The Warn M8000s (M8s) has proven itself to be one of the best winches for the money. In this article we also review the Warn M8000 and the Warn Zeon 8S, to give you a full range of excellent options of 8000 lb. winches.
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Choosing the Right Winch | Warn M8000s
Four wheel drive enthusiasts need no introduction to the value of an electric winch. In general, winches serve many purposes in making it possible to move objects that we couldn’t possibly move by hand. Anyone who’s gotten themselves bogged down in the middle of nowhere, with no help in sight will know how important a winch can be on an off-road vehicle.
By now we almost take them for granted, but where did it all begin? We’ll start by taking a look at the interesting history of winches and how they came to be an important part of modern industry and off-road motoring. We’ll move onto the pioneers of modern electric winches for vehicles and follow this up with the best products available for your 4X4.
You’ll also get to learn about how to choose the correct winch for your 4X4 and how best to use it. After reading this article you’ll know all that you’ll need to about winches and get to choose the best one for your needs. So let’s start at the very beginning.
The major advantage of an electric-powered winch is that it can provide reliable service for intermittent utility and recreational use even while the vehicle’s engine is stalled — assuming, of course, that sufficient battery current is available.
Learn more by reading Warn’s official Winching Techniques document.
What Size Winch Do You Need?
When you want to calculate what size electrical winch you’re going to need, you first need to establish your Gross Vehicle Mass. This is the weight of the vehicle plus the maximum load that the vehicle can carry – the payload, passengers and a full tank of gas. You can get your vehicle’s GVM (Gross Vehicle Weight) from your owner’s handbook and most pickups will also have a tag somewhere on the truck that tells you what the GVM is for that vehicle.
Having a winch that matches your GVM isn’t enough because you have to factor in the force that you will be working against. Moving a vehicle on an incline will need more power that on a decline and the conditions that you get stuck in will vary. Getting stuck in loose gravel won’t offer much resistance, whereas fine mud will.
To calculate the exact power that you will need at any given time is not feasible. You’ll need to apply Newton’s laws of physics to the gradient and factors affecting traction and resistance. So the general rule is to take the GVM and multiply it by 1.5, this will give you the weight pulling capability to get you out of almost any situation.
WARN ZEON Platinum 12-S (95960) | Heavy-duty Winch | 12,000 lbs.
If you take a Jeep Wrangler that weighs 2 500 kg (5 511.5 lbs) and multiply this by 1.5 you end up requiring a winch mass capability of 8 267.25 lbs. This means that you could just get away with an 8 000 lb winch if you take into consideration that you won’t necessarily be carrying a full load and you can remove some extra weight in an extreme situation.
Quite a number of 4X4s don’t weigh as much as a Wrangler (though some weigh considerably more) and an 8 000 lb winch is considered to be the minimum requirement for most vehicles. If your truck or SUV is heavier, or if you want to play it safe, you’ll want to step it up a bit and get a more powerful winch.
When it comes to choosing a brand, you can look at many options, but one particular brand stands out head and shoulders above the rest. Warn are undoubtedly the pioneers of civilian 4X4s and have been responsible for innovating many of the 4X4 products and accessories that we use today.
The company has set the benchmark for 4X4 accessories, simply because they’ve been around for so long. To understand how we got to where we are today, we should take a look into the history of the company. The history of Warn is pretty much the history of recreational off-roading.
Warn M8000S | Best 8000 lb. Winch
Features:
- Available with WARN Spydura synthetic rope with matte aluminum hawse fairlead
- Premium Series winch that delivers classic design, proven performance, and legendary WARN reliability
- Contactor control box and hand-held, corded remote control.
- Low-profile design and separate control box allows for a wide range of mounting options
- Exclusive brake design provides superior control while winching
- Durable 3-stage planetary geartrain for smooth, reliable, operation
- Series-wound, high-speed motor provides fast line speed and strong pulls
- Chip-resistant powder-coated finish
- 100′ of WARN Spydura synthetic rope
Documents (Warn M8000S):
- ✓ View or download the MANUAL.
- ✓ View or download the PARTS LIST.
- ✓ View or download WINCHING TECHNIQUES.
The Warn M8 series electric winches have been a favorite among 4X4 enthusiasts for more than 20 years. This is because it comes with legendary Warn reliability and great performance. There are a number of trademark features that make this winch so unique, like the Spydura synthetic rope, their 3-stage planetary gear train, automatic mechanical cone brake and their longstanding series wound high-speed motor.
All of these features are contained in a low profile design that offers a great versatility, in that it allows for a number of mounting positions. To add to the versatility and easy use of this winch, it comes with a hand-held remote control box with a 12ft lead.
Specs (Warn M8000S):
- Winch model: M8-s
- Part number: 87800 (currently not CE compliant)
- Rated line pull: 8,000 lbs., (3630 kgs.) single-line
- Line pull: 2000lbs – 14.2 ft/min; 4 000lbs – 9.9 ft/min; 6 000lbs – 7.3 ft/min; 8 000lbs – 4.8 ft/min.
- Motor: Series Wound, 12V 4.8 hp, 24V 2.1 hp,
- Electrical controls: Contactor
- Remote Control: Remote switch, 12′ (3.7m) lead
- Geartrain: 3-Stage Planetary
- Gear ratio: 216:1
- Clutch (freespooling): Sliding ring gear
- Brake: Automatic mechanical cone
- Drum diameter/Length: 2.625″/9.0″ (6.66cm/23cm)
- Weight: 55 lbs. (25 kgs)
- Rope: Spydura synthetic — 100′, 3/8″ diam.
- Fairlead: Full radius matte aluminum hawse
- Recommended Battery: 650 CCA minimum for winching
- Battery leads: 2 gauge, 72″ (1.83m)
- Finish: Argent gray powder coat
The Warn M8000S can be used on vehicles with either 12V or 24V electrical systems offering 4.8hp or 2.1hp respectively. This is a rugged and powerful 8 000lb winch that has proven itself over the years and there are plenty of good reasons why we see them on so many 4X4’s around the world.
Warn M8000 (M8) | 8000 lb. Winch
Features:
- Premium Series winch that delivers classic design, proven performance, and legendary WARN reliability
- Contactor control box and hand-held, corded remote control
- Low-profile design and separate control box allows for a wide range of mounting options
- Exclusive brake design provides superior control while winching
- Durable 3-stage planetary geartrain for smooth, reliable, operation
- Series-wound, high-speed motor provides fast line speed and strong pulls
- Chip-resistant powder-coated finish
- 100′ of steel or synthetic rope (5/16″ diameter)
✓ View or download the MANUAL or PARTS LIST for the Warn M8000.
If you look at the Warn M8000s and M8000, you may be wondering what the difference is between the two of them. There is a big difference in price, and for good reason: they both have the same specs and features, but there are some key differences you have to be aware of.
The Warn M8000s is capable of running on either 12V or 24V, whereas the M8000 is only designed for 12V.
The M8000 does not include Spydura rope (5/16″ diameter) and instead, a generic 100-feet wire rope. Also, the Warn M8000 is 19 lbs. heavier than the Warn M8000s. That’s a significant difference.
If you need an 8000 lb. winch for a truck that runs on 24V and want the same rugged Warn dependability, you’re better off with the M8000S — but if you can’t afford it then the Warn M8000 will still be a great buy for the money. Personally, I tend to invest my money for the long haul and spend the extra money on high quality products. I’ve never regretted spending more money on something I can grow into, but I have regretted spending money on cheap things that never quite satisfied my expectations.
Tech Specs (Warn M8000):
- Winch model: M8
- Rated line pull: 8,000 lbs., (3630 kg.) single-line
- Motor: Series Wound, 12V 4.8 hp
- Electrical controls: Contactor
- Remote Control: Remote switch, 12′ (3.7m) lead
- Gear train: 3-Stage Planetary
- Gear ratio: 216:1
- Clutch (freespooling): Sliding ring gear
- Brake: Automatic mechanical cone
- Drum diameter/Length: 2.5″/9.0″ (6.4cm/23cm)
- Weight: 74 lbs. (34 kg)
- Rope: Steel — 100′, 5/16″ diam. (30m, 8mm diam.)
- Fairlead: Roller
- Recommended Battery: 650 CCA minimum for winching
- Battery leads: 2 gauge, 72″ (1.83m)
- Finish: Argent gray powder coat
Warn Zeon 8S | 8000 lb. Winch
Features:
- 8,000 lb. (3630 kg) single-line pulling capacity
- 100′ of durable 5/16″ galvanized steel wire rope
- Convertible control pack can be attached to the winch or remotely mounted, allowing for various winch mounting options and looks (Relocation kit required and sold separately*).
- Satin-black powder-coated finish with stainless steel fasteners and clutch lever looks great and inhibits corrosion. Improved winch sealing to keep the elements out.
- Large diameter winch drum reduces rope wear, is light weight, and has an integrated rope anchor for easy rope installation.
- Backed by the WARN Limited Lifetime Warranty
✓ View or download the MANUAL or PARTS LIST for the Warn Zeon 8S.
In 2012 Warn introduced the Zeon line to their range. Not only does the Zeon 8S sport incredible good looks with a satin black powder coat finish, it is also a hard-working durable piece of machinery that has some advantages over the older design of the M8000. Some major improvements include heat dissipating brakes and a much smoother planetary gear train.
Video | How to install the winch rope on a WARN ZEON winch
This is one of the most advanced winches you can get, the highly efficient motor moves faster while drawing less current. The 8 000lb Warn Zeon 8S also has an improved Spydura rope with a ballistic nylon sliding sleeve on the first layer that is temperature resistant and a ballistic nylon abrasion resistant sleeve. The drum has a larger diameter that reduces rope wear, as well as being lighter and the integrated rope anchor makes it much easier to install the rope.
Like the older M8000, this model also has a remote control with a 12’ lead. Its new innovative design and the use better materials make the Zeon even more durable than their previous winches. Improved sealing on the winch reduces deterioration from exposure to the elements and stainless steel clutch lever and fasteners mean less corrosion on these parts.
You also have the option of a relocation kit, this allows for various mounting positions and looks, by making use of a convertible control pack that can be mounted anywhere on the vehicle or directly to the winch.
Warn Zeon 8S Specifications
- Part number: 88980
- Rated line pull: 8000 lbs. (3630 kg) single-line
- Motor: 12V DC, series wound
- Electrical controls: Contactor
- Remote Control: Remote switch, 12′ (3.7m) lead
- Geartrain: 3-stage planetary
- Gear ratio: 162:1
- Clutch (freespooling): Rotating ring gear
- Brake: Automatic mechanical cone
- Drum diameter/Length: 3.15″/9.0″ (80mm/229mm)
- Weight (kit shipping): 94 lbs. (42 kg)
- Rope: 5/16″ x 100′ (8mm x 30.5m) steel
- Fairlead: Roller
- Recommended Battery: 650 CCA minimum for winching
- Battery leads: 25mm gauge, 72″ (1.83m)
- Finish: Satin-black powder coat
- Warranty: Limited lifetime
- Line pull: 2 000lbs – 17.2 ft/min; 4 000lbs – 11.7 ft/min; 6 000lbs – 8.5 ft/min; 8 000lbs – 6.2 ft/min.
If you choose to fit a Warn Zeon8S to your 4×4, you’re going to get a state of the art piece machinery that will complement the goods looks of your vehicle, whether it’s a rugged off-road pickup or city slick SUV.
Tips on Installing and Using an Electric Winch
- It’s advisable to have your winch installed by a professional as doing it yourself may affect your warranty. If you’re confident about your skills and want to fit it yourself here are some points to remember:
- Before installing or using your winch, read the operator’s manual carefully. This will ensure that it works properly and that you work safely. Operating and installation instructions, as well as a guide to winching techniques, are available on the Warn website.
- Always fit the winch to a strong surface, like a bush bar made of high-strength steel that is attached to the chassis. If you attach the winch to mild steel body panels it will simply rip the steel.
- Use high tensile bolts that are rated for the weight and force of the winch you’re using.
- Make sure that you fit the winch securely.
- Always use the correct length bolts.
- Use the correct diameter power cables. The electric motor draws a high current and electric cables that are too thin will overheat and can easily burn through. The extreme heat generated by electric cable overload is a serious fire risk.
- Use leather gloves when operating the winch and remember to keep your fingers clear of the rope winding onto the drum.
Using a Warn Winch for the First Time
- Before you start using your winch, you’ll need to spool the rope onto the drum. To do this, choose a flat open surface that will allow you to run the entire length of the rope.
- Disengage the winch clutch and spool out the rope leaving 5-10 wraps on the drum and attach the hook to a suitable anchor point.
- Once the rope is spooled out, engage the clutch.
- Back your vehicle up until the cable is almost fully tensioned and then park your vehicle with the park brake on.
- Now move the winch rope to the side of the drum to which it is attached, make sure there are no gaps between the windings and that the rope exits from the bottom of the drum or the brake won’t work.
- For the next step, it’s better to have two people – one inside the vehicle and one to check the winch.
- With the vehicle in neutral and the park brake off, apply slight pressure to the foot brake and start winching, with someone checking that the cable is spooling evenly onto the drum.
- After about 6ft of winching, stop and apply the park brake to take all load off the winch rope.
- Now check that the rope has been wound properly and is not pressing into the layer beneath it. If the rope is not winding correctly, unwind it by reversing the winch and start over.
- Once you’re sure that the rope is winding correctly. Climb back inside the vehicle and repeat the previous step of winding the rope with the winch while the vehicle is in neutral and applying light pressure to the foot brake.
- Wind the rope until you are within 6ft of the anchor and stop the winch. Apply the park brake and then exit the vehicle.
- Now remove the hook from the anchor and slowly, using a pulsing action, wind the remainder of the rope onto the drum until you are 3ft from the fairlead.
- Finally, attach the hook to a safe anchor point on the vehicle and slowly wind the slack rope onto the drum using the same pulsing action as before.
Winch Safety Tips
- Never use the winch to lift your vehicle.
- Never use the winch to secure or hold the vehicle.
- Always anchor the winch hook securely to an object that can handle the weight and force like a strong tree trunk.
- Always secure the anchor at the same height as the base of your winch. If you place it too high it will pull the vehicle upward and too low will pull the vehicle downward.
- When pulling another vehicle that is not directly in front of you, firmly secure a pulley wheel so that the rope runs in a straight line from the winch. Pull the rope through and around the pulley in a straight line and attach the hook to the other vehicle.
- Always check that the rope is well tensioned and wrapping evenly onto the drum whilst pulling. Stop the winch immediately if there is a problem and resolve it before continuing.
- Working patiently and carefully will ensure that there is no risk of injury or damage to your vehicle or the winch.
- If the winch becomes immersed in water, take it to a dealer for lubrication.
The History of the Winch
The first historical mention that I could find making reference to the use of a winch, dates back to 480 BCE. Back in ancient Turkey (then known as Anatolia), Herodotus of Halicarnassus described how they how they used wooden winches when tightening cables used on a pontoon bridge on the Dardanelles River.
Using winches for engineering is a very different story to using them to recover a vehicle that has been rendered immobile. In 700 CE the English poet, Beowulf wrote about how King Hrothgar’s wagons got bogged down in heavy mud. He describes how they improvised a winch by using wagon wheels and ropes to recover the stricken vehicles. While this is a much more arduous task than using an electric winch, the principle remains the same and for the last 1 300 years, we’ve been using this innovation to get ourselves out of many a sticky situation.
The use of manual winches has been common practice for over a thousand years and they are still used today. Most of us have seen (and probably used) a block and tackle at some point. They make use of reduction gears and chains to reduce the amount of power needed to move an object. Using a correctly geared manual winch makes it possible to move any weight using very little effort.
Of course, the more weight you move with a manual winch, the slower it will move. Every increase in gear ratio reduces the speed in relation to the increased weight that you are able to move. Theoretically, the amount of weight that you are able to move is infinite, provided you have an anchor heavy enough to secure the winch. It will, however, reach a point where the speed at which you’re moving the object becomes totally impractical. You can move an aircraft carrier if you use enough reduction gears at the correct ratio, but it will take you several hours to move it an inch, so there really is no point in even attempting this.
This has led to the invention of the automatic winch that uses pneumatic, hydraulic or electrical energy to provide the additional power to move virtually any weight. On a vehicle, a winch can also use the engine’s power by connecting it to the vehicle’s drive shaft. The most common winch that you’ll find on a vehicle is the electric winch. It requires the least amount parts and needs very little maintenance.
History of Warn — the Company
The company started from very humble beginnings in Seattle, Washington. In 1948, the company’s founder, Arthur warn started out by producing locking wheel hubs. He fitted these to surplus military Jeeps that were left over from World War II. By converting these Jeeps into useful on-road vehicles, Warn started a revolution in the motor industry – the on/off-road vehicle.
Warn was responsible for producing the first winch for recreational vehicles in 1959. Since then the company has been the world leader in winches and many other 4X4 products. They supply electric winches to most major motor manufacturers, starting with Ford in 1970s. The company has also been awarded several contracts to produce winches for the US military.
Warn grew rapidly through the 70s and 80s, moving into the ATV market by producing the first ATV winch. In 1986 the company moved their headquarters to Portland, Oregon. The nineties saw more expansion and growth for the business and during this time they received ISO 9001/QS-9000 certification.
During this period they started an industrial division to manufacture winches and other accessories for the towing and recovery industry. The ATV division grew astronomically through the 90s, as these vehicles became increasingly popular. All this culminated in the construction of a new 200 000 sq ft manufacturing and distribution headquarters in 1997.
Over the last 20 years, the company has gone through some changes with corporate restructuring and buy-outs, however, they continued to grow and have won numerous awards – way too many to mention here.
Today, Warn is undoubtedly the world leader in the 4X4 and ATV accessories business and the company employs over 550 people. In recognition of their achievements and impressive contribution to the world of recreational off-roading, we see it as only fitting, that we should review some of their most popular vehicle winches.
Visit the Warn site to learn more about their line of winches and other products.
