Why I replaced my Warn winch with a Harbor Freight Badlands

[@trapperjohn2462]

About 10 years ago, I bought a Badlands 12000 pound winch. The price was $299.00. I had a discount coupon that lowered the price to $225.00. I figured, I could burn through 2 or 3 Badlands winches for the cost of a Warn. The Badlands winch has never let me down. It is still going strong. I have 2 inch receivers on both the front and the back with quick disconnect lugs. I couldn't be happier with my winch

[@Thatbeardedguy86]

I know that there can always be failures even with the most reliable products. But like Casey I’ve had two Warn fail me at the worst possible times. Now I’ve got a Smittybilt that’s been going strong for years without a single hiccup and a Badlands I’ve had for a year that continues to surprise me. Great price and solid product.

[@tiredoldmechanic1791]

There are the die hard Warn winch fans out there. One guy I knew paid about $1,500 for a 12,000 pound Warn winch. I told him he was foolish when he could have bought the Badlands for $350. He said his Warn has a lifetime warranty. I told him he could buy 4 Badlands winches for what he paid for the Warn. I like receiver mounts too because winches can be moved from vehicle to vehicle easily and they can be kept out of the elements until needed. If one would fail, it can be swapped very easily. I wish vehicle manufacturers would install Anderson connectors on vehicles. It would make jump starting easier and safer as the electrical connection is much better and the polarity is always correct.

[@mediocreman2]

I agree with you except for winches are not like shoes. You can't just swap to another one as needed. You need something reliable. If the harbor freight winch is the more reliable one, then it's worth more. Your friend was banking on the previous reputation of Warn, which is understandable. I can't afford a USA made Warn so it's a decision I don't have to make. 😅

[@davidwoermansr]

The only thing warn on anything I own are the locking hubs on the 75 Chevy K20 I just got 3 days ago and they'll be changed as soon as my new ones come in

[@matthewwilliams9028]

Just went through that lifetime not warrantied with warn on a dc1600 winch .the plastic cases needle bearings failed on the brake they were willing to sell me all the parts to fix it. Or anew winch both at my cost.

[@Christopher-vf6kx]

That is my setup as well with Smitties.Swapping them between vehicles and pulling them into the shop when not needed has really kept them going. Also great to move trailers around with that front receiver. Love that episode. Thabks for sharing!!

[@Rat-Builder]

I made an off road T Bucket, and since I have a reputation of sometimes making poor decisions, I have a Badlands 5,000 winch with a receiver mount that I can use on either end. I have the same kind of power connector. As far as wheeling alone, 98% of my quad/dirt bike/ T Bucket, off road traveling is done alone. If I had to wait for someone to go riding with, I would never go riding. I am 74 years old, and I have been this way for my whole life. I started riding dirt bikes in 1966, so I will make the statement that I know where my vehicle will go and where it will not, or more importantly where it SHOULD not go. One thing that I will do though, is, I will not do sketchy stuff. There is no sense in leaning into a left hook. I am very well aware that crap happens, BUT, I refuse to hide under the bed. LOL My quad has a lot of survival equipment packed onboard. The dirt bike? Not so much. I do always tell my Girl Friend where I am going, just like you most likely tell your Wife where you are going. I just found your channel a few weeks ago. I love it!

[@CaseyLaDelle]

I would love to see that T Bucket!

[@Rat-Builder]

@@CaseyLaDelle Give me your E-Mail, and I will send you a pic, or 2.

[@ConSeann3ry]

Please post that Tbucket to your youtube. If it's just pics you can post up as a slideshow. Are you on facebook? Join the local page for your offroad spot. People always post "going up tomorrow, on 33s with open diffs, hitting blue trails" and stuff like that to find people to join them.

[@Rat-Builder]

@@ConSeann3ry Sorry man, I am 74 years old I do not know how to post pictures on KZbin. Shoot, my "smart" phone is waaaay smarter than me.

[@ConSeann3ry]

@@Rat-Builder you are smart enough to build a 4x4 T rod, the only thing holding you back from knowing how to do that is wanting to know how to do that.

[@85square]

Only bad thing I have heard about badlands winches was from cady from wranglerstar who mounted his winch to an aluminum bumper that flexed so much it caused the winch to crack, still not the fault of the winch.

[@MJPeddler]

He was using it in a way that likely would have killed any winch also.

[@user-rn6yc1vh4q]

Wranglerstar is a moron, I am surprised he has not mangled himself or someone else . It's all about views , nothing more .

[@tarster]

watched that also.. It was more of how he was using the winch than anything else.. put some really bad stresses on it, almost seamed like it was on purpose.

[@85square]

@@tarster well he is a warn fan boy

[@DB-yj3qc]

Don't forget he hooked it to a Aspen tree 😉 then overloaded it to destroy it.

[@haroldphipps3457]

HF gave Fabrats a winch for Landon's truck. A friend had HF winches in his trailer for witching his pulling trucks in the trailer. His weak ass mount broke and messed up the HF winch (9000 lb). HF warrantied the winch! Even offered to let him upgrade to the 12,000 lb winch for the price difference.

[@ITubeTooInc]

Actually the new Badland 5500 lb. winch which is still not on the market yet was for the Zuzuki Golden Nugget build for Ed: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bom4Z4udetaYZ8k For Landon's GMC truck they installed an old used 9000 lb. winch as you can see here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nKqYYYNjgpaGick

[@docfischer7291]

The Badlands design is the old Ramsey patent . Almost an indestructible design. I never liked any of the newer Warn setups. Even their dual motor 8274 setups are not entirely strong . We had one on an old Dodge Power Wagon that was a fire service truck . Too many fails in the field. Ramsey , even with their old hydraulic patents were amazingly strong.

[@twotwentyswift]

The line speed of the old 8274 is a thing of beauty though! 🙂

[@rangethetrail]

i *LOVE* my 8274!

[@jarrythskeen8336]

Love to see another person prepared as I am for emergencies as you are, most of my truck for my emergency lights and first aid equipment is a Fail-Safe systems Carry Three first aid kits three fire extinguishers all of my waiter individually controls with one fails I have another Lipa cover that exact same area. Stay safe out there

[@kgrant594]

It would be useful to hear your description of your past winch failures and your thoughts on why the failure occurred.

[@preachers4135]

Was thinking the same. He explained this failure was not from low voltage or other vehicle electrical system faults but didn’t give the root-cause-failure or observed pattern failures of other winches. This would be nice to know.

[@alcopower5710]

Yep👍

[@billolgaau]

In Australia we have had a lot of problems with Rust ( Heaps!) & solenoid failures. We do a lot of river crossings up to 3ft deep.

[@timlong1462]

Can't believe I've never thought to do Andersen wire crimps like that. I think I'll add a whack with the hammer crimp afterward as well so the stress isn't only on the solder joint, but awesome thinking. Thanks!

[@Tuscarora-Twigg]

I found your channel through a comment mentioning you that was made on Matt's Off-Road recovery channel. I'm loving your rescues/recoveries. I especially liked that you help homeless veterans. Keep up the good work!

[@kenkaplan4413]

I'm 63 and have never needed anything more than a comealong and a snatchum strap for my 46' cj2a but I think I am going to go for the badlands for my dually Dodge 4x4 with an 11' truck camper. That way when I mistake my truck for my jeep I may not have to call you. Thanks for the review

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

It is unfortunate that winch crapped out; especially during a recovery. With all your expertise and experience the Harbor Freight winches speak for themselves. Having it removeable just adds to your flexibility and diversity in various situations. You might need an upgraded and insulated shop for next winter! Keep up the awesome videos Casey!

[@bruddamoe4993]

He has close to zero expertise.

[@sandralutz-rodriguez2864]

@@bruddamoe4993 what?

[@wxdad6256]

Ive been using my HF Badlands for over a year on my car trailer and I love it. Only paid $400 for it on sale.

[@brianhendricks5326]

Nice job. The warn 4750 on my fj40 is going to be replaced due to multiple failures. Badlands has been much improved. Keep to your values ...world needs more people like us...

[@wylde007]

It's good enough for Matt's Off Road Recovery - and now you - I mean, that's a pretty serious endorsement. I've recently purchased a Keeper KW75122RM-1 but I haven't had a chance to try it out... yet.

[@bob-who-must-not-be-named8522]

All the operators I watch swear by the Badlands. If my Yaris ever needed a winch, that's what I would buy for it.

[@JGMan0011]

I thought the same thing! I've had 2 Warns which never failed me, (Warns were more expensive so I bought them used) but I can count the times I've needed to use each of mine on one hand! When I have bought cheap furniture I have always gotten what I paid for - junk that fell apart. However, I would respect the opinion on the long-term reliability and quality of winches from these two guys over my limited experience!

[@drugtalk101]

3:45 2 is 1 and 1 is none! Love your work ethic and your train of thought! Happy holidays!

[@Fordgroup00]

How many spare tires do you carry?

[@drugtalk101]

@@Fordgroup00 depends on the rig my Jeep 2 my truck 0

[@Fordgroup00]

@@drugtalk101 Then you’re not fully committed to that mantra, just repeating it to sound cool

[@drugtalk101]

@@Fordgroup00 can you read?? My Jeep has 2 spares plus tire repair kits ect and when I go out that what I take. If I’m running around town I use my truck which currently has 0 so yea I totally live by that buddy! You almost sounded cool..

[@Fordgroup00]

@@drugtalk101 If you actually lived the talk BOTH rigs and such would have 2 or more. Only 1 rig having 2 is just a talking mouth piece item

[@jamesarmstrong7095]

Suggestion when making those Anderson plug connections or for any electrical cable fitting: Crimp first before soldering - mechanical connection before electrical for a good reason. If it becomes a "resistive" connection, it gets hot and your soldered joint will fail. One can make a good crimp by finding a nut that fits the diameter of the fitting, cut it in half, rest the connector in it, insert the stripped cable end, then ground the sharp edge from a chisel until rounded and use it to "stake" the cable into the fitting, BEFORE soldering. The nut keeps it in shape. It was a good technique for the Alaska bush I used to work in.

[@garymoon2829]

This video is good in re-runs....it's one of the first Casey vids I watched more than a year ago, just stumbled on it again, and enjoyed it even though the shop work is way above my pay grade and I don't have an off-road rig. I just admire Casey's broad skills and confidence.

[@bessmay4385]

My husband and I are new to your channel after seeing you on Robbie’s & Matt’s channels! We really love all the things you do and how hard you work to help yourself and others! We really appreciate you featuring all the beauty your area has that’s just incredible and challenging plus all the small details you take to get things done! Explaining why you make one decision or another because you back them up good or bad! Just great content and we really appreciate you sharing your day’s with us folks from Ohio!

[@bobbolieu9013]

Bravo Casey. Good tools are good tools; the name isn't important, quality is important. Love your sarcasm, it is always well earned by the person or company.

[@davidbeckenbaugh9598]

The KZbin algorithm put me onto Mat's Recovery about three months ago. Today, it put me onto this channel. I have now watched three of your vids and, Surprise! Here is this one with a review of the Badland's Winch. I have often wondered about them. I noticed on the first views of Mat's and they were using Badland's. I thought they must be pretty good when a professional recovery crew is using them. And now this pops up. How nice. I just purchased a Mitsubishi Pajero and will be looking at a 6k or 7.5 k winch for the receivers on it. Seems like my mind just got made up for me... Thank you....

[@dukeflem]

AWESOME!!!! Great idea!! I'm going that way myself this week... Not waiting for the failure to add the Badlands.

[@beardedpatriot1857]

I use the 12k apex badlands winch on my jeep. Love it. It's pulled everything I've hooked to it without any issues. The last warn I had only worked a few times.

[@zangzang1268]

When soldering lugs onto cables it's best to tin the wires first sir. Also after inserting tinned wires into lugs, crimp for mechanical connection, then sweat it good with solder. That's a tip and not a criticism. :)

[@Prevailingbucket]

You are correct. Definitely his demonstration is not the way for the best possible connection. Most factory connections skip the soldering all together. Soldering creates a hard point connection that tends to crack. Never let the solder weep back up the wire under the insulation. To do so will eventually cause the wire to fail.

[@DagonNaxos]

The way he did it is still okay. Cupping a lug like that, given the wire size and application is acceptable. It's hot enough to dip it like that and still bond for a decent connection.

[@zangzang1268]

@@DagonNaxos It worked, I'll give you that. Proper technique, no. The wire wasn't even pre-fluxed. The best practice method is to tin, crimp, sweat - common commercial manufacturing method is just crimp - in my shop it's tin, crimp, sweat. Soldering without a mechanical connection is improper - yes it works, but it's improper. As well, not pre-fluxing or tinning wires is improper technique. That's basic soldering 101. The reason is if the solder joint isn't pristine, even if it is a good solder joint, that's where it will fail and at the current levels a winch motor is capable of drawing things get hot quick. That's one of the reasons why commercial cables are crimped - beyond ease of manufacture - a solid mechanical connection. Nobody is criticizing, we are suggesting to help Casey out. Didn't suggest it wouldn't/couldn't work, suggesting a best practice method.

[@rogermontee8264]

Glad you have a new winch on Willys jeep. From what I have seen there’s lot of people using these Badlands winches. Thanks for sharing.☺️☺️☺️👍👍👍👍

[@fscottgray9784]

Good info.. I have always been a Warn guy but will probably try a bad lands next time.

[@ptchippy]

Well you just made my mind up on which winch get thank you! And yes H.F. Should sponsor you.

[@bigonebikes]

I e never had as much fun watching KZbin videos as I do yours! Wow great great videos. Love the snow rescues. Best KZbin channel bar none!!!

[@jdreaper2176]

I've got a badlands zxr 12,000 pound on my truck. I put 1/2 rope on it which I like alot better. I've winched out of deep snow and a area of solid ice this year. Also winched a guy out of a ditch stuck in snow. Works great every time.

[@byronwhitney665]

I found your channel a few months ago and I feel blessed to have done so. I absolutely appreciate and respect your honest and sincere approach. I’m old enough to be your Grandpa, but you remind me of myself at your age. I like that you think for yourself and prepare accordingly. I have a 30 year mechanical background. Take that warn winch apart and look at the internals. And if one of your HF winches fail, do the same thing. You won’t find many differences. WHY ??? Because many foreign manufacturers “copy” and reproduce the design of popular USA brands. They save millions of dollars in research and development by doing so. They also often identify weaknesses in the original design and then take appropriate measures to reduce or eliminate them. In todays world, many of the Engineer’s in foreign countries

[@robsdeviceunknown]

Well, speaking from first hand experience. We innovate and invent, then send it off to China to make, we're idiots. China does a 8 hour run of your product, then swaps a couple things and continues the run for themselves. YOU paid for the tooling cost, YOU paid for R&D, YOU paid for most the materials... THEY steal it all.

[@byronwhitney665]

@@robsdeviceunknown I completely understand. That’s basically what I said in my comment. I know from 1st hand experience. I’ve Seen “Copy cats” numerous times. More to the point, not everyone has $800-1000 for a winch. But $400-500 is within range/budget. Many make the decision to compromise. And honestly today, it’s not that much of a compromise in quality. Basically speaking, any “good” winch is better than none at all. I don’t blame the average Joe. I blame the politicians in Washington DC. They sold out AMERICA while enriching themselves. Special interest and lobbyist only care about how quickly they can fill their pockets with dark money.

[@barrym266]

I just bought a pair of Keens boots, from Coastal, and they are awesome. Out of the box comfortable, and warm, even when trudging in the 15" of snow we got the last few days. New subscriber

[@sharonkrentz5452]

Tow trucker whisper! You are very knowledgeable of every situation to tracking to figuring what you need in e situation! Love your ideas you tow!

[@sergeyo3356]

Me and my friend install winches on our vehicles about 5 years ago, my badlands still working with no problem!!!! He is “WARN”already died couple years ago…!!!

[@lanedexter6303]

For serious work, the Ramsey 10,000 lb. PTO winch on my 1966 International 1300 4x4 (along with a Mico brake lock) was hard to beat. I kept 150-165’ of 3/8” on it, and did a lot of work. Electric winches are for getting unstuck, not yarding logs all day.

[@OnefastAZfarmtruck]

I’ve had a warn loose a solenoid once (it was about 15 years old). I’ve had 2 smitty bilt winches crap on me. It’s inconvenient if I ever have to, but I carry extra solenoids for the warn in case they fail in a 10 years or so.

[@armonefoulon3674]

Love your channel, keep up the great work. It’s great to know the Harbor Freight winches have worked for you. They certainly are less money. FYI…I’ve had Warn winches for over 40 years and never had one fail, I certainly don’t use them as much as you do.

[@Stephen06GT]

Another great video. Thanks for being so honest in your reviews.

[@shawndonnelly5317]

Thank you for another very informative video Casey.

[@alexward4569]

I've wondered about the Badlands winches. Now I can go get one. Thanks!

[@mahbriggs]

The Harbor Frieght Badlands are awesome!

[@eircjohn12]

Casey keep up the great work. Can’t wait to get out to Bend to wheel my custom suspension Jeep LJ. Really enjoy your little helper reminds me of my 11 year old son.

[@dentside]

also the thing i love about harbor freight is that they have warranty's you pay like $25 for a 2 year warranty and if anything happens to it what so ever you get a brand new one and all you have to pay is the $25. even if it is still working you can just bring it in and get a new one so you reset the 2 year warranty on it

[@jaebee3313]

I have that exact Warn winch. I got it because of the air compressor. I have never had a challenge with it, and have pulled a few stuck jeeps in my day as a member of a jeep club. Only winch that has ever failed for me was a harbor freight ATV winch, and actually, I overloaded it by a huge margin so that was on me. I will need to keep on eye on Warn. Great vids! Thank you for your service to the community and for your knowledge!

[@oby-1607]

If you have a heavy enough pickup truck cab guard or headache rack, one can bolt or weld on a receiver hitch to accept the winch on it. That way you have a high position to winch a heavy animal into your pickup truck box. We did that on our pickup and it sure helped to load a moose up into the box.

[@PNWJEEPER01]

Never had a Warn winch, even though they build them right down the street, on account of cost. I have used their hubs on nearly every rig and never had an issue. I have Q-tec 10,000lb winches with steel cable on both rigs and there have been no issues with either, though they don't see nearly as much use as yours.

[@rshutterbug47]

Thank For All That Info Now Tell Us What You REALLY Think Ha ha, No it's Good To Hear From Someone Who has Used Both & More Than Once Every 5 Years &Tell How Long They Last 👍👍👍

[@CaseyLaDelle]

Yeah I use them slightly more often than the average person!

[@wpgoodsonify]

Had same problem with my Warn winch. Replaced with a Smity Built winch. No problems so far 5 years later.

[@landrover827]

Buhhhh buuuhhh my warn winches is …. Blah blah! I’ve heard many bad things about HF winches, by people that have 1. Never used one! 2. Swear up and down about how great Warn winches are. Glad to see your video and keep up the great stuff!

[@als484]

The only problem I have had with the Harbor Freight winch was the brake springs broke, I called them and they sent me a replacement one, I installed it and its working fine, it’s now 8 years old. I mostly use it to pull over trees, have to anchor my truck but it works great.

[@HH-zg8zm]

Nice first Jen harbor freight winch I herd was hit or miss I wondered how badlands did thanks for the information if you trust them you know there a working unit.

[@Starman1016Adventures]

All those off brand winchs are pretty much designed off of older versions of Warn winches anyways, I currently use a 9k superwhinch for the last 13 yrs no issues. Been enjoying your channel now for about 6+ months, Time to subscribe, Keep it up...

[@byronwhitney665]

Casey, just an FYI. In 1997 I had a 4 wheel drive vehicle that I installed receiver hitches on the front and back. Each was fully powered to operate my winch. At that time I didn’t have enough money to buy two winches. But today I do. And if I were operating a business like yours, I’d do exactly like you. Redundancy is critical, but very misunderstood and unappreciated in the USA. I imagine the double barrel shot gun was invented because it provided the ability to take a second shot if you missed your target the first time.

[@woodennecktie]

wrong, the second barrel was an improvement over the competition. And what man settles with one barrel ?

[@byronwhitney665]

@@woodennecktie that’s funny. I honestly don’t know the actual history. But my very first shotgun was a single barrel 410, that my father got me as a Christmas gift when I was 14 years old. That was 52 years ago. Since then a lot has changed. I really enjoy my 12 gauge Weatherby over&under. Browning 30/06, and half a dozen hand guns. My Glock 22, 40mm, being a favorite.

[@kalebrivers5260]

Actually the double barrel allows you to have two different chokes at the same time.

[@byronwhitney665]

@@kalebrivers5260 I agree that…that is true with todays more modern shot guns. But I don’t believe that was the case with my Grandfather’s Damascus double barreled (50 years ago) shotgun. Or even 20 years later with my fathers first 20 gauge side by side. But honestly I’m not 100% sure. I do agree 100% with todays newer shotguns. I have a Weatherby 12 gauge over & under with a wide variety of screw in chock options. My older RUGER over & under has one full chock and one modified chock. But I still maintain that the second barrels most valuable asset is the opportunity for a second shot. Even when you don’t miss the first Pheasant, you’ve got a chance to take down a second one.

[@kalebrivers5260]

@@byronwhitney665 actually if that double barrel is a 12 gauge, I bet a quarter will go in one barrel but not the other. Ones a slug barrel an the other i forget the choke on it.

[@donaldcampbell5277]

Have 2 Harbor Freight winches on my trailers. I also have a Braden 8000 lb one sitting in the garage. Took it off my truck and stashed it. Had it on a cj8 and had to extend frame 18 inches.

[@glennharasym5683]

Just agreeing with you on the Warn winches. I have had a couple fail and the other brand I buy haven't let me down yet.

[@barneygirl9643]

Great job! Keep up the great videos and stay safe out there!❤️🙏

[@roadsidecarcare]

You definitely are right, working alone going in the deep woods and helping someone but getting stuck or messing up one thing and not having another to get the job done or even to help yourself is very bad for business... Great work tho 👍🙏💪

[@625jeffrey]

Yep I agree. Wranglerstar (Cody) had issues with his badlands and bashed them but the way he mounted it and the way he used it caused the failure. Pulling out a buried stump and anchored to a tractor, would have killed any winch

[@CaseyLaDelle]

Yeah, and in that very same video he killed a Warn winch just a few minutes before doing the exact same stupid thing, then makes a whole rant video against Harbor Freight. I definitely have my opinions on that dude...

[@dennisbermani7483]

You should crimp the. Connection before soldering ,the cables will get hot and melt the solder .

[@poisonpony1]

What you did there to Jeep is a great idea. Wheeled a lot in my time. And my rigs were usually set up with just one winch that I could move from front to back or just take off when I wanted to. And for a recovery business that's even more important. As you clearly pointed out when something fails to immediately be able to change it out and continue with the recovery is far more important than anything else. I think any of us that have lived out in the back country and spent time either farming or four-wheeling or things like that practicality is the most important thing. And a lot of those name brand products look great on the pavement princesses. Shiny, pretty, recognizable. But people who make they're living with their equipment everything has to do with how good it works, and how easy it is to maintain, and the cost effectiveness of replacement. Doing what you do as a business is a whole lot different than a weekend warrior. I hope people when they watch your videos think about that.

[@reedr1659]

Perfect, now you can get some jumpers that plug into your QD if you don't already have them. Those are money. Got them on my semi. Comes in handy.

[@TheSatos]

I run this winch in my Jeep has worked perfect for me. Can’t say enough good about it!

[@williamperdue7431]

A lot of Great similar channels out here . I started with BSF Recovery Team , than Matts Offroad Recovery , and of course FAB RATS . Seen a few of Your videos .... Will watch the rest ! You Sir rank right up there with the fore mentioned . Excellent content , Top Shelf ! Looking forward too more ... Thank's .

[@paulshannon4576]

I had a Warn winch for about 40 years that never let me down. It was from the 60’s. I’m getting ready to mount a 12,000 Badlands winch using a Rough Country front mount on my F-350.

[@dw8119]

I just installed the 12k Badlands winch on 2011 F350 with Rough Country front mount and it looks great. The only hiccup was installing the two (2) long bolts to the frame underneath the RC front mount. Who ever designed this, wasn't thinking of real world application, it look me a good few hours just to tighten two (2) bolts, but I got it on and love it.

[@paulshannon4576]

@@dw8119 good to know. It’s probably going to be spring before I get time.

[@curtisbull1583]

Our company has 2 of these apex 12000lb winches, they work great and haven't failed us yet. About to buy 1 maybe 2 more. Also agree with you, putting winches on a carrier so they can be moved front to rear is the best option. Only way we set up a winch.

[@surfingcuriositywaves4046]

For good backups, a Tirfor winch is hard to beat. The failure point might be you, but it won't be the winch. And because it can be moved into any angle relative to the load and anchor point, it really can solve pretty much any pulling problem.

[@machew2009]

I switched from warn to harbor freight badlands winches years ago I have had nothing but problems with warn winches and I still have my first badlands which from years ago and still works just fine. Also I noticed the breaks on the badland winches hold up alot better the warns do

[@Mike__S]

I have an 8k *Traveller*(Tractor Supply Co. in house brand) on my TJ that was installed by a previous owner. I have no idea how old it is, but it just works. The only maintenance I've done to it is inspect the cables for chafing, CLP the lever to keep it moving free and clean the controller connections. I used a knife to to reshape the male connectors to insure a good connection

[@DB-yj3qc]

I've been using receiver mounted winches for 22 years with Anderson connectors. I was running 2 8k winch's a Ramsey (I went synthetic line back in 99) on front and a pre badlands on rear slow as S### but not failed. I've had Mile Marker fail and free spool under load. I replaced it with the Q-tec 9 K on my LJ. I'm running a "no name brand" on my JT. Currently I've got a mix of cable and synthetic winch lines. I'd be running only synthetic lines if I used my winches regularly too. Probably why my 4wheeler has synthetic winch line more use. I've seen more Warn winches fail than any other winches. Now one U-tube person was dogging the Badlands winch after basically hooking it to half of the state (Aspen tree) and trying to pull it up. Destroying the winch. Then "replacing" it with a Warn winch then saying how great it is.🙄🙄

[@Lukaslevanen1435]

Wranglestar did that I watched it. 100% user error not on the badlands. And that’s the only one I have heard fail.

[@K3Flyguy]

I feel Warn is just no longer the top notch company that they used to be. I don't use a winch daily but I do use a winch often for varied projects.

[@gabrieluribe1852]

Thanks for the information, it will really help 👍.

[@curtowens7160]

Good information, we have a new harbor freight 45 miles away. I know they have good tools, and good prices. Thank you.

[@14keanan]

Super cool jeep man! I live in bend and have seen that thing around a few times

[@alltruckedup2024]

I ordered a Warn 16.5 winch back in June then was told it wouldn't be delivered until summer of '22. I ditched Warn and went with a Harbor Freight Badlands winch.

[@joemascioni3101]

I have had a Badlands 12K on the front of my YJ for 6+ years now, and the only thing that I replaced on it is the solenoid control. It got wet where it was mounted to the top of the winch and the solenoid inside rusted. I have since moved the control box to an inner fender and ran the wiring for the winch control inside to the dash. Now it's all sealed and out of harms way. Great content Casey!

[@megan29720]

You deserve more subscribers than you currently have.

[@ditzydoo4378]

I understand how you feel about reliability. I'm still using the original Dealer option Koenig PTO driven winch that came on my 1956 Willys CJ-5. Upgraded with modern synthetic rope and has never let me down.

[@aarondavid2150]

He needs more subscribers

[@buyamerican3191]

I have a Badlands 12k on the front of my 99 TJ, Never a problem. Also have the same on my 99 XJ, also never a problem!

[@dorsk84]

I have a 12k Badlands on my TJ. I have pulled. A sunk boat (paddle boat) out of my lake. It was at least ½ buried in the bottom silt cause of winter storms. Pulled it out like the load was not even there. All I have done to it was change out all the grease in the planetary gears with good highend stuff.

[@peternorthrup6274]

2 years now with my firey red winch. I'm real hard on equipment. Not 1 problem. I can buy 4 of mine for the price of a warn. Have fun.

[@1954shadow]

Don’t say that Casey didn’t … WARN you.

[@AlexeiTetenov]

Thank you for sharing!

[@toddhoffmaster6057]

I used to use Harbor Freight Badlands winches on my transport trailer and in the 3 years that I did it I never had a winch failure either. Funny thing, my new to me Jeep JK came with the Quadratec winch that you showed. When it fails I will be installing the 12k Apex for sure.

[@darrellroeters4951]

Great looking welds

[@bdd1469]

I have a Warn 8274 on my TJ that was made in 1981 it's been used thousands of times, and still works great. Although I have had solenoids fail, before I switched it to a newer contactor, so I kept spares in the glove box. Every time my 8274 failed it has been because a solenoid got hot, because of a loose cable/bad connection. I have a hf 12,000 on a receiver hitch that has never failed me, but it's only been used a few times. I have a friend who scraps cars and uses his HF 12,000 winch almost everyday. They last about a year and work fine, until they don't. He has a problem with the power cables melting. He always keeps a spare in his truck, and buys the extended warranty so it's never an issue. I just put a Warn evo 12 on my JK and it has worked flawlessly the few times I needed it. I considered a badlands apex but I'm not spending that kind of money on a winch with only a 90 day warranty and no replacement parts available. I've known two other people with Warn powerplant winches and they had nothing but problems. A winch and compressor in one sounds nice, but in the real world I don't think its the best option. For the record...There are a few YT channels who have broken their free harbor freight apex winches , and gone back to Warn.

[@DB-yj3qc]

Now you have the only Warn winch I'd trust the classic 8274, many times I've been Off-Roading my Ramsey, Q-tec or H.F. winch ended up being the only working winch the rest had Warn winches.🤔 But not the 8274. My Ramsey needs a refresher but I used the S### out of it in S.E. lots of salty water, air and swamp water.

[@ronaldstenson9351]

I have a m8000 on my 68 bronco that has been on 2 other ford's. I also have a 8274 and I believe it is the best winch on the market. I've owned several warn winches over the years. Best winch ever

[@deborahmiller1925]

Ever since we found you we don't got lookin for movies 👍👍😁😁

[@tomstradinger5958]

Heck of a nice bead on weld. I had welding classes in college, and worked with father in law, welding construction business, on Apple storage bbuilding.

[@williamdavis922]

Good idea, and nice job sir!!

[@billolgaau]

10 or so years ago Warn Wiches were the "Bees Knees" in Australia - I haven't seen one in the Bush as we say for 5 years. I had one years back & it was a rust bucket after 5 years.

[@christophermichael.w.7577]

One thing that I used to buy from harbor freight was dealership tool kits.They made the job so much easier.

[@cliffordkellerhouse5408]

Love my harbor freight winch also a 12,000 lb on a 3500 lb Toyota with a 327 chevy and turbo 350 trans...

[@ronnydowdy7432]

Thanks for the information

[@ricoIII]

my warn 9000ti's motor casing corroded right though, and one side plate, I think they're only good for places that don't see snow/salt

[@allergictoasphalt11]

After my cheap Mile Marker winch crapped out I've been holding out for a Warn but Badlands winches keep proving themselves. I am most likely going that route.

[@ihchevy]

When I used to off road back in my 20's, I ran a Ramsey 8500. Never an issue. My buddies had Warn winches. They would overheat and fail. My Ramsey never did.

[@dewuknowofHyMn]

In late 60s/early 70s...my dad owned a 4x4 store.."Warn" was GREAT AT EVERYTHING THEY MADE... Guess not anymore....sooo sad !

[@ericpearson3029]

In five years of about the same setup, the only problem I have encountered is the square tube on the harbor freight cradle bent very easily on a side load during a self recovery.

[@JGMan0011]

Hah. So I should get the used Warn carrier w/hause fairlead I saw on Craig's list and then get the HF winch to fill it!

[@leadpilled5567]

Casey MOOR fabrats all use badlands. Good enough for me. Watching some of the stuff they do with their winches I’m pretty sure the 3-4 times a year I use a winch mostly for snow recoveries the apex will last longer than the vehicle. Another big bonus is there’s a harbor freight on every corner. If the badlands does crap out it’s easy to replace no waiting days for it to ship

[@twotwentyswift]

That Quadratech appears to be a rebranded Ramsey. I have 2 Ramsey's and 1 Warn and have never had issues with any of them. I will say the appearance and quality of the Warn definitely seems better but the proof is in how long they run and how much abuse they can handle. I hope I never have to use any of them enough that they crap out.