If you’ve ever gone off-roading, you’ll know that things can go badly wrong.
There are so many videos on the Internet of people totalling their vehicles because they underestimated the terrain. That’s why it’s important to be prepared for every eventuality. One of the most crucial accessories to buy is a good 4WD winch.
In this guide, we’ll look at some of the best winches on the market today. These products are available at different price points so there is something for every budget.
Let’s get started!
| Bushranger® REVO Recovery Winch | Mean Mother Edge Winch | X-BULL Electric Wireless Winch | Kings Domin8r Xtreme Winch |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Our pick  |  |  | Best Value  | |
Synthetic | Steel | Synthetic | Synthetic | |
12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) | 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) | 14,500 lbs (6,577 kg) | 12,000 lbs (5,443 kg) | |
6.2 hp (4.6 kW) | 4.8 hp (3.6 kW) | 6.4 hp (4.7 kW) | 7.2 hp (5.2 kW) | |
Wired or wireless | Hand control with 5 metre power cord | Wired or wireless | Wired or wireless | |
171:1 | 295.75:1 | 265:1 | 218:1 | |
62 x 16.5 x 21.6 cm | 57 x 16.8 x 17.5 cm | 53 x 16 x 21.8 cm | 52.5 x 16 x 19 cm | |
12V | 12V | 12V | 12V | |
35 kg | 43 kg | 27 kg | 27 kg | |
Limited Lifetime / 7 years | 5 years | 1 year | 2 years |
Best 4WD Winches Australia
Bushranger® REVO 12,000lb Vehicle Recovery Winch | Synthetic
Our Top Pick
The Bushranger REVO is a brilliant 4X4 winch. Its list of features almost feels endless.
Firstly, it has a rated single line pull of 12,000 lbs. This is a common weight limit for most high-end winches and is more than enough for most utes. The gearbox mounted braking system ensures smooth movement with less friction or brake drag.
This also ensures that the winch has a longer life because there are fewer heat buildups.
Meanwhile, the motor and gearbox are both fully-sealed. Bushranger ensures that they are safe from water and external debris. This makes for a durable winch, capable of resisting even the toughest obstacles.
Furthermore, the Bushranger is easy to install and use. The brand supplies a wireless controller that makes life simple. The engine is strong at 6.2hp.
However, one area where it falls short of some competitors is the gear reduction ratio of 171:1. This is noticeably lower than some rivals. Bushranger prioritises speed over power when it comes to winching vehicles in distress.
Finally, Bushranger offers excellent warranties. This includes a limited lifetime warranty for mechanical issues. There’s also a seven-year warranty for electrical problems.
All in all, it’s a good option, although it’s certainly not the cheapest option out there.
Mean Mother Edge 12000lb Winch (Wire Cable)
Decent Hand Winch
The Mean Mother Edge 12,000lb winch is a decent option for bargain hunters.
It’s available at a cheaper rate than the Bushranger. However, it should be noted that’s because it comes in three variations. The customised version with wireless control and synthetic rope costs almost the same as the REVO.
Mean Mother claims that it has a 295.75:1 gear reduction ratio. This means that it’s extremely powerful but slow.
Yes, the wireless control is an optional upgrade. The baseline model relies on the hand control and has a strong galvanised aircraft cable. Another version allows owners to insert their cable, so it’s important to identify the type you want.
This may be confusing for some prospective buyers. Nonetheless, it’s still a decent winch with waterproof casing and fibreglass sheath protection.
One issue is that it’s very heavy at 43kg. In contrast, the Bushranger weighs just 35kg and is the second-heaviest winch in this guide. If your suspension doesn’t have much spare capacity, you may need to upgrade it to accommodate this winch, which will add a lot to the cost of installing this unit.
Mean Mother offers a 5 year warranty on these winches. They supply a warranty registration card with the product.
X-BULL Electric Winch 14500LBS Synthetic Rope Wireless Winch
Great For Bigger Vehicles
Designed in the USA, the X-Bull electric winch is one of the most powerful on the market.
With a gear reduction ratio of 265:1, it’s very strong. Like other great 4X4 winch products, it uses synthetic rope instead of regular steel. This is much more durable and longer-lasting than the latter.
The 6.0hp motor runs this winch efficiently. Another benefit is that it’s very light at just 27.5kg. This is excellent considering the X-BULL’s impressive output.
It has an ergonomic clutch and users have a wireless option. This makes it comfortable to work with this 4WD winch.
One issue is that it’s simply too strong for many vehicles. It’s suitable for bigger utes and 4X4s like Ford Ranger Raptors. Smaller SUVs don’t require a 14,500lb winch so a smaller one is advisable in this case.
It’s also worth noting that they only offer a 1 year warranty, which is pretty poor compared to the other options out there.
Get the full details over at my X-Bull winch review!
Kings Domin8r Xtreme 12,000lb Winch
Best Value
Finally, let’s look at the Kings Domin8r Xtreme.
This winch has a name as dramatic as its performance. Despite costing roughly half the price of the other products on this list, it has an excellent output. With a 7.2hp motor and a 218:1 ratio, it’s an effective unit.
Meanwhile, Kings provides a wireless controller so it’s easier to use. The control box is weather-resistant and it’s extremely durable. They also provide a synthetic rope that’s stronger than standard steel.
It’s difficult to argue with the price tag. Kings offers a 2 year warranty which is better than X-BULL, but still not great.
For more info, check out my full Kings Domin8r X & Xtreme review!
Points To Consider When Buying A 4WD Winch
Now let’s look at some important factors to consider before buying a 4X4 winch. Check them out!
Rated Single-Line Pull
This is probably the most crucial element to think about when buying a 4WD winch.
There’s no point buying a winch if it’s not strong enough to pull the vehicle. This is where the rated single-line pull comes into play. In short, the greater the weight capacity, the more it can pull.
Most of the products on this list have a weight limit of 12,000lbs. The X-Bull is an exception with a greater capacity of 14,500. However, most of these winches come in a variety of sizes, so look around for the right one for your vehicle.
Contrary to popular belief, a higher rated single-line pull doesn’t necessarily mean it’s a better winch. As a general rule, a winch should pull one-and-a-half times the vehicle’s weight.
In this case, a lower weight limit of 8,000 lbs may be preferable for some crossover SUVs and smaller 4WD vehicles. Remember, a higher rated single-line pull also draws more amps so there’s a bigger chance of draining the battery.
Motor and Voltage
Electric motors typically use horsepower as their main measurement. A higher rated motor usually means that the motor is stronger.
However, prospective buyers should note that this is difficult to test because there aren’t any industry standards. As a result, buyers shouldn’t allow the amount of horsepower to be the main point of influence.
As with just about every 4WD winch, all of the products above require a 12V connection to work.
Gear Reduction Ratio
The gear reduction ratio has a direct influence on the performance and power of the winch.
Typically, a lower gear reduction ratio means that the winch will work faster. However, the compromise is that it’s not as strong as a winch with a higher gear reduction ratio. Typically, they range between 150:1 to 300:1.
We have products in this guide that are on both sides of this spectrum. The important thing is that the gear reduction ratio corresponds well to the motor so that it does its job well.
All the power in the world doesn’t mean anything if it can’t use it. The same can be said of a faster winch that’s not strong enough to pull the vehicle.
Weight and Dimensions
Another point that should be considered is the size of the winch and its impact on the vehicle.
Cheaper winches tend to be heavier because they’re typically not made with more expensive, lightweight materials. However, this isn’t always the case as we can see with the 27kg Kings Domin8r.
The 4X4 must carry the winch without it affecting the vehicle’s performance levels. This also goes for the dimensions because you don’t want a winch that’s too bulky on a smaller SUV.
Keep in mind that heavy winches will be a burden on your front suspension, so where possible, a lighter winch (actual physical weight, not line pull) is better.
Control
Most winches have a wireless control that is simple to use. This isn’t always the case. If your product is a hand winch, it may be upgradeable at a cost.
4WD Winches - FAQ
What size winch do I need for my 4x4?
As a general rule, the winch should be able to haul one-and-a-half times the weight of your vehicle. This is important if the 4WD is stuck or on a precarious slope.
However, a massive 14,500lb winch isn’t required for every vehicle because it has too much power. Do your due diligence before buying one.
How do I choose a winch for a 4x4?
The first thing to do is identify the weight of your vehicle.
Then narrow down the winches that are strong enough to move it. From there, you can check other features such as the type of cable, the gear reduction ratio, and the dimensions.
These all influence the quality of the winch.
Final Thoughts
A good 4WD winch can make a massive difference to your off-road experience. Along with a set of tyre deflators, some recovery boards and a recovery kit, they're one of the most important bits of kit you'll need if things go south.
Hopefully, you never have a reason to use it, but it can save your vehicle in a worst case scenario. It may also be useful in aiding other drivers on the trail and allow you to navigate more challenging routes without fear of totalling your vehicle.
Remember to choose an appropriate winch for the size of your vehicle. Don’t get one that’s too big because it’s a waste of power and energy.
We recommend the Bushranger REVO because of its high performance and outstanding warranty. The brand’s customer support is up there with the best.
X-BULL is a decent option for drivers of big utes and SUVs. Finally, the Kings Domin8r is an excellent winch at a lower price.
If you have any questions about these winches, please leave a comment below!
