the sides of the solenoid and put the flat pieces on where the wires are.
- Put the spacers below the brackets and put the longer screws in the holes with the lock washer on them.
- With the screws tightened, install the solenoid on top of the winch.
- Grab two Allen screws and tighten them up in the threaded area.
- Connect the terminals for the wiring (they are lettered).
- To connect the terminals, unscrew the nut and take the locker and the lock washer off, putting the ring back in there and then tightening it.
- Install the nuts and bolts of the winch by using masking tape to hold it in place.
- Put some masking tape on the grill and the bumper for protection.
- Tighten the square nuts in the housing.
- Now you should install the fairlead before you do the wiring.
- Put the bolt in the front and the nut in the back.
- Use an 18mm box wrench to tighten these down.
- With the leads tightened, you can put the clevis hook on the ring.
- Now you’re ready to hook it up to the battery!
How to Use a Smittybilt Winch
Even though winches are quite simple to use, they can be very dangerous if they are not properly used or installed. There are several ways to use a winch controller in different situations, but some basic standard safety rules still apply. Let’s go over the instructions on how to safely use a Smittybilt winch:
- First, you need some kind of anchor to attach the winch on to, if you are in the woods, you can easily use a tree.
- Gloves should be used, especially while handling steel cables. Then plug the winch into the controller, and then begin spooling. Make sure you don’t unspool too quickly as that can be dangerous.
- You need to hang over a dampener on the winch cable once the winch is hooked to the anchor.
- Make sure that the winch cable is taut, and that your vehicle’s power levels are adequate.
- Make sure that you don’t rush, as that could disrupt the process and put you in danger.
- Ensure that everything is fastened properly and that your vehicle produces enough electricity for the winch.
- Pull the spool cable back up when the car is out.
Conclusion
Buying a winch controller is a tricky task and should be done carefully. Getting the wrong one can be dangerous if it does not match the type of operation you need it for. Hopefully, this article guided in the main aspects of a winch controller and its features and helped you in making an informed decision. Happy Pulling!
People Also Ask
If you have a few queries or concerns, you can go over this portion to make sure that your doubts are answered. Here are a few frequently asked questions by customers with regard to the performance of Smittybilt. You can read on to clear out some of your ambiguities about the brand:
Who Makes Smittybilt Products?
Smittybilt products are made by people in different parts of the world. Most of the parts are manufactured in China, and finished in America.
Who Owns Smittybilt?
Basil Smith established Smittybilt, and it has flourished under his family’s ownership. It is owned by the Smith family under the name of Smittybilt Inc.
How Long Has Smittybilt Been Around?
The company was established in 1952 in the garage of Basil Smith. Since then, it has developed a lot and is now an international name.
Why are Smittybilt Products so Popular?
Products by Smittybilt are so popular because they have consistent high-quality. They have a clear and customer-friendly warranty policy. The pricing of their products is also amazing, so people love Smittybilt products.
What Kind of Warranty Does Smittybilt Offer?
Smittybilt offers different kinds of warranty on different products. But, generally, their stainless steel parts have a lifetime warranty. Meanwhile, the warranty for most other products is for five years or 100,000 miles.
Is a Smittybilt Winch a Good Winch?
Yes, Smittybilt winches are amazing as they have a durable construction. Their spooling and gearing system are up-to-date with the current standards. So, your money won’t go to waste if you get yourself one of these.
What Size D-Ring For Smittybilt XRC?
You can use a ¾ pin with a Smittybilt XRC, and you can get this from any hardware store. It works great, and you will not face any issues with this size. You will not face any issues with pulling or connecting with this D ring size either .
Who Owns Smittybilt?
Transamerican Auto Parts acquired Smittybilt and has the largest collection of their products on the market. They also sell all of their parts, equipment, and accessories that are made by Smittybilt.