Whether you’re deep in the backcountry or just a little too confident on a muddy trail, there comes a time when a winch goes from “nice to have” to “wish I had one.” That’s where Smittybilt steps up. Known for their rugged gear and off-road essentials, they’ve built a lineup of winches that range from budget-friendly to beast mode and they’ve packed them all with enough power to get you or your buddy unstuck and moving again.
The nice thing about Smittybilt is they don’t just make one winch and call it a day. They’ve got options. Whether you’re building your first overland rig or upgrading to something that can haul a Jeep out of a swamp, there’s a Smittybilt winch designed with your setup in mind. And unlike some other brands, you don’t have to sell your rooftop tent to afford one.
But let’s be honest: having a bunch of choices can make things a little tricky. Which one’s strong enough? Which one gives you the best value? Do you really need a wireless remote or 17,500 pounds of pull power? That’s exactly why we’re here – to break it all down and help you figure out which Smittybilt winch is right for your ride, your budget, and the way you hit the trail.
Below, we’ll walk through three solid picks from their lineup, each one tailored for a different price point and performance level. From weekend warriors to hardcore crawlers, we’ve got something for everyone. So grab your coffee (or your recovery strap) and let’s get into the nitty gritty.
Table of Contents
- Budget Option: XRC GEN2 9.5K Waterproof Smittybilt Winch
- Mid-Range Option: XRC GEN3 9.5K Comp Series Smittybilt Winch
- High-End Option: X2O GEN2 17.5K Waterproof Wireless Smittybilt Winch
- Smittybilt Winch Accessories
- FAQs
Budget Option: XRC GEN2 9.5K Waterproof Smittybilt Winch
This Gen2 series Smittybilt winch includes enhanced performance and durability that makes it an excellent option for your off-road rig without busting your budget.
This particular option provides a 9,500-pound load capacity with a 94-foot, 5/16-inch diameter wire rope, a 6.6-horsepower motor, and a three-stage planetary gear train. Likewise, there’s a 12-inch remote control lead, a four-way roller fairlead, and a completely waterproof, state-of-the-art 500-amp solenoid.
Other features include:
- Sliding ring gear clutch
- Automatic in-drum brake
- 161.28:1 gear ratio
- IP67 waterproof rating
- 2.5-inch drum
- Textured black finish
- Dimensions: 20.88″ x 6.3″ x 7.4″
- Weight: 78 pounds
- Bolt mounting pattern: 10.0″ x 4.5″
This kit also comes with all the wiring needed for installation on your vehicle.
This Smittybilt winch comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty and a three-year electrical warranty for peace of mind!
Get a long-term review of this winch in the video above by Stark’s Expeditions. You can also read the Amazon reviews of this winch, which currently stand at 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Mid-Range Option: XRC GEN3 9.5K Comp Series Smittybilt Winch
The updated XRC Gen3 series Smittybilt winch was completely redesigned from top to bottom to enhance performance. Not only is this winch stronger, but it’s also faster to operate and easier to use than ever before.
For example, the XRC Gen3 features a 7-horsepower motor with new forced steel gearing (rather than stamped steel, which is what was used in earlier models) that gives you 12 percent more power over the Gen2 model. The spool speed is also faster – to the tune of 17 percent better performance with zero load. This winch also has a lower amp draw thanks to specialized silicon steel that provides more efficient electrical throughput.
Moreover, the 9,500-pound-capacity winch offers a synthetic rope, an aluminum hawse fairlead, and an IP67 waterproof rating so you can get into deep mud and water without worry of damage to the unit.
You even get a remote control with a built-in flashlight so it’s easier to see what you’re doing when you’re out for a nighttime off-road adventure.
Other features of this Smittybilt winch include:
- A high-visibility clutch lever (so you can see from a distance if the winch is engaged or free-spooled)
- Detachable body armor (which can be customized to your vehicle)
- Built-in 12-volt power post inside the control box (for powering additional lighting)
- Large ergonomic remote control (with a Load Indicator Warning System)
- Dimensions: 27″ x 14″ x 10″
- Weight: 73 pounds
- Bolt mounting pattern: 10.0″ x 4.5″
Of course, the same lifetime mechanical warranty and five-year electrical warranty are part of the package, too!
Check out a field review of this Smittybilt winch in the video above by Jeepin’ Bubba. You can also read the Amazon reviews for this winch, which is currently rated 4.7 out of 5 stars.
High-End Option: X2O GEN2 17.5K Waterproof Wireless Smittybilt Winch
If you’re looking for a high-end, do-it-all winch, the X20 Gen2 17.5K waterproof wireless winch is a great option.
Not only does the X20 Gen2 feature a 17,500-pound load rating, but it also has a 6.6-horsepower amphibious motor, a three-stage planetary gear system with updated gear ratios, and a completely waterproof, state-of-the-art 500-amp solenoid.
Since this is a top-of-the-line option, this Smittybilt winch has a wireless remote that can also be plugged directly into the winch. The winch utilizes stainless steel hardware for durability, a dynamic braking system for reliability, and the four-way roller fairlead with a forged hook gives you strong performance when performing recoveries.
Other features include:
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 430:1 gear ratio
- Sliding ring gear clutch
- Automatic out-of-drum brake
- 3.45″ drum
- Dimensions: 22.3″ x 7.5″ x 10.7″
- Weight: 150 pounds
- Bolt mounting pattern: 10.0″ x 4.50″
You get a Smittybilt lifetime mechanical warranty and a five-year electrical warranty as well.
Watch how to install this winch in the video above by ZacksJerryRig. You can also read Amazon reviews for this Smittybilt winch, which is currently rated 4.7 out of 5 stars.
Smittybilt Winch Accessories
If you want to extend the life, durability, and usability of your Smittybilt winch, you might consider adding one of the following accessories.
Smittybilt XRC Logo Winch Cover
This black vinyl cover works with Smittybilt XRC 8,000-12,000-pound winches. The cover keeps rain, snow, mud, and other elements from caking onto the winch when not in use.
Smittybilt 17,600 lb. Snatch Block
Smittybilt’s 17,600-pound snatch block doubles the pulling power of your Smittybilt winch. It works with 7/32-3/8-inch cables and assists with angled pulls. The black powder-coated finish offers extreme durability while the grazable fitting ensures continuous smooth operation.
Smittybilt Premium Winch Accessory Bag
This kit for your Smittybilt winch includes an array of useful accessories, including:
- (1) 3″ x 30′ 30,000 lb. Recovery strap
- (1) 4″ x 8′ 40,000 lb. Tree trunk protector
- (1) Premium work gloves
- (1) 17.6k lb. Snatch block
- (2) 3/4″ D-Rings
- (1) 5′ of 5/16″ choker chain with hooks
- (1) Heavy-duty 600-denier bag with strap
With accessories like this and the quality and durability of Smittybilt winches, you’ll have the right setup to get yourself and your trail buddies out of tenuous situations – and you can do so on a budget, too!
FAQs
What size winch do I actually need for my vehicle?
A good rule of thumb is to choose a winch with a pull rating that’s 1.5 times the gross weight of your vehicle. So if your rig weighs around 6,000 pounds fully loaded, you’re looking at a winch rated for at least 9,000 pounds. If you’ve got bigger tires, a rooftop tent, armor, or you’re often in sticky terrain, it’s worth stepping up to a higher capacity like 10K or more, just for that extra peace of mind when things get gnarly.
What’s the difference between synthetic rope and steel cable?
Both options work great, but they have different personalities. Steel cable is stronger overall and more abrasion-resistant, which is great for rocky or sharp environments. But it’s also heavier, harder to handle, and if it snaps, it can be dangerous. Synthetic rope is much lighter, easier to spool, and safer if it breaks. It’s perfect for solo use or casual wheeling, but it does need more maintenance and care to keep it in good shape.
Are the waterproof ratings actually useful, or just a gimmick?
They’re definitely useful, especially if you like to push your luck in mud, rain, or river crossings. Most of the Smittybilt winches in this list come with an IP67 or IP68 rating, which means they’re sealed against dust and can handle serious water exposure. That said, it’s still smart to keep the connections clean and inspect your winch regularly. Waterproof doesn’t mean invincible, but it’ll hold up when the trail gets wet and wild.
What’s the difference between GEN2, GEN3, and X20 winches?
The GEN2 models are budget-friendly workhorses, reliable, simple, and strong. GEN3 winches are upgraded with more power, better materials, and extra features like faster spool speeds, load indicators, and built-in lights. The X20 series is your premium tier with wireless remotes, massive load ratings, and waterproofing that lets you dive into just about anything. If you want set-it-and-forget-it capability, X20 is the winch to beat.
What else should I pick up with my Smittybilt winch?
A winch is only as useful as the gear you bring with it. A snatch block, tree saver strap, D-rings, and a solid pair of gloves are essentials. The accessory kits Smittybilt offers (like the Premium Winch Bag) pack all that in one grab-and-go setup. Also, consider a winch cover, it’ll keep things clean, dry, and ready to go when you need it most. It’s a small investment that extends the life of your winch in a big way.
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