Getting stuck in mud or sand is like a nightmare scenario for any off roader. And that’s why It’s important to make sure you have a reliable winch in your rig before you embark on the road. With so many options to choose from it can be quite challenging to find the right one.
But the best 12000 lb winch for the money is the Warn Zeon Platinum 12/12-S. It’s packed with unique and striking features that will cost a lot but is definitely worth the money.
There are several factors which make up a good winch. In this article we will highlight those features for winches that are dominating the market so you can choose the best winch for your vehicle.
Editor’s Pick
Bang For The Buck: Smittybilt X2O 12K GEN2 Comp Series
“This one is designed to be your best choice for anyone looking for some solid value from their winch.It’s a durable, reliable winch with stainless steel build and powerful motor giving you fast line speed that’s ready for all kinds of tough activities.”
Most Premium: Warn Zeon Platinum 12/12-S
“You are in safe hands in the outdoors with the premium Zeon Platinum 12/12-S winch. With 12000 lbs of pulling power, you’re protected for even the stickiest of situations. Designed to be fast, reliable and easy to use, every time this winch will ensure you can tackle any task out there in all terrain”.
Best 12000 Lb Winch For The Money
The last thing you want is for your winch to break. They’re a big investment, also you need a quality winch to keep your vehicle up and running at all times while offroading.
Luckily, we’ve got the best winches out there—from the most premium ones on the market to the most affordable and yet reliable ones, it’s all covered here for you.
Let’s take a quick look at the comparison table and then details of our top 12000 lb winch reviews.
| Winch | Winch Capacity | Power | Gear Ratio | Cable Type | Ingress Protection Rating (IP Rating) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warn Zeon Platinum 12/12-S | 12000 lb. | 12V | 162:1 | Steel/Spydura Synthetic (80 ft) | IP 68 |
| Smittybilt X2O 12K GEN2 Comp Series | 12000 lb | 6.6 HP 12V | 265:1 | Synthetic (98.5 ft) | IP 68 |
| Champion Power Equipment-100427 | 12000 lb | 6HP 12V | 216:1 | Steel(85 ft) | Water Resistant(No IP rating) |
| Warn VR Evo 12-S | 12000 lb | 12V | 234:1 | Synthetic(90 ft) | IP 68 |
| Badland ZXR 12000 | 12000 lb | 6 HP | 265:1 | Steel(65 ft) | IP 66 |
| VEVOR Truck Winch 12000lbs | 12000 lb | 6 HP 12V | 265:1 | Synthetic (85 ft) | IP 67 |
| Smittybilt XRC GEN 3– 12000 lb | 12000 lb | 7 HP | 173:1 | Synthetic(90 ft) | IP 67 |
| RUGCEL 12000 LB Winch | 12000 lb | 6.6 HP 12V | 265:1 | Nylon(100 ft) | IP 68 |
| Rough Country 12,000LB PRO | 12000 lb | 6 HP | 265:1 | Synthetic(85 ft) | IP 67 |
| ZEAK 12000 lb | 12000 lb | 6HP 12V | 236:1 | Synthetic(85 ft) | IP 68 |
1. Warn Zeon Platinum 12/12-S
The warn 12000 lb winch specs will tell you why it is the most superior winch on our list, and it’s also the most expensive. We are breaking down what makes this winch worth your hard-earned money.
When it comes to performance and durability, this winch comes out on top when compared to others on the list. It has an IP68 waterproof design so you can use it in any harsh environment.
It has a display for reading the motor temperature so you know when something is overheating or underperforming. The advanced wireless remote feature lets you operate this winch from as far as 50ft away seamlessly. You can also control the clutch with this remote.
With a high speed motor and strong three stage planetary gear this winch gives a very strong pull along with fast line speed under full load and lower amp draw.
This unit also comes with spydura synthetic rope and wire rope, so you can choose which one you want depending on your needs.
Pros
- Extreme Durability
- Waterproof and rated for submerged Uses
- Heat Treated Spydura Rope
- Convertible control pack for varied mounting positions.
Cons
- Expensive
- Spydura rope Unit comes unspooled.
2. Smittybilt X2O 12K GEN2 Comp Series
The Smittybilt X2O COMP is perfect for off-roaders and weekend warriors who demand the best in performance and reliability.
It has a loading capacity of 12000 lbs. Featuring a powerful 6.6 HP amphibious motor and three stage planetary gear train it can deliver faster line speed than its competitors.
The 3-stage planetary gear system and sliding ring gear clutch ensures smooth, efficient operation, while the series wound motor provides plenty of power.
It has a waterproof and dustproof design, making it perfect for use in any environment. Its components are built with stainless steel. This 12,000 lb winch with synthetic rope has a 98.5 feet long cable which is very strong to pull heavy loads.
You can use both wired and wireless remote which will be included with the package to operate the winch seamlessly. Smittybilt offers a lifetime mechanical warranty and five years of warranty for electrical components.
Pros
- Faster line speed
- Great build Quality
- Well-protected from moisture, corrosion, and UV rays
- Wired and wireless remote options
- Quiet operation
- Anti corrosive
- 5 years of electrical warranty and lifetime mechanical warranty
Cons
- Expensive spare parts
3. Champion Power Equipment-100427
There are a lot of winches on the market today, but not many offer the necessary extras you need to take your winch to the next level.
But this unit from Champion Equipment comes with a lot of extras such as mounting cradle, snatch block, winch cover and wireless remote.
The Champion Power equipment doesn’t have a good reputation in the winching world.With its 6 HP series wound motor and three stage planetary gear it provides decent line speed.
The Champion Support also includes 2-year limited warranty with free lifetime technical support from dedicated experts
Pros
- Quiet operation
- Stylish black finish
- Comes with Snatch block,wireless remote,winch cradle.
Cons
- Warranty is not good
- Slower line speed than competitors
4. Warn VR Evo 12-S
Warn is the most popular brand in the winching industry. They have a reputation for producing high-quality expensive winches. The VR evo 12-s is one of their standard duty winches.
It’s powered by a powerful series-wound motor and three stage planetary gear train, which deliver faster line speed under load, with lower amp draw. And with a gear ratio of 234:1, it reaches a line speed of 28 feet per minute under zero load and 4 feet per minute under full load (12000lb).
The VR EVO 12-S comes with a high performance albright contactor for reliable operation. Convertible control pack makes it easy to mount the winch in a variety of positions.
This jeep warn winch is IP68-rated and powder coat finish waterproof construction lets you take it on all kinds of adventures without any worries of getting wet. And with two-in-one remote control options, you can use either wired or wireless controls. The 90ft synthetic rope is durable and lightweight making it safer to use for heavy loads.
It can be a great winch for ram 1500 owners. You’ll get a limited lifetime mechanical warranty and a 7-year warranty on electrical components from warn.
Pros
- Heavy Duty Winch
- Exceptional Build Quality
- Waterproof Construction
- Heavy Duty Contactor
- 7 year electrical warranty and lifetime mechanical warranty
Cons
- Expensive
5. Badland ZXR 12000
The Badland ZXR is a good winch to handle your jeep’s biggest loads. This 12000 lb electric winch works flawlessly, but it’s also heavy.
The weight of this winch is 89 lb, which is a little more than average. So it needs a bigger front bumper for your Jeeps to fit it because the winch is a little big.
The Badland ZXR 12000 lb winch produces relatively slower line speed than its competitors. It has a 3 stage planetary gear system and offers good pulling capacity.
The duty cycle could be improved on this one. It can operate at a maximum load for about 45 seconds and need to rest for at least 14 minutes, 15 seconds after every 45 seconds of continuous winching.
It comes with an aircraft grade wire rope which is 65 ft long and durable enough. The winch is IP66 rated so it’s better not to put it through muddy environments.
This unit from badland is a great budget build so anyone new to the winching world must check this out.
Pros
- Build Quality is great
- Aircraft Grade wire rope
- Solid and Sturdy electrical wires
- Easy to install
Cons
- Duty Cycle Could be improved.
- Slower line speed than competitors
6. VEVOR Truck Winch 12000lbs
The high-powered recovery device from VEVOR Winch is the perfect addition to your arsenal of tools.
The planetary mechanism with auto drum braking and sliding ring clutch gives you a remarkable experience. The 6 HP wound motor delivers robust and long-lasting performance.
A winch plate, wireless and wired remote controller, convertible control pack, and many more accessories are also included in this kit so you’ll have everything you need to get the job done right!.
The 85 ft high-density rope shows excellent resistance against wear and tear. The vevor 12000 lb truck winch is IP67 rated so it’s protected against dust and water ingression.
Pros
- Reliable performance from powerful motor
- Great Synthetic cable
- IP67 protection
- Convertible control pack
- Both wired and wireless remote comes with the package
Cons
- Some users reported the freespool lever malfunctions
7. Smittybilt XRC GEN3– 12000 lb
The Smittybilt XRC GEN3 is a great winch with a lot to offer. A winch you can put your trust on comes with a pulling capacity of 12000 lbs, an absolute and perfect solution to handle whatever your truck or trailer can throw at it.
This winch is stronger, faster than its predecessors and loaded with many great features. A 7HP motor and forged steel gears allows you to pull more load faster all while increasing durability.
The exciting remote controller has a built-in flashlight and a load indicator to let you know when you are overloading the winch. It significantly improves the lifetime of the winch.
This smittybilt 12,000 lb winch comes with a detachable body armor so you can customize it to give your favorite look. The control box which comes complete with an auxiliary 12 volt power post terminal for operating additional accessories up to 50 amps
And finally it is backed by smittybilt’s lifetime mechanical and 5-year electrical warranty.
Pros
- Quick line speed
- Load indicator, IN/OUT indicator, Controller Flashlight
- Excellent Build Quality
- Powerful 7HP Motor
- Low Amp Draw
Cons
- Freespooling isn’t a breeze
8. RUGCEL 12000LB Winch
The Rugcel 12000 lb waterproof winch is a great deal. The value it provides for the cost is unmatched.
It comes with a 12V 6.7 HP series wound motor and 3-stage planetary gear with the lever-action clutch, making it extremely powerful and efficient at lifting heavy loads and allows you to get the most out of your winch no matter what kind of vehicle you’re working with.
The Rugcel has high quality waterproof albright contactor that is ideal for any kind of outdoor conditions. It also has an automatic cone brake system as a safety feature which ensures that there are no accidents with this winch when in use.
It has a full metal body with a UV-resistant finish, allowing it to be used in all weather conditions, no matter how harsh they are. This 12,000 lb winch with wireless remote not one but two is a game changer.
And its IP68 waterproof rating makes this winch durable enough to handle anything from light snow to heavy rain. All in all it’s a winch worth every penny of its affordable price.
Pros
- Powerful Motor
- IP 68 rated suitable for harsh environments
- Efficient Gear performance
- Two wireless remotes
Cons
- Quality of remote could be better
9. Rough Country 12,000LB PRO
You want something that will last, but you also want to make sure it’s easy to use and maintain. The Rough Country 12,000LB PRO Series Electric Winch is all of that
This winch features a 6HP motor and a 3 stage planetary gear system with a sliding gear clutch, allowing you to easily pull your loads. You’ll have maximum control over this powerful machine, whether you’re hauling something or just trying to get out of the mud.
It’s made of IP67 dustproof and waterproof design so even if it does get dirty or wet, it won’t affect its function.
The automatic in-drum braking system helps keep your truck safe from damage when pulling heavy loads. Also the fairlead and clevis hooks are included with the package.
Pros
- Good for pulling heavy loads
- Great control with wired remote
- Both wire and synthetic rope option available
- IP 67 rated waterproof design
Cons
- Motor is noisy
10. ZEAK 12000 lb
Zeak is a brand that’s not as well-known as other brands, but you should know that it’s a decent one. We think this winch is an especially good choice if you’re looking for something reliable and yet affordable.
This winch from Zeak features an IP 68 waterproof design, with high quality all metal construction. It can pull loads up to 12,000 pounds.
In combination with a 6HP motor, smooth three-stage planetary gear train with a gear ratio of 236:1 , has the ability to hold 4.9 feet full load and 21.3 feet no load and has a free spool clutch.
Zeak integrated an automatic brake system designed to engage immediately upon any loss of power, ensuring safety for both yourself and your rig. You also get a wireless remote with the package that can operate the winch from 32 ft away.
Pros
- Affordable heavy duty winch
- Durable all metal construction
- Wireless remote included
- Automatic braking system
Cons
- Overheats
What Is The Most Reliable Winch
Warn Zeon Platinum 12/12-S is undoubtedly the most reliable 12000lb winch on the market.
The big draw here is the price tag, you’ll pay a lot more than other options on this list, but its features are worth every penny. The zeon platinum 12/12-S comes with all the bells and whistles you’d expect from a winch.
We know customers are always looking for a great winch at an affordable price. But great winches come at a price and we get it. That doesn’t mean that you can’t get a cost effective solution to a winch. And so we have listed some of the most reliable winches on the market here. These are packed with great features and are definitely worthy of your attention.
FAQs
Ans: A 12000 pound winch can pull up to 12000 lb at a 100% grade. And it can pull much more at lower inclinations. This capacity is perfect for any vehicle with a GVW of 8000 lb.
Ans: For a 12000 lb winch you should use a 12V battery rated at 650 CCA. If you can keep a stand alone battery for your winch use a deep cycle battery with high CCA rating.
Ans:Warn is the best and most reliable winch brand on the market today. The quality, the customer support, everything is top-notch.
Ans: Warn offers lifetime warranty for mechanical components and a 7-year warranty for electrical components. No other winch brand offers such warranty for their products.
Final Thoughts
The last thing you need when offroading is to get stuck with no recovery gear. Winch is the investment you need to make to keep you and your vehicle safe in the outdoors.
Needless to say the market is saturated and it’s hard to find the right one. That’s why we have listed the best 12000 lb winch for the money for you to put your money on a reliable one.
We hope you enjoyed this review and wish you the best for your next offroad adventure.
