When do I know if I really need a winch?

That Pathfinder is pretty cool. Don't see a ton of those modded, or really even out in the world. RIP BOF non CVT Pathfinder.

 

I've always wondered why more people don't mod Frontier Pro4x, they seem very capable.

I think it just wasn't the popular move, not a technical or capability question.

 

Plenty of people do as they can use Titan components for longer travel on their Frontier.

To the OP, if you got a winch, more often than not it'll be used to help recover someone else.

Last 2 vehicles I put together didn't even have a winch (or need it).

 

Almost forgot what the original subject manner is but love reading about all the trail advice as I'm a complete novice in the 4runner - my comfort zone for the past few years has been my 2012 Yamaha Rhino which hasn't been getting a lot of attention since the 4runner purchase. Great forum guys!

 

I live in the lowcountry of GA/SC which means flat land and mud with no rocks or inclines and approach/departure angles are not significant. Many of the roads I use for recreation are rutted by military MRAP 48" tall tires which can cause high centering if one slips into them when dry. For years I've used a Warn 8500 cradled in my Sequoia 4x4 which is wired front and rear with hitches to secure the Warn when needed. The winch was shared with my T4R XP until it was totaled last week. I plan on rigging out my new Off Road T4R with it as well. The front hitch mount decreases the approach angle somewhat which is not important for my purposes. The winch is most often used to pull out backwards and abandon trip forward because I would have had to continuously pull forward for distances not worth the effort. Here's the winch after a successful muddy retreat after high centering and a photo of the front mount. As pointed out above once truck is high centered tire propulsion is fruitless regardless of diff locks, etc. Gil

 

For anyone coming across this post in the future, here’s some advice on whether or not you need a winch for your off-road adventures.

If you're planning to do a lot of solo trips in remote areas, especially across places like California, Oregon, or Washington, a winch is a valuable tool to have for peace of mind. A winch can be crucial if you get stuck in the mud, need to clear obstacles like fallen trees, or have no one around to help you. It’s true that you may not use it often, but in those rare situations where you're stuck without help, having a winch can make all the difference.

Several users have mentioned that while tools like tow straps and MaxTrax are great, they can only do so much, especially if you're by yourself. One user suggested adding a come-along or tree strap as a backup if you don’t want to invest in a full winch setup right away. However, a winch is often seen as cheap insurance for solo off-roading trips, even if you only use it occasionally.

As for cost, there are more affordable options than spending $2,500 on a winch setup. Some members suggested going for a lower-cost Smittybilt or Harbor Freight Badlands winch, which can save you some money while still offering reliable performance.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to how frequently you think you’ll need it. If your off-roading trips take you into difficult or remote areas, a winch could be a smart investment to keep you safe and prepared for the unexpected.

 

You don't need a winch............until you do. I installed my own hidden winch and raid bumper. Love it. Never used it but let's me be more adventurous when I'm going solo and gives me peace of mind that I won't die in the the Arizona desert and be eaten by coyotes.

 

Definitely don’t need to spend $2500 if you’re willing to be patient and look for deals. Around this time last year, I bought a winch & bumper:

Warn Evo 10 - $420 shipped from Northridge 4x4 (currently $548 and they also have several Smittybuilt & Rough Country winches under $500)

Lost Trails bumper - $670 shipped

Painted the bumper, attached the winch, and did the and as others have mentioned, the peace of mind is very nice. I really like the bumper; to me, it’s what an OEM lo-pro would have looked like.

 

Since I'm only planning on needing a winch for rare occasions I jumped on the Ironman Raid Bumper, Lightbar and 12K Winch Black Friday deal. Just under $1200 shipped and I had it in hand in three days.

 

I’ve been kicking around the idea of putting a winch in my c4 tube bumper, but I wheel with 3 guys with winches so they can typically bail me out. I think it would definitely get used trying to keep up with my buddies wranglers on 35s and 37s. With kids sports I’m only getting out like twice a year vs the usually 4-5 times. Haven’t decided to drop the cash on it. Trying to get a dual swing rear bumper first

 

Im too late for this thread......

 

SOME insurance companies will raise your rates if they find out you have one. Plus with that kind of expense you will want to buy extra coverage for it. If you’re in an accident and it’s your fault, insurance companies will likely not cover getting you another one if you didn’t buy coverage. Given the winch hoes on the front, I’d definitely get extra coverage. Especially if it’s $2500.

 

HF ran a 40off the badlands winch around Xmas. Got the synthetic rope 12000lb for $360. Wheeled it the day after installing it!