Can You Get a Quality Winch for Under $500? OpenRoad 4WD Panther Series 2s Plus

A winch is not something you want to skimp on quality when your life could literally depend on it. But can you get a quality winch for less than $500? The OpenRoad 4WD Panther Series 2s Plus winch in an impressive winch for under $500.
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[@GOE-MORC]

Awesome and simple how-to. Great work, Matt. Love to see you supporting those who support you.

[@JuanSanchez-ht2el]

Super tanks for answer You are the best I don’t care what they said about you you are the best

[@overlandingearth8440]

Thank y'all for another awesome video I have been a fan of the Harbor freight winches cause you can't beat the price but can't compare them to the higher end brands that are a little more pricey but after 5 years they still work on the other hand thank you for introducing me to this panther winch and it will be the first winch that we put on the 2004 WJ that we picked up for a good price so again thank you and thank Panther for a product that I believe I will be real happy with.

[@warrencarter665]

I purchased the winch using your code and it is a great deal. thanks for sharing this content.

[@laurenretta]

Just ordered! Thank you for the code as well! Can’t wait for it to come in 😊

[@RyansBeans]

Great video as always! Been looking into a quality winch

[@overlandtowater]

Mine just arrived. Can't wait to need to use it.

[@stevepallister9717]

Great video. Prompted me to purchase one for my 22 Gladiator. Keep up the good work. Love the videos!

[@ZacheryKoppert]

Thanks Matt! Just picked one up for my JT with the steel front bumper. Really appreciate the thorough video on it and the discount!

[@chadholsted1130]

Thank you so much for this video and for this winch! I love it and it works AMAZING!

[@kevinfitch5538]

This was a great video and informative as you said on a piece of equipment that is essential.

[@OffGridAdventures7]

Def has me interested thank you. I also like that it’s waterproof and wireless, perfect

[@rettop172]

Just purchased based on your review and experience. Bought during their holiday sale ($349) plus your discount code ($80). Mine came fully assembled and cables attached. Thanks

[@KTMcaptain]

I got my Badland Apex 12k wireless synthetic winch for $480 with coupon from HF. I believe they are stingier with coupons and raised the price since then.

[@UnchartedOverland]

Great video. We just ordered the Panther 2s with the cyber Monday deal. Can’t wait to get out and try it out!!

[@getlost4wd69]

My install of the open road winch is coming soon. Can’t wait.

[@donniepitts1646]

I have the Panther 13k on my Wrangler and have used it many times in the past few months for self recovery and pulling others. It has not let me down yet😎

[@Wherewegoing]

i didnt see him install a solenoid/fuse of any kind in the fuse box my fathers winch of a different brand had a fuse for a switch panel, and have you noticed any parasitic draw to your battery

[@Wherewegoing]

i just ordered this one thats why i ask

[@donniepitts1646]

@@Wherewegoing mine came with the solenoid but I did not use it. No, I haven't had any draw on the battery when but in use. It is still going strong. Just recently had a couple big pulls on it while in the mountains. Great winch.

[@OldskoolHiFi]

I'm doing a build very much on a budget. I bought Open Roads 10k winch with synthetic rope based on your recommendation. I trust what you say and the price was great! Supposed to be arriving this weekend, can't wait to get it on the truck!

[@The_Red_Off_Road]

How’s it working for ya? Seems like a good winch for my budget as well

[@OldskoolHiFi]

@@The_Red_Off_Road Unfortunately it never arrived. Kept getting delayed over and over for several weeks and Amazon eventually just cancelled and refunded my order. Not sure why the supply issues. Ended up going with an X-Bull 10k winch instead as it had similar price points. So far so good with that one.

[@gronmolifestyle]

Thanks to this video I went on line and was able to get this winch at an unbelievable price. Can’t wait to put it in my rig.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Great to hear!

[@gronmolifestyle]

I also applied for the affiliate program. Watching your channel has inspired me to do my own and having Openroad in my corner will help.

[@scottlawrence2443]

Great review! Much appreciated.

[@michaelhollis5934]

Just ordered the open road 13k panther winch with your discount code. I can’t wait till it comes in. Thanks for all the videos

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Awesome! Thank you!

[@markadger]

I just bought the 13,000 lb unit and with the sale price and your discount code, it’s a great deal!

[@paulelliott682]

Well considering that WARN's Zeon Platinum winch costs around $3500 I'd be wondering about 1) the longevity of the $500 winch 2) the length of the warranty and 3) the company's reputation for customer service or lack thereof, if there is a problem 4) Has the co. been around long enough to stand behind the warranty

[@SteveJud43]

Hell, if it break you can buy 6 more for the same price. Warn are great, but at $3500 they can effff right off.

[@Uppermost_1]

Great job on the video. I just ordered one

[@bobd.9243]

Thanks so much for another great video and the affiliate/promo code for the winch, just ordered one! Thanks!!!

[@mikesters3532]

One thing to consider is the sunlight will wreak havoc with the synthetic winch line in the exposed loop. May want to use a suitable hook alternative that will protect the line from the sun.

[@openroad4wd_official]

We took that into consideration, so we made capstan covers for some exposed capstans，openroad4wd.com/collections/winch-accessories/products/water-proof-winch-cover

[@4WDTV]

Nice review man, we have a fair bit of thoughts on the subject

[@mackies9151]

I've got the panther 2 9500lb for my 2 door Rubicon. Only used it once in the last 5 months. I added the beefy $30 harbor freight hook. Only 2 negatives. Washers are way too small most bumpers have slightly elongated oversized holes. #2 the huge control box I had to mount the wires forward which is fugly 😂 (it seems they updated the box thankfully)

[@JuanSanchez-ht2el]

I am Nuevo on you’re Chanel Super tanks to you for the video from Walk mart We are family of 5 people 2 dogs firts timers camping family Because of your advice we thank you

[@user-yd6eq7bv9u]

I purchased the 9500 yesterday for $219! With sale and your $80 discount code!

[@ryanjewell9832]

This is the winch I was looking to put on my vehicle.

[@joelubiscojr.6094]

Thanks!

[@CoolCarsKJ]

It's the absolute worst if you line gets bound up on itself. I feel you 1000%

[@DUNEATV]

Is this winch strong enough to help you get your hair back up in the event of inclement weather conditions during a trip?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

That’s a good one. No. 😂

[@DUNEATV]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures LOL!

[@4coolking]

Hi Matt, Ordering everything you review. Why reinvent the wheel if you have already 🙂. Glad that you have tested this👍. Also love your video and sense of humor. Looking forward to meeting you someday on the trail

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Thanks!!!

[@ahmednesbitte4906]

Awesome video Matt! Quality winch for that price, sweet deal! Appreciate the content.

[@appalachhaun_adventures]

I’ve been watching your channel for the last few months since initially discovering it. I just bought a 2020 gladiator rubicon with the steal “winch ready” bumper. Obviously, I’ve seen you mention and use this winch on here before. So, I’ve been thinking of getting it eventually. The mopar steal bumper requires a mounting plate to install a winch. Here’s my issue with this company. It’s not a big issue. Just a weird one. Lol. I emailed them directly advising of the gladiator and the bumper I have that is winch ready but needs a mounting plate, and I asked them which mounting plate they recommend. Their response was “just buy a bumper that matches your jeep. Our winch mounting holes are international and suitable for any mounting holes on bumpers.” Sort of a weird response to me. But oh well. I’ll figure out which mounting plate I need.

[@paulelliott682]

That could be why WARN starting selling bumpers to go with their winches.

[@openroad4wd_official]

Hahaha, friend, maybe our staff misread your description. However, the mounting holes of our winches are indeed international. Whether you want to buy a bumper or a mounting plate, you only need to buy the one that matches your model. Our winches can be matched. If you need more detailed information, you can check the main picture of the product link, one of which is the external dimension drawing of the winch, which is very useful.😊😊

[@appalachhaun_adventures]

@@openroad4wd_official Sweet! Thanks! 🙏

[@karlanderson1791]

Gotta admit it was cool seeing my name on your patreon list. That didn't take you long!

[@ElementoftheGods3094]

the 7 means 15cm to I meter, now it's $379 for March I put your code in it's $299

[@davesantimaw5413]

Hi Matt, based on your recommendation and that of other Overlanders, I purchased this winch today. Is the only way to give power to it is to hook the terminal cables to the battery or can you hook it up to an SPOD? I also just purchased a Bantam X SPOD but it says I can’t power a winch to it. Thoughts or suggestions?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I don’t know if an Spod can handle the amp draw of a winch. I don’t really see a reason to wire a winch up to a switch.

[@Frostytravels]

I just purchased an open road winch for my 2022 Gladiator Rubicon. Looking for a bumper, any suggestions? I would like to keep my front skid plate or at least have options. I am brand new to 4x4 and any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

There's so many bumper options now. I would recommend one that has a recessed winch plate and most bumpers are either going to replace the factory skid plate or have an optional skid plate for their own bumpers. My bumper from Relentless Fabrication has the skid built into the bumper.

[@Frostytravels]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Awesome thanks

[@robertlombardi2228]

Nice job 👍 Good value - looks to be sturdy.

[@TJintheVI]

Adam, this is a yr later, so hope you get this. My initial setup of this winch has been problematic. 1st control box wires loose. But more importantly, the free spool does t work when clutch is disengaged. Been in touch with tech and Susan at open road email wise, but have been left in the dark for aa replacement. Do you have a better contact #/person for them other than their basic "info" email and phone # on website?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Who is Adam?

[@pixelflightstudios1968]

$319.99 with current sale and discount code for the 2s plus, Free shipping. Hope this thing doesn't let me down :)

[@stevebunton3796]

Could I be so bold as to inquire what winch mounting plate you use on your Gladiator? It seems that a winch is only as good as the strength of the mounting plate. If the plate twists and deforms, the winch housing is likely to break as well, making the winch useless out on the trail. I enjoy your channel, Matt.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

When I had the factory steel bumper I was using the Warn winch plate with it.

[@brandonfureigh6425]

@Ozark Overland Adventures about to order this winch...thank you! I have a new 2022 JLUR with factory steel bumper. Curious if yall went with the Warn winch plate for Boo, or if there is another you recommend if starting from scratch.

[@ivan199120]

Have you had any issues with the ropes? My first rope was chafed and ripped. I contacted them, they sent out a new one immediately, haven’t even used the winch but decided to pull out out just to play with it and once again it’s all chafed. It’s weird. Thinking about replacing the rope for a better one.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

No issues with the ropes. I had one break on me but that was after almost 2 years of abuse.

[@ivan199120]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures after two years that’s pretty awesome! I must be getting a bad batch or something.

[@jeventures]

Now if they could actually ship the one business day later they show on their website. Going on 4 days with a label made but not taken the the post office yet. Would be fine if they hadn’t advertised 24 shipping and I counted on that for a tight timeline.

[@Outdoor-Adventures]

How is this compared to HF Badlands? new subscriber…

[@robertellis2382]

Hey Mat. Love your channel. I am having an issue I hope you can help me with. I bought the Panther S and am having issues with the wireless remotes. I have emailed the company and no response. I tried calling them but it say their phones have been suspended. Do you have a good contact for them?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I contact them through instagram. Given that a try. I’ll also share this with them.

[@robertellis2382]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thank you

[@TrailratUSA]

Good install but should have protected sleeving at possible wear points for cables to prevent 🔥

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

It comes with a sleeve. No need to add one.

[@ninja63639]

Does it use solenoids or a contactor?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I haven’t taken it apart to find out.

[@ay-ay-ron8895]

How much does it weigh?

[@jayspruce]

Can this winch be put on a truck or only jeeps

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

any vehicle

[@JWard2]

What's up Matt! Hello from Little Rock

[@sonnicman]

Matt, I’m proposing a bigger goal. 75k subs by Rendezvous in the Ozarks in October. 🎃

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Sounds great!

[@Wherewegoing]

no fuses? or solenoids?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yes it comes with a fuse.

[@vicc6744]

2 questions- is this company in the U.S.? just thinking about shipping costs and TWO how can you work in bare feet? LOL-

[@aussie-seb]

The discount code didn't work?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Hmmm. It should.

[@aussie-seb]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures figured it out, only works on the 13k S Plus, not the other winches they offer

[@stevekenny9154]

I wish openroad would send me a winch 😊

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

You should ask.

[@stevekenny9154]

I was thinking about the badlands but you got me thinking about the openroad now

[@ii1825]

Decent install I guess. You really gonna use that tiny ratchet to tighten down the bolts on a 13,000lb winch? Seriously, do you not own a torque wrench?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I mean if you’re going by what was shown in the video then I completely failed to tighten two bolts. 😂😂

[@jeffdennis215]

Open road still in business? Both phone #s out of service no response to email?????

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Yes they are very much still in business. Try sending a message on instagram. That's how I talk to them.

[@jeffdennis215]

Probably out wheeling for the Holidays 🎉

[@Uppermost_1]

I emailed them and they responded back the same day

[@edubu172]

Buyers beware, their customer service number has been suspended. It's virtually impossible to get in touch with anyone and you're speaking to someone in mainland China that doesn't speak English and does not understand English... I have a 13000 lb open-road winch that does not work and I can't get open road to do one thing about it. I'm out the $500 I paid for this winch solid. This is a sham of a company and I would strongly discourage you from purchasing an open road there are other options available that will provide customer service.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

I have personally sent them a screen shot of your comment. Send them a message on their Instagram.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

Did you send them a message on their Instagram?

[@flamecranium7787]

Made in china

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

No kidding? Wonder where you’ll find a good winch for this price made in USA? No where. Even Warn’s EVO winches are made in China. 🤷🏼‍♂️

[@billwaterhouse5894]

Hey matt, I left this review on the Install on Cara's Jeep as well. I recently purchased the 9,500 lb winch. I attempted to call customer service for winch plate recommendations, thats when I discovered the number has been disconnected and no longer works. It's listed on their website as employer identification number, I suspected no US location, China Direct only. After communicating with China by email, they stated same "no number available", customer service is strictly email responses after 10:00 p.m. at night from China...which is of course following day for them. I received my winch today...wow...all contents just simply piled into a box, completely unacceptable. Nothing was wrapped or individually packaged or layered as in your reviews, stickers on the winch appear like a child attached them and are peeling in all corners, free spool release completely different than your reviews (flip up 10 cent chrome piece), nothing about this experience was good and I will be returning it. I'm a huge fan of you Cara and the channel, thought important for me to let you know what the average customer experience is. PS happy to email you a photo on how it was packaged/delivered. UPDATE...few days have passed, several customer service emails back and forth. They apologized fir how the winch was received, owned up to the poor packaging (past practice no longer packaged this way), assumed I received a very early on winch. I was offered an RMA...but asked to keep the item if possible. I offered second solution, return this one and receive new winch, properly packaged, up to date/latest version. This they agreed to. I'll update as nessesary.

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

That's awesome. I sent them a screen shot of your comment and told them it was not cool and to fix it. Glad they did.

[@billwaterhouse5894]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures thanks...the story continues. I received a second winch, Clutch and handle broken completely off the winch. Obviously not their fault (BTW, their communication/customer service was excellent along the way). They then offered to send all needed repair parts, asked I fix it and return the other winch at my cost haha. I respectfully declined on both. They then offered to send me a third winch along with repair parts so I could fix the broken winch and return that to their warehouse for resale. I of course declined again. They did eventually send me a third winch, I just returned the first winch today. I just thought I would share all this craziness with you so that you know what you are essentially recommending and maybe you can help them a little bit as it's sorely needed. Thank you very much for responding.

[@kareemrichards4298]

Do you ahve any updates on your winch, I just purchased one and alittle worried about the customer service. Have you used the winch so far ?

[@Benson4A52]

Thanks for telling your story here, the winch seems decent for the price and all but I have yet to see a, "customer service took care of me right away" type of review. I know harbor freight isn't the most amazing company out there but I'm thinking paying a little more and getting a replacement plan is the way to go.

[@r3volut1on]

@@OzarkOverlandAdventures Yea, Ill stick with the Warn Lifetime warranty, and instant customer service. I have always gotten through when calling the Warn tech line, and if there isn't a service center near you, they are willing to send you the warranty parts if you are willing to fix yourself....and their tech reps know their stuff. The extra few hundred bucks for the VR series is totally worth its weight in gold.

[@ay-ay-ron8895]

How much does it weigh?

[@OzarkOverlandAdventures]

That info should be on their website. I haven't weighed it.