Warn is a well-known, popular and reliable brand that offers numerous winch series. Each of their series come with two models, the least. There are some that the models in the same series are quite identical except for their cables, there are also some models in the same series that are different from each other. In fact, some of them are very different from each other that you will be able to compare them from each other. In this article, we shall feature and review two of the most popular models of Winch which are Warn VR series – VR 12, VR 10, and VR 8 and the new generation of their VR series – the VR EVP – VR Evo 8, VR Evo 10, VR Evo 12.
Warn VR Winch Review
Before we go into details and feature specific models, let us first get into the common features and benefits of all the VR series winches.
- Powerful and strong
- Compact
- Sealed waterproof convertible control pack. It could support upright or low profile mounting configuration.
- It allows you to mount its control pack separately from the winch. You could also keep it integrated as well.
- the redesigned clutch lever is easy to use
- They have 12 ft wired remote control that works without any issue
- All of the VR series winches have 3-stage planetary gear, 3 segment automatic mechanical cone brake could help to control the recovery process easily and smoothly.
- All the VR winches are pre-wound onto the drum
- The one-piece tie plate increases the strength than the tie bar/rod
- They are durable
- The come with waterproof Albright contractors
- Cast iron brace place is used instead of tie rods
- Offers 7 years of electrical warranty and limited lifetime mechanical warranty.
Though its remote control is not waterproof, there are no other brands that have one either. All the winches have hawse fairlead no matter if they are steel cable or synthetic rope. They are also considered as standard duty winches and are perfect to be used on SUV and Trucks. As for the price it is cheaper compared to the Zeon and Zeon platinum series. Hence, if you are looking for a budget friendly winch for your truck/SUV, we highly recommend for you to go with VR series.
Things You Should Know Before Buying a Winch
Bigger Capacity Than Needed
We recommend for you to get at least 1.5 times more capacity than the loaded weight of your vehicle that you would want to pull over. For example, if your loaded weight of your vehicle is 4000, you will have to get a capacity of at least 6000 lb for you to be able to get the best performance. Keep in mind that the loaded weight of your vehicle is equals to the weight of the vehicle plus the weight of anything you are carrying in it during your recovery/towing process.
Synthetic Rope or Steel Cable
Both the synthetic rope and steel cable are great especially in terms of its performance. Its synthetic rope is lightweight, flexible and it does not have any risk of severe injury. The only thing that you will have to keep in mind is it requires more maintenance than steel cables.
Steel cables on the other hand do only need less maintenance and are stronger than synthetic ropes. However, it could cause severe injury in the event it breaks under the load.
Understand Waterproofing Winch
IP68 and IP67 rated winches are waterproof which means water and elements will not cause any damage to the winches. Though that is the case, you will have to keep in mind that it is not advisable for it to be submerged under water.
Quality vs Pricing
Synthetic rope version of the same model from Warn winches make the winch lighter. However, they are more expensive. Though that is the case, it is still wise to invest depending on your need and preference.
Warn VR Winch Review
WARN 96820 VR12 12V Electric Winch
This winch comes with a capacity of 12000 lbs. which means you will be able to use this winch to be able to recover your vehicle that weighs up to 8000 lb. It operates a bit slower but it is not that significant as it is with its performance.
This winch comes with 80′ steel cable. It also comes with synthetic rope version which is the VR 12-S which has 90′ rope.
VR 12-S is significantly lighter than the VR12.
WARN 96810 VR10 Electric 12V Winch
This winch is capable of working on trucks and SUVs that weighs up to 10000 lb or more advisable if the weight would be 6666 lb. It comes with 80′ steel cable and it also has a synthetic rope version which has 90′ synthetic rope line. Its installation process is not that difficult.
WARN 96800 VR8 12V Electric Winch
This winch is capable to tow your vehicle as long as it weighs up to 8000 lbs or more perfect if it weighs up to 5333 lb. It comes with 94′ steel cable for VR 8 model and 90′ synthetic rope for its VR8-S model. As for quality, both lines are great and its performance is truly impressive. Its installation is not difficult as well.
WARN 103250 VR EVO 8 Electric 12V DC Winch
Warn VR Evo series models have the same important features except for the rated load capacity and cable lengths. All the models come with the same waterproof Albright contractors like models in VR series. They come with 2 in 1 remote and could be used wired or wirelessly. They are rated wth IP68 waterproofing rating. They come with aluminum tie plate and its wound motor and a planetary gear train make this winch very powerful with low amp draw. It is backed up with 7 years of electrical warranty and limited lifetime mechanical warranty.
WARN 103252 VR EVO 10 Electric 12V DC Winch
This winch comes with its main features of VR Evo winches except for its cable lengths and its rated pulling capacity. This winch comes with a pulling capacity of 10,000 lbs and its cable wire is 90 ft with a synthetic rope option. This winch has the ability to pickup trucks, jeeps and larger SUVs
WARN 103254 VR EVO 12 Electric 12V DC Winch
This winch comes with a rated pulling capacity of 12000 lbs and it is considered as the strongest in the series. It comes with 85 feet of steel cable length and it provides the option of either steel cable or synthetic rope. It could accommodate trucks.
Conclusion
The price of Warn winches is not the lowest that you could find on the market and industry. However, we still recommend that you still consider this brand as it comes with upmost impressive quality and it gets the job done. It is very durable and lasts longer compared to other winches. Warn winch is worth investing on.
