Harbor Freight Apex Winch Hang Test and Offroad Test. Can it Hang a V8 4runner?

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks for watching. For anyone curious. Each chain we used is rated for 12,700 lbs. The crane is certified for 40,000 lbs. Each shackle is rated for 9,500 lbs. This was all to lift a sub 5,000 lb vehicle. Nobody ever stood under the vehicle although the focal length on the cameras might make it look that way. I could've said "don't try this at home" but I doubt y'all have a 20 ton crane at home anyway. Once again, winches are not certified to lift vehicles, so if you want to winch your rig up a tree then you're as stupid as me! Woo hoo! Have fun on the trails!

[@linkmasterspitz]

No link about the bison bolts.

[@thelimahotel6874]

Dirt Complex how have you liked your Milestar Patagonia’s. I’ve heard a couple guys that have them and love them!

[@jasonferrier]

Link master Spitz www.bisonoffroad.com/

[@marv8481]

The Lima Hotel, I was actually going to ask the same question. I’m torn between the Patagonia’s or km2s, the big contributing factor is the km2’s are nearly twice the price then the Patagonia’s for my rig.

[@DirtComplex]

@@thelimahotel6874 I have had them for 9 months and I'm glad I saved the money. Ive ran BFG KM and Wrangler MTR in the past. They've performed great offroad.

[@sixtyfiveford]

Hanging a rig from a winch..... Sounds like something I would try. Awesome video.

[@DirtComplex]

Haha. Thanks for watching!

[@EATSLEEPDRIVE2002]

Lol “ safety chains attached to the control arms” Real smart, kid

[@mattpucci2065]

Exactly what i thought m8

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks for watching and dropping a comment! You're smart too, kiddo. (insert sarcasm)

[@brianmorrison9066]

Lol, you dont think a control arm can hold up a car? The 3 point pick forces the chains into the frame anyway.

[@DirtComplex]

@@brianmorrison9066 It's ok. When people don't understand the engineering and math behind certain technology they might mistake it for magic or foolishness.

[@Chrisped11]

@@DirtComplex The control arm can hold the static weight of that vehicle no problemo, but with the amount of slack in those chains had during the first winch lift that vehicle would have came down with a lot of momentem. Even if it had held it sure would have bent the arms or the mounting points out of wack. Would have worked better connecting winch to static point and following with hoist.

[@sahanajayatilaka4796]

The Epstein joke was class

[@DirtComplex]

He got us all with that joke. We were all surprised by it!

[@linkmasterspitz]

Was funny 👍

[@ericwilkes238]

I don't think hes dead I think hes an ace in the hole.

[@superdutyzack]

I rarely watch offroad channels because the content is kinda wacky but this video was absolutely fun to watch!!! Keep up the good work.

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks! You know we just test drove a 2020 F250 Tremor on the road and I'm thinking about making a video on that.

[@jam79car]

I'm giving a like and sub just because of the Epstein reference.

[@packingbone1953]

Epstein lol that was perfect

[@thelifeofjessejames]

Just found this channel and I'm stoked!

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks man. It means a lot!

[@darkdemonmil0]

Same here bud, specially because I just got myself a 2005 4Runner limited

[@randomcitizen2384]

This reminds me of a scene from “The gods Must be Crazy” 😁

[@user-or1lu3ku3m]

whoever decided to not tighten the safety chains when lifting with a winch is truly a spoon among knives

[@user-tj3qx7pd9n]

I love your videos so much. You inspired me to get a 2005 Toyota 4Runner for my first car and I’m in the middle of the build. It’s slow going, but I’ll get my bilstein 5100s in soon and can’t wait to get them on!

[@DirtComplex]

Awesome! 5100s are great. Ive ran those in the past. Get ready for the many adventures ahead with your new 4runner!

[@Steve_MFr]

750k or bust! This thing is a keeper! I like your editing, btw. Very entertaining.

[@DirtComplex]

Thank you. This comment really motivates me to keep going!

[@JAguilar3]

Ultimate tease of 2019

[@whechi]

There is a button to left of steering wheel that disables the rollover sensor so if you tip off road the air bags don't deploy

[@DirtComplex]

Learn something new everyday.

[@jerlaine1638]

that Epstien comment alone is worth a like just saying, also I'm impressed with this winch so far. Glad you didn't flip the T4R

[@VaporRipper]

Please upload bumper install video. Much appreciated.

[@roughpatchroad]

Just got mine for $499 did an unboxing & install video! Very high quality winch for the price

[@Trustyconsultinggroup]

The note that was unfolded was totally worth a thumbs up lol

[@DirtComplex]

He got us all with that joke. Thanks!

[@raulfrescas5404]

I'm loving your videos fellas , keep up the good work thanx for the Harbor Freight shout out I've been trying to tell people for years that HF is stepping up their game lol

[@DirtComplex]

Hahah. Thanks. Im not ashamed of my harbor freight parts!

[@Scott00]

Well this video was enough for me to feel good on decision to buy the apex.

[@jeremylakenes6859]

Gods must be crazy DVD, just hook it up to a branch, turn on the winch, and walk away.

[@porscheguy09]

Harbor Freight has been developing multiple new lines of tools and equipment with a Good, Better, Best or quality rating. They now have their hand tools and power tools ranging from their cheapest (Good) Pittsburgh line up to their new Icon hand tools which are their most expensive ones (Best) with Quinn hand tools in the middle. They’re applying this philosophy to almost all of their products and their Icon line is actually very impressive and comparable to high end tools like Snap-On. I still have a hard time imagining someone dropping $5,000 on a Harbor Freight tool chest though no matter how good it is.

[@landonwoolsey2438]

That Epstein note was hilarious. Just ordered this winch, excited for it to get here!

[@logansmokes.2762]

All 4th Feb 4runners have a button under a plastic cap by the gear lever.you just press it and you can put the truck in N without the key in the ignition.

[@leviwilsongu]

Great vid! I dig the channel, keep us updated on the 4runner!

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks! I'll be posting a lot more in the coming months.

[@jjjackhammerjr1338]

@@DirtComplex Nice Truck

[@backcountryboondockers]

Pulling through mud is a better test than a vertical lift

[@hdrider2071]

Hell yeah! Quick and easy oil change.

[@The_Hi_Life]

That's a badass looking 4runner! Those V8 models r the Best!

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks! I love this engine. It sounds so nice and MPG isnt drastically different vs the v6!

[@bdd1469]

The cheap HF winchs are a great value because they cost less than $300. They are really slow but reliable. I'm sure this is a decent winch but there is no way in hell I'm spending $600 on a throw away winch you can't buy parts for.

[@TommyG_0311]

Harbor freight is a hidden gem. The stuff they are putting out now is some really good. It's like bed bath and beyond for men.

[@SaulChavezHernandez]

Fine! You got me hooked. I want to see more.

[@DirtComplex]

Haha thanks! Part 2 is being worked on right now!

[@SaulChavezHernandez]

@@DirtComplex awesome. I really enjoy the little things you throw in when editing. It breakers up the video and keeps me paying attention.

[@DirtComplex]

@@SaulChavezHernandez Thanks for noticing that!

[@cutweldngrind]

I bought the Badlands 12000 for $320 after tax. I will mount it on my home made flat bed truck. I will be uploading some videos soon. Awesome video.

[@DirtComplex]

Awesome that's definitely a steal!!!

[@cutweldngrind]

@@DirtComplex The Apex is an awesome winch just to rich for me. I need wire rope due to my project but later may by an Apex. I'm building a mount this weekend.

[@jesseyakuta3641]

6:50 TRUTH IS IN THE PUDDING

[@jr.5563]

Jesse Yakuta it’s ‘proof’ is in the pudding...

[@Bloodbain88]

That dog was having a good ol time! Great video.

[@DirtComplex]

You can immediately tell as he ran up to me that his body language was friendly and playful!

[@Shamano37]

Where's the link for those Bison bolts?

[@DirtComplex]

Bison offroad is still testing and getting them in stock. Earliest will be January 2020 and I'll have a video on those soon!

[@JohnDoe-du6yi]

He said, pull out!!!😂

[@JustinCaseWages]

DV8 isn't an eBay brand. They actually make quality bumpers, sliders, skids and wheels. I have been testing out their winch bumper, rear bumper and wheels. I beat on the parts monthly and they hold up great. A poor older Solara decided to rear-end me a week after I installed the rear bumper on my Canyon. Smashed the front end of the Solara so bad it was totalled. My bumper mounting bracket bent slightly and I have a few scuffs in the powder coating. Thanks for the Badlands testing!

[@DirtComplex]

I can't speak to the whole of the company, but for this specific bumper it is a knock off of the all pro bumper. It is made in China but sold and branded by DV8. I don't mind the made in China part since it seems good and kept the price low. Thanks for watching! So far the winch is serving its purpose!

[@Whatever493]

Such a great video. I love the small touches like the "fizzle" with the music a bit after the camera is shooting out the sunroof on trail. MoAr! Pleezs!

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks! I really appreciate the compliments! Next video will be gold mountain redemption. We also took a $900 Land Rover Discovery up the trail hahahaha.

[@emc84]

I really liked this content. Your knowledge and humor is entertaining. Thanks bud👍

[@DirtComplex]

Awesome thanks for the kind words!!

[@soulsurfer8797]

Cool video. As an avid Overlander the only thing I would add is you must test how it performs after being wet repeatedly submerged during water crossings. I overland to reach remote surfing locations and able to confirm my 12k Badlands winch on my 4runner and boat have zero issues. I only swapped out the steel cable and stock pull hook for synthetic line and factor 55 thimble. And I believe you are testing the new version which comes with a synthetic line stock. Removing stock hook is key as over time I saw my previous 8k stock hook snap and almost took my friend. However, this is a possibility on any winch with a factory hook while winching. Have fun on the trails!

[@DirtComplex]

Will definitely get some river crossings and submerged this thing. I'll keep an eye on the hook. Thanks!

[@vegetar7886]

You guy's are crazy lol good stuff

[@DirtComplex]

Hahah thanks! Im a bit crazy.

[@freedomisntfree5573]

It's amazing how many people don't realize that you can lower your tire pressure's and 8t makes a huge difference in the snow. Try it.

[@brandonr.klrcrazy]

One thing....dead weight hanging is a lot different from pulling out of some deep mud suction.....adding almost half the weight of the vehicle, if not more. But I do know this winch will do it. Best winch for the money by far!!

[@libradoaguirre501]

How did you manage to install the Tacoma Bumper on your 4Runner?

[@DirtComplex]

I'm working on the install video and i'll drop the link here when it's done.

[@jacob9775]

@@DirtComplex cant wait, I also have a 4th gen and like how your bumper install came out

[@GriffinHooper]

@@DirtComplex please o please keep us posted! I've got an 03.

[@Joelotto124]

Great video. Thanks

[@frontiergeek4953]

These guys are certifiable. :ROFL But it makes my decision to purchase a Badlands winch from Harbour Freight perhaps a bit less crazy. If I end up doing so. We'll see. I love channels like this, these folk will take a nice shiny truck and risk demolishing it, all for the sake of adventure and engineering. Inspired me to start my own build channel, as well, Frontier Geek.

[@Ero-Sennin692]

We need part 2!!

[@DirtComplex]

Hey man thanks for dropping a comment! Working on part 2 now lol.

[@kleinbiker1]

@9:00 Not ALL Toyota’s are notorious for going out of alignment with bumps or pot holes. Just wimpy IFS ones like Tacoma’s and 4-runners. My land cruiser does just fine.

[@dcook631]

you got a subscriber with the epstein didn't kill himself note hahahahaa

[@larryxiong7531]

Air bag will still deploy with battery disconnected. Short the cable side pos and neg to ensure caps. are drained completely.

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks! It's a good thing we didn't flip it Haha.

[@mannyechaluce3814]

I can't watch till the end, I own one of this V8 4 Runner :D

[@kamiltolpa9141]

Dirt Complex The Tacoma bumper fit without modifications??

[@DirtComplex]

Mostly. The bottom bracket does not line up without modification. I will have an install video soon.

[@rob_over_9000]

Me, just looking at winches. Suddenly, a wild Epstein joke. Instant subscribe, nice work.

[@wootuser]

That Doggo at 11:48 - OMG. Good Doggo. He is all over the place while trying to be helpful, wag tail , sniff, run around, assure my Humans, repeat. So cute, :-)

[@DirtComplex]

Haha the dog started barking when we were winching the jeep out!

[@coast.cutter7552]

Wow I actually liked your video. Keep it up!

[@DirtComplex]

Thank you!!! Much appreciated.

[@bokhao8906]

Great video, you and I got the same T4R, I just put trail edition wheels on my runner last week

[@DirtComplex]

Yeah these wheels look great. Great value as well!

[@jjjackhammerjr1338]

@@DirtComplex I love those wheels

[@isaiahtrevino5996]

Since I had wrecked my Sentra in November i might put a full exo cage on it and some offroad tires and go ripping around with my fwd 4 banger

[@DirtComplex]

The most fun offroading is when you don't worry about every little scratch on your brand new paint. Sounds like a good time!

[@oldrango883]

Epstein is like Christmas lights, they don’t gang themselves 🤣🤣🤣

[@tinman9341]

Damn! Either way, that’s Bakst dude! I wouldn’t have dared to take it to that level!!!! Subbed just for that!!!!

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks for subbing!! More exciting videos to come.

[@jpwheeilng2000]

Cool Video the Only Precaution I would give you is, when you using a much Heavier Crane to prevent your Vehicle from Falling and Smashing to the Hard Concrete Floor, is your Suppose to Following your Winching Up with the Crane, you let the Winch Continue up with out Taking the Slack out of the Crane. So if your Winch Failed your Crane would have Grab it, lets say you Followed it up, trailing your Winch by a Foot, but you Didn't so your FourWheeler would have Crashed all the Way Down to the Concrete Floor. About your Video, it's Awesome anyways, showed the Capability of the Winch, another KZbin person did a Video, showed all the Extra's that came with it, I want One.

[@itzelegant2864]

Did you have to make any modification to get the bumper to fit ?

[@garyrobles1605]

I have an 04 v8 4runner and also am looking to get that front bumper

[@DirtComplex]

The main bumper bolts on after cutting to clear the ac line. I'll put up an install video soon! Gonna get part 2 out first.

[@morgandelgado4763]

Huum harbor freight may send you that money back and may use this video.lol...great video cus

[@DirtComplex]

HAHAH I wish. I tried to post this video on my review on their website and they've block it... twice!

[@KarasCyborg]

@6:45, Most Legit Easter Egg ever.

[@willseeadventures]

Wow!!! Impressive!

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks!!

[@MoY206]

Appreciate the content. Having second thoughts about harbor freight winches now 🤔

[@pjp1288]

Subscribed! Really enjoying the content, especially on the 4Runner! Please do more videos on it such as upgrades etc. Not sure if you are on the t4r or other forums but the budget builds are very popular. Would love to see more detail like any additional mods, fixes or repairs (noticed the new 5th gen wheels) Did it get bigger tires too? Anything else? Thanks!

[@73caprice]

The video starts with Harbor Freight had crappy quality merchandise but now it’s better. Seems like using a really nice truck is a huge risk to test the quality. Unless you have tons of cash seems too risky to me. But Im relieved it all turned ok. It was entertaining to watch.

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks! I personally do not have tons of cash. If I did it would have been a new 4runner being tested... not a 2005 with 478,000 miles on it that I got for under $3000 at the auction. hahahah.

[@craiglabue]

You guys are funny as hell! Great quality video.

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks!

[@ninja63639]

How’s the winch holding up three years later?

[@remb9614]

Just weld up some square tubing in a T shape and stick that in your receiver hitch to stop it from rolling like that if you ever want to try this again and really hang the truck by the winch

[@DirtComplex]

That's a great idea. Maybe one day I'll do it again!

[@cbt4r]

Man I went to site to look for those cam bolt. Couldn’t find it and came back. See this was still being tested. Smh.

[@sansaelee925]

Same here.

[@CrankAddict]

thumbs up for the epstein note. thnks for the laugh. i really needed it this week.

[@DavidUthmann]

Does the bumper just fit, or do you need modifications?

[@russmt4181]

I put this same bumper on my 06 and it took a fair amount of mods to fit.

[@DavidUthmann]

@@russmt4181 I'm curious what kind of mods? Mine is an 04, so I don't think I have to do the hood trim. Do the mounting bolts line up, or is there a bunch of work to be done there?

[@cfltitan]

The Epstien part was hilarious! And holy shit! 476,000 miles!? That's incredible. Any major repairs?

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks for watching! Nothing major other than the usual timing belt and related components replaced.

[@jmanbowman4163]

How did you adapt the Tacoma bumper to fit the 4Runner?

[@theredcelt627]

The sign was awesome

[@ai4kk]

What was the point of the safety chains if they were so long that they wouldn't have stopped the truck from hitting the ground?

[@taliesinangling3564]

So would you recommend the bumper?

[@valleytractorservices9310]

I believe you are reading the shackle angle debating incorrectly. The shackle does not care what angle as long as rotating on the bolt axis. The derating looks to be when pulling the side.

[@DirtComplex]

That wasn't the only diagram I looked at. Most companies who post the specs show decreased working load with increased angle. Each company varies as far as what percentage it decreases, but what was stated in the video is generally true. Pulling at an extreme angle will start to spread the shackle and pull at the threads.

[@grn9209]

Great stuff!!

[@chrism5768]

Video went legend when he found the note!

[@DirtComplex]

Hahaha yeah he surprised us all with that move.

[@wokkez3007]

Nooooooo... it ended to soon can’t wait for part 2 😂😂🤙🏾

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks! Haha part 2 will be here soon!

[@ojbarberena7090]

Any updates? How is that apex holding up?

[@mikuniboz]

What was the trail called?

[@DirtComplex]

Go north on Sheep Creek Truck Trail. Hang a left at the clearing/fork.

[@JonesingUSAF]

Love going out to Lytle Creek! One of the main areas I go shooting!

[@alecbradford3388]

Advice on maintaining a 4th gen this long? Thanks

[@unodfredy]

Lift and tire set up?

[@bubbasdually]

You might also want to install some total chaos cam tab replacements, those are easy to bend and then you cant align the truck at all.

[@scottyferris6626]

Got a like and subscribe for the "gas leak".

[@michealjackson2923]

What’s up with Tacoma guys putting the three amber lights on the grille do they think it’s a Raturd or something? 😂

[@jaredalexander3403]

Fr I saw like 3 yotas with Amber's already up front

[@DirtComplex]

Because it's super cool BRO. It's so sick and it's so awesome that the Tacoma's are trying to be like the Ford becuzzz Fords are the best trucks bro. MOAR LIGHTS MOAR LIKES! WOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

[@jaredalexander3403]

@@DirtComplex haha I'll agree with you there thanks for answering back man I saw a few an was wondering is it stock on the new ones?

[@DirtComplex]

Haha yeah. Not stock, it's just one of those mods that turned into a trend cuz it does look pretty cool.

[@jaredalexander3403]

@@DirtComplex lol I see it honstly doesnt look to bad I think ima add them to my ranger here pretty soon thanks for the feed back much appreciated

[@davidknox4451]

You can still knock your alignment out even with those if you wheel hard. You can still flatten the alignment cams. Though a bead of weld on the to strengthen them or go all out and get the camber alignment tabs kit! You never knock it out.

[@DirtComplex]

Yea I guess if you hit anything hard enough the next weakest link will go. There's also the tie rods and knuckle/hub assembly that can bend.

[@GridGladiator]

Did you have to mod your runner or that bumper at all to get the Tacoma bumper on the 4runner?

[@f.lazaro6591]

Yeahh that was great.... Eipsten didnt kill himself......hahahaha so true

[@TacoParty]

Hell yeah dude!! Come up to Redding and play in the snow with us!

[@redbic420]

I used to live in Bloomington off tamarind and slover by the fire house used to go up to lytle creek all the time love it up there!!

[@gabezlokz5462]

Hell yea my place bro best spot for a little cruise for this eria , awesome channel

[@DirtComplex]

Thanks guys! We used to take sheep creek as a fun shortcut to snowboard in wrightwood to pass the Friday night 15 fwy traffic.

[@Kilomanjaro11]

NASA Never A Straight Answer

[@tymosher17]

I'm here because 4runner even if it is a 4th gen 😉 lol

[@ismaels91]

Lytle creek! I go there often!

[@lummoxoverlandadventures1072]

Maybe I'll see you around Lytle Creek

[@4runningoverland516]

Any update on those Bison Stop Cam Bolts? I haven't seen anything from them yet. I bought some Patagonia M/T's for my 4runner as well. Still waiting on my wheels though.