Harbor Freight DOES IT AGAIN! Is The NEW Badlands ZXR Winch Any Good?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks for watching! One thing I forgot to mention in the video, Warranties... The option to purchase an extended warranty can be extremely helpful, running to a local harbor freight and getting a new winch in the middle of a weekend wheeling trip is a lot more helpful and convenient than waiting a few weeks for replacements to come in the mail. Granted, we haven't had a single issue with the Apex winch in the past 3 years so I have high hopes that this winch will follow suit.

[@DanMcD80]

Ben, whats the "rated" duty cycle of this winch?

[@mattmcdonough707]

I’m still rocking my OG badlands 12k , it hasn’t let me down yet. It’s well over 4 years old and works like a champ

[@davidb9501]

The towing company in my area use Badlands winches exclusively, they get used several times every day. They said they've never had an issue with any of them and they have been using them for several years.

[@chetpietrzak2120]

I have been wheeling & doing recovery for over 20 yrs. All I use is Harbor Freight winch 3,000 lb winch on y atv and 12,000 on the front of my 2008 Ram & a 5,000 lb winch in the bed of the Ram. Never had any issues.

[@t.l.robinson2162]

I own 4 of this exact winch, they have been overused and they work very well.

[@bill1299]

Good review. I was considering the ZXR then I realized after you add the synthetic line, remote, hook, fairlead it adds up to $600. $30 more and you can have the apex that comes with all that extra stuff.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The apex is a great winch! But it doesn’t fit a lot of bumpers that are designed around recessed winch mounting. This is a good smaller option. But yeah the price comes out pretty close and at that point the apex is a faster, better winch

[@GentleGiantFan]

@@JKGearandGadgets I added the stock Rubicon Hard Rock bumper (from a 2015) on mine. Will the Apex fit it?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

@@GentleGiantFan you’d have to cut or grind the bumper shell on the sides

[@JBJHonez]

@@JKGearandGadgets So, got my first winch installed and went out to unspool and respool under the weight of the vehicle. It’s a synthetic rope and was making random popping noises while winching under pressure/weight. Is it normal for it to make a noise the first time?

[@SooSmokie]

​@@JBJHonezno. Return that sucker

[@andrewsreviews4748]

😆 the smile on Ben’s face “OH No! I’m stuck!”

[@zachconroy1443]

I bought an Apex for my son's Jeep at Christmas. When we put it on it was dead no power to the box at all. My advice is to get the warranty. Harbor Freight did do a one time courtesy return because I am an Inside Track member. I'll definitely test out the new winch before installing it this time.

[@SooSmokie]

It comes with 30 days. Should be plenty of time to test your winch.

[@veganpotterthevegan]

Hopefully they eventually increase the warranty like their Hercules tools. Otherwise I'd absolutely get the extended warranty.

[@patrickgreen2361]

I absolutely love your videos. Down to earth, informative, real world stuff.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thank you!

[@franklinwright7248]

I have the old zxr and man she still puts out like a boss!! I love it!! I have used that thing for pulling stumps cars trucks and heavy scrap and still no complaints been a lil over a year and a half now! Upgraded to the synthetic line some months ago and talk about a solid diff!! I love the badland winches and honestly I think I’m a forever badland guy!

[@deathspawn54]

I appreciate the trying to get stuck to actually test the winch, that's commitment

[@Moose400ex]

Great video! Thanks for making it. It's great to have an independently made video for someone shopping for something in particular. I was in the same boat, hadn't bought a winch in 20 years. To spend $1000+ dollars on a warn or superwinch is a lot to throw at something that might only get used every once in awhile. I've got a big huge 'Iron Bull' Sniper 6 front bumper on my '02 dodge 24v HO Cummins truck. It's winch capable but I choose to put the badlands winch in a removable cradle. To have the option to put it in my front 2" receiver or my rear 2" receiver hitch opens the door for more options. Or even not it on another truck or jeep. I also would weld up a 2" receiver mount on the front of a flatbed trailer or car hauler, simply just pin the winch into the 2" receiver mount on the front of the trailer and you got a means to load anything that's dead and not running real easily. I'm going to design up something that will pin a removable 2" receiver hitch and plate into my 5th wheel rails in the bed of the truck. That'll give me the option to either have a secure means of transporting it with out it sliding around the bed of the truck if you didn't want it in the front or rear receiver hitches, like if you were towing a trailer. Being able to secure it in the bed of the truck with it lined and even locked 🔐 securely into a modular 2" receiver hitch the at pins into my 5th wheel rails would be super cool. I could even use it to say load a big elk during hunting season alone by myself. With some atv ramps and the winch cable wrapped around all 4 legs I could drag a 1000lb+ bull elk up some atv ramps and have it loaded in the bed of my truck! Versatility! The HF winch cradle looks pretty decently built, I have seen one video where the cradle bent and got distorted from over loading it. I would like to find one that's a little more heavy duty that has a little more 'meat' and 'beef' to it. But for $50 you can't beat the HF winch cradle to get ya going. I don't even think I could build one with my miller 210 welder for less than $50 lol. I guess it's only as strong as what it's pined/ attached to tho... I choose to leave the twisted wire cable for now. And honestly it makes me feel a little secure, the little 3/8" synth ropes, it's amazing what they can endure and hold. While I have seen them break, anything will break if over loaded. I can always switch to synth rope later on. I may even just buy the synth rope and keep it in my tool box in the bed just incase or as an extension! HF really has stepped up their game with the badlands winches and all the accessories, really in the last 5 yrs or so, all the neat badlands optional accessories, upgraded hooks 🪝 and fairleads, and the soft shackles and tow ropes and stuff. It's all coolest stuff! And for the price you can't beat it. Like I said earlier, to spend $1000 on a warn winch is a lot to throw at something that ain't gunna get used all the time!

[@rob4272]

Thanks brother! i really appreciate how well you test products!

[@jonathonmarquez6644]

Looking forward to the rest of this build. I have a 07 2 door rubicon I’m building now.

[@AlejandroSanchez-qo8qy]

Well that settled my search for a new winch 👌🏼 Bandland it is!

[@JackwDyles-zu3jt]

I just got the 12000 pound winch from Badland and Harbor Freight and put it on my 2013 Jeep wrangler sport 2-Door and it looks great . I got the winch plate from extreme Terrain and I kept my Factory bumper. Love the way it hooked up and turned out and made my Jeep wrangler look 👌

[@KTMcaptain]

Damn I love your channel. Just simple goodness. I have the Apex and got to use it once on a curb stuck Corolla. Unfortunately my rubicon has only gotten stuck in the sand once and that was a traction board recovery.

[@MS-kh2je]

Looked at buy this yesterday on the 25% presidents day sale but didn't because of zero reviews. Thanks for getting one out there quick. At $319 on the sale its a killer deal and get the steel cable run it in the winter to save on the deterioration (salt and cinder grime) and add a freedom winch line for summer wheeling seems like a great idea 💡 😀 👍

[@chadgarner5357]

Just bought the same winch last week. Was perfect fit for the spot I had and extremely happy with it so far.

[@briabbriboski59]

Finally they make it look like a Jeep winch and not a cheap trailer winch with those springs and 90s styling

[@Jeeppeeps]

just bought my apex about a month ago really a wonderful winch i had no idea they were coming out with this..still glad i got the apex for my JLU but for my WJ this looks like the perfect fit! great video

[@chestermejia321]

Nice to have an extra set of paws to help.

[@stevekenny9154]

I just picked one up on the Black Friday sale you can’t beat the price I didn’t know the apex wireless remote worked on it

[@ArchieRowe]

Been waiting for you to do a review on this...and its bout time...Thanks bro!

[@jlautomotive6349]

As always I love your videos… don’t own a Jeep yet but I’m hoping soon to trade in my ‘18 F150 and get into a Jeep again… Had many 4.0 XJs and a Grand Cherokee 4.0 and have always wanted a wrangler… every video I watch the want grows!! Keep up the incredible and amazing work!!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Thanks for watching! And hope to hear that youre in a Jeep soon!

[@Donnut123]

I have a $399 Rough Country 9500 lb. I went with them to match the rest of my budget build. It still works fine 2 years in.

[@BunnyTJ]

That is a good-looking winch and if you take a budget into account, I think it would be super popular. I bought my Winch used for $100, not badland but compared this is a great option. I added an Aliexpress wireless remote to mine and it works great. I didn't notice the beard before haha.

[@RadRover99]

Going on 3 years now with my Smittybuilt xrc 9,500lb. Haven’t had an issue so far 🤞🏽

[@leehowell4258]

Great review! I’ve got an old Warn Dual Force Winch still kicking but I know what I’ll be looking at when it finally dies!

[@Hobbies4Hire]

Great job on the video! Thanks for making it.

[@TheDon8771]

Thank you for this. This is my next buy. I saw it a few weeks ago when I was in the store. Now I know it’s worth it.

[@wrangler70jkujeep74]

On my budget works for me.

[@bennelson9826]

I’m starting to have a lot of faith in harbor freight offroad products

[@JarradShaw]

This was really nice, thanks! I was looking at this but didn’t quite know… and I know Matt from Ozark has I think an Openroad that is also fairly inexpensive. Happy you did this video. Thank you again.

[@jonathonmarquez6644]

I love the 392 build you put up with your other jeep. Would be so awesome if you did a 4bt swap on the 2 door give it that torque and great gas mileage. You have the hemi the ls cummins is what’s left lol love your videos.

[@myloopooping]

Thanks for the video! I know which one to get now. Keep up the great content!!!

[@krashnpa]

That pooch is adorable.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

He’s a handful that’s for sure haha

[@jeffreyforbes2733]

I have a Warn M-8000 on my JKU, which has done fine over the 14. I've had the Jeep. But I will be looking at the Harbor Feight 12,000 lb winch to put on my wife 2019 Jl Wrangler Sport 2dr.

[@NANKEL1]

Paul from Fab Rats loves these badlands winches

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Sweet!! Lol

[@cornmac1796]

Great review. Im really liking the badlands recovery gear but i think harbor freight needs to add some kinetic recovery ropes to there line up!!

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yepp! They have the kinetic 30’ strap, but a rope would be nice

[@bendmacmanufacturing2744]

Zeak 13,000 pound winch is supposed be excellent choice too plus cheaper from Amazon

[@SooSmokie]

No name? Lol, crazy to trust a no name winch when it could possibly save your life.

[@eatonclan1]

I bought the APEX two-ish years ago when harbor freight marketing messed up and I got for it for a few hundred bucks. My thoughts were for a few hundred bucks I’ll run it till it breaks as long as I get a few good pulls out of it I’m happy… 2 Moab trips and a ton of Arkansas, Texas and Missouri trips with 2 1/2-3 years of hard use later it’s still running like a champ! I love that winch only complaint is it’s gigantic

[@brinkybrink]

I use a Snatch Block and a D-Ring Shackle to make pulling easier and extend the life of a winch.

[@desertd2609]

I just bought the apex and waiting for it to ship! By the measurements it should fit my trial forged WJ recessed bumper, 🤞 lol

[@brianbusch2840]

That additional positive lead is so you can add a fuse which you definitely need to do if you don’t want to start welding if the positive gets a rub mark somewhere and chews enough through it to expose the wire. Warn 8274, best winch ever.

[@luckypenney116]

I know warn has a recall out for the Evo series wireless remote. Might be worth checking for the zeon.

[@christopherwest5840]

some tires with real block tread on them would help too

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yeah it was a test of the winch. It got tires and then some lol, turned into an Ultra4 KOH Jeep

[@aprojectile4421]

I have a smitty. But I bought the badlands hook. Two straps fit nicely. Very beefy.

[@Wolf4wdadventures.576]

Awesome bit of gear... Great vid showing the winch doing its thing. Great that you swapped out the cable for the synthetic.

[@jeepindave5464]

On the capacity Ben don't forget the rating is based on one wrap on the drum. Each wrap significantly lowers the capacity.

[@livewithnick]

I wouldn’t say “significantly” but yeah.

[@rayjeep]

Looks pretty. Hope you don't ever need it. If you look in the owner's manual, in the section about duty cycle it states that it is 5% out of 15 minutes. It says that you can use it for 45 seconds out of 15 minutes and then it has to sit unused for 14 minutes and 15 seconds. Warn and Smittybilt cost more but can be used almost continuously. Looks pretty though.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Been using it the past years since this video, 0 issues at all.

[@SooSmokie]

Smitttbuilt has a similar duty cycle. No where near as good as warns.

[@SooSmokie]

​@JKGearandGadgets Good you don't use it heavily then like he said cause that duty cycle is the only down side unless your free on time..lol

[@alexanderdavila4087]

Okay 👍 that was amazing

[@jorgecardenas1128]

Just picked one up yesterday on sale. 307 OTD. Didn’t know they had a Bluetooth adapter.

[@justemptiedeverypocket9520]

Dogs are a big help when you’re wrenching 😂😂😂

[@JeffLager]

The IP66 rating is another reason to purchase this upgraded model.

[@SooSmokie]

The apex is better

[@tex_gil117]

​@SooSmokie obviously the Apex is better but this winch on sale for $279 has me thinking 🤔

[@billhulkins5213]

Great video and testing

[@3vil8unny]

I want 3 lol I really wish Harbourgh Frieght would move to canada also

[@scottnichols309]

I like winch cable . A lot better than synthetic rope . Because I can get my winch cable dirty and I don't need to clean it every time

[@chuckisbusy]

Just a suggestion, could you put numbers on the screen? line speed...amps..

[@mjenner89]

I really considered this winch. But to add the wireless, synthetic rope and fair lead, and you're looking at like half the price of the winch.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

There still aren’t many synthetic winches that can compete with the cost. And there are some other cheaper lines and fairleads online that could be used to bring cost down. I just wanted to keep it simple with all HF stuff

[@brsnow225]

Looks like they rotated the handle position. I put a 12k Apex synthetic on my ‘22 Gladiator with the Mopar winch bumper, had to hack about 3/4” off the winch handle to get it to clear the hole in the bumper.

[@markshainman7890]

I am with your buddy - the Warn 8274 is the best winch ever built! Straight performance , it will put all the other winches to shame.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Its a serious winch for sure! Just not comparable in this budget range.

[@markshainman7890]

@@JKGearandGadgets You are 100% when looking at new - to new winches. The great thing about the 8274 is that since they have been around for so long you can find older ones used for fairly cheap and can rebuild them, and be in it around the same price as a low-to mid priced new winch ! With a couple of upgrades like a 9.5xp or Bow motor and an Albright solenoid you end up with a screaming winch that will put everything else to shame. Of course most people don't want to spend the time rebuilding an older winch, but might be a cool project that you and your buddy can take on - and then do some comparisons to the other winches!

[@alfredodoe3445]

It's finna go on sale for 299 in a couple of days thinking of buying it for my jk I do need it

[@therealrealshocker]

I love those headlights! Which ones are they?

[@xw0lfpack91x]

4:01 at this point look how the line is positioned, it’s close to the ground and running parallel, most your winch force is pulling into the ground. You want to position your anchor much higher in this scenario so you are pulling up and forward not down and forward. This setup just put unnecessary strain on the winch, line, anchor, and vehicle mount.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep. And it made for a good video and showed the winch actually putting in alot of work. Thanks for watching and glad you enjoyed the video.

[@ColoMech]

Use safety blanket might be a good idea

[@finchadaptivefabrication4689]

I enjoyed your video but, I went and added up everything your added to this winch and it came out to $603.00 the Apex comes with all that already and is $599.00

[@blackhawkdown2666]

With them doing away with the winch tensioner how does the new winch work on winding the cable back up without tensioner

[@JBJHonez]

Does it matter if the line is coming off the top or bottom of the drum? I installed a winch and it ended up coming from the top of the drum. It’s how it came from the factory and the controls are going the correct direction when used.

[@SooSmokie]

Depends on your winch. Some are over the top, some are from under. Keep it the way the manufacturer placed it because of how the brakes work.

[@thewampus97tj]

I'm pretty sure this is what I'll run in my xj. The apex would be nicer but it's not necessary for a old beater jeep. Thanks for the review

[@fasteddie1]

Are you wiring it direct to the battery, or are you using a thermo breaker (they used to include one but I’m not sure if they do any longer), or an aftermarket “flip switch” breaker? 2:21

[@JamesGraham1971]

Youve had it for a year, do you still recommend it? I am thinking about buying one this week.

[@REDMAN298]

Grainger has a 12,000# winch at Grainger for $1700. Apex $630 at HF. That`s a big difference.

[@BAGUBA1000]

Matt’s off-road recovery uses the badlands winches on everything

[@SooSmokie]

The apex ones, not these cheaper versions.

[@benjamincoronado3406]

Might be a dumb question but does anyone know if this would work good on a car hauler trailer??

[@cfreeses]

I have an 08 wrangler X 2 door that is my current daily driver/project off road rig. Already have a badlands zxr, front bumper, headlights, tons of mods inside. I can't wait to see what else you do with this. Let me know if you are getting rid of that hard top though lol. I need a hard top and to add cruise control

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I learned my lesson with the JKU, NEVER get rid of a hardtop lol

[@marcusalancate1782]

That looks like fun in that area. Can you tell us where that is please?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

It is crossbar ranch offroad park in Davis Oklahoma

[@jeepdoctv]

Ah, electrical tape!! Genius!! I use silicone the day before… 👍

[@seanhartigan2841]

Any update on how its holding up?

[@tex_gil117]

I just saw this winch at harbor freight for the parking lot sale at $279. Im contemplating it but idk if I should just go with the apex. I drive a 2022 ram 2500 and will probably only ever use the winch for emergencies.

[@dad3562]

I’d get it for 279

[@heavenleigh111]

Did you hook the small ground wire on the Warn in wrong place? If you hooked it to the black post on winch (which is not a ground) the same as you did on the Badlands then your Warn is not properly grounded and that wireless remote will never work correctly. You night consider reading the instructions for the Badlands winch as well to make sure that the small ground wire isn't supposed to go on that black post as well.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The instructions on the warn winch clearly state to attach the small control pack ground wire to the winch post where i have it, same with the badland.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

www.warn.com/Attachment/DownloadFile?downloadId=934

[@JKGearandGadgets]

And how would it not be a ground? It’s a post on the case of the winch (ground), and it’s a shared post with the ground cable that goes directly to the negative battery terminal… That is literally a grounded connection lol

[@Stackali]

you always need at least double the weight of the vehicle. and it doesn't hurt to have more than that.

[@johnpinckney7269]

line speed is inversely proportional to max pull.

[@bobvedder2451]

Does harbor freight also sell the winch mounting plate?

[@slcoareschannel1943]

GREAT VID!!! THX!

[@DirtRoad_Chronicles]

Which would you say is better when comparing the apex to the zxr? Most reliable?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Apex

[@joerouth6255]

Let me know when you guys are in Socal area with your 2door. I’m down to meet up for some wheeling. I have a 2dr jk…

[@JamesGraham1971]

Its been a year, would you buy it again? I am looking at this model to purchase this week.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yes

[@ripd97]

So which one is better, the 12K APEX or the 12K ZXR?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

I prefer the apex if you can fit the larger size body winch

[@ricklandon3452]

I think the next Mod for the 2 dr JK, probably should be some rock sliders, that was hard to watch, lol.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Oh yeah. I was trying to be very careful out there

[@yakitoriPB]

Is that crossbar off-road ranch?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep!

[@hunbun101]

do you think you’ll be keeping the 3.8 in that new, to you, jk./ what are your thoughts on the motor is it necessary to replace?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Its not necessary to replace, you just have to run the proper gearing. I ran the 3.8 in the JK with one tons and 40s for a long time. This JK has alot in store, beyond the capabilities that the 3.8 can offer. 3.8s arent a big powerhouse by any means, but they are reliable and last a long time.

[@eeassa]

As for anything Harbor Freight, will it work the next time though?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The apex we have has been killing it for the past 3 yesrs

[@kolbclassicbuild4871]

Are you in OKC, OK??

[@PhatboyHD88]

I have Badlands new recovery strap with 20% stretch ,and 2 of their soft shackles . They are just as good as my other soft shackles at like 1/3 the cost . Harbor freight Badlands for the win ..

[@keanonreep1040]

Can you tell me if you can clock this winch? I’ve got an ARB bumper on a first gen Tacoma and the winch needs to be mounted feed forward with clutch control able to be accessed through a slot to the side of the fairlead location.

[@wayfaringoverlander]

Any info on how to click this winch?

[@foamfreaks3757]

Did you have any [off camera] over heating issues with winch? I remember reading somewhere that some manufacturers use the wire rope as head sinks, especially on cheaper brands.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Nope! After each pull I felt the positive wire and the line/drum and it never even got warm.

[@stevoeight]

How did you attach it to the drum? The steel cord goes through the drum with a set screw and from my understanding the synthetic rope has a loop on the end.

[@JKGearandGadgets]

The synthetic kit comes with a washer and bolt that installs through the eye of the line and onto the drum

[@okiesoonernews4645]

Is that Trott line you did that in?

[@JKGearandGadgets]

Yep! Good eye