Harbor Freight 12000lb Winch MUD Test 

A winch review from reviewers who have no idea how to install/use a winch 👍

These guys should not be "making" winching videos. They should be "watching" winching videos so they can see how it should be done. Oh my gosh.

Couple things, some of which have been touched on previously. 1) be sure to stay clear of the winch line and put something on the cable incase it snaps. 2) that winch can pull upwards of 400+ amps at full load. The longer the power feed lines the more the resistance. 14 foot of 0ga wire is technically not "enough" wire to get proper power at the winch for as long of a run as you had, and it didn't look like you had as big as 0ga wire. If the winch can't get the power it needs through the wire, it will get much hotter, and lose torque, thus your unsatisfactory results. 3) for safety always attach the winch cable to a tree saver, at the bottom of the tree. It appeared you wrapped the cable around the tree, this can cause premature failure of the wire rope/kink it. Attaching it high on the tree increases the torque on the root ball, and you can pull the tree right over onto your vehicle. 4). Winches rated pulling power is assuming your pulling with only 4/5 single wraps of the drum (aka the when the rope starts feeding its touching the empty drum. When you have 4 to 5 complete layers on the drum like I saw in your video your torque is massively reduced. You were probably only pulling with less than half the rated power or less just from this. 5) invest in a snatch block/rated pulley. Had you ran a pulley on the tree and ran your line back to your bumper you would have done three things. (1) you would have had more line out off the drum which would have increased the winches leverage significantly, (2) you would have doubled your torque due to mechanical advantage at a expense of line speed, and (3) because of 1 and 2 the winch would have drawn significantly less amperage, wouldn't have been struggling/ran much cooler, and it would have pulled the vehicle out better. Also it's worth noting that it's worth it to wire up everything properly from a safety perspective as well. A 400 amp almost dead short pull on a undersized power cable is a good recipe to melt wires and cause a vehicle wrecking fire. I have seen this happen first hand from a bad winch wiring setup. It's also smart to go off roading with a friend and have a bubba rope or similar snatch strap. It's much quicker to give a quick tug than to use a winch as you did to get out. With that said good luck on your off road adventures.

Thanks for being man enough to post a video we can all learn from.!!! People act like they were born with all the knowledge and never had to learn new things geez. Kudos for being in the arena, fighting!

those are great winches. its not the winch bud. its the operator

You don't go mudding with street tires.

this makes my brain hurt soooo many wrongs happening all at once

They're young, let them make their mistakes. That's how we all learned many of our lessons.

coming from someone who does a lot of offroading... please please please at least put a jacket over the cable in case it snaps and don't stand as close as you were.

Lol I have a 9k harbor freight winch pulled my self in a Cherokee and a full size dodge truck never let off the winch for about 10 minutes! still works great

I have the 12K on my Jeep. I mostly pull logs for firewood when I can't cut them were they lay. A couple of times, I thought I was gonna rip my Jeep YJ in half, and rightly so, probably should have. This winch is a beast IMO.

Also, a snatch block could have doubled the strength, tires look horrible, and lastly winches are slow

With all that cable on the winch, its only about 6,000 lb. Find a farther tree or get a snatch block. Also any winching demo should be tree friendly so purchase a tree saver strap. Thanks for posting.

I’m glad you acknowledged all the things that you learned at the end of the video. The winch brand new comes with a fuse/circuit breaker. The owners manual clearly indicates that the ground cable must be connected directly to the battery and the winch itself. And yes, the owners manual clearly states that using a double line (snatch block) rigging configuration should be used whenever possible. The owners manual states: A double line system should be used whenever possible. It reduces the load on the winch, allowing it to work longer with less heat buildup. It reduces load on the winch in two ways: * It utilizes the lower layers of the wire rope that have higher capacity, and * It halves the load on the winch through the pulley action. Also as pointed out by others, you need to use some type of device for whiplash dampening, just in case the cable fails. The owners manual suggests a blanket or rug. But there are also many others ways to achieve the same results. I admire your eagerness to learn and grow. But you don’t want to jeopardize your safety in the process. I’m not sure about this, but you might be able to find and read the owners manual on the Harbor Freight website. Safety is the #1 priority. Stop whatever you are doing when unsure. It may save your life or the life of others.

How come I feel like I just watched a re-run of “Dumb & Dumber”

get another battery dedicated just to the winch that still charges from your alternator..maybe even upgrade the alternator...the snatch block will help alot...oh and TIRES!!! lol

You guys learned and had fun at same time keep going guys 😀👍

You have to consider that vehicle was in pretty deep. That was a hell of a load. Your winch depending on how much wire you have spooled will have different capacities. It's printed right there by the clutch handle. It tells you how much it's rated at according the layer of wire that's on the spool. Snatch block will help with a tree saver strap.

1. please have your engine on so you don't kill the battery 2. don't feather the throttle like that you're going to burn it up much quicker. 3. that ground is crap and is probably what's causing it to smoke and be so weak, it needs to be clean bare metal

Thanks for the video guys. Your ground connection is critical. If it's not 100% solid, you will burn up any winch very quickly.

if the battery cable is longer than 9 ft long you may want to upgrade to bigger wire. and a really good ground

That's right keep spinning the wheels and digging in deeper. Wow

When you start stop the motor under load like that it keeps the motor current high try a steady retrieve, throw rocks or logs in the ruts to help lift the tires out of the mud, also using a high lift jack to lift the rear of the vehicle up then push it side ways off the jack puts you on high ground..

Iv used my HB winch for 45 min straight pulling heavy stuff. Winch is beast. Never let me down. Having power wires so long of course it's not gonna have all the power it can produce.

I actually work at HF myself. I have been wanting to buy one of the 12ks myself. Just... watch the package. If its beat up, dont get it. As a person who unloads the truck, I see how we handle everything. I have no clue how 90% of our tools and shit isnt broken.

im literally pulling tree the size you cabled to out of the ground with my 9500lb super winch, glad i went with the super winch.

Would be nice to see how you had it wired. It looked pretty janky to me. You need large battery cables to run the winch motor and a short run, longer run = bigger cables needed.

Same winch, I pulled a car out of a ditch almost vertical at times and never got hot. I used heavy duty jumper cables from the batt. to the winch and it worked great, and yes use a blanket or something to place on the cable in case it dose break.

It sounds like it’s not getting full power, I think you’re right about the ground not being sufficient. We’ve pulled our trucks out with trailers loaded with firewood with this winch.

Keep up all the videos man!

Love the channel, It did its job.

This is very good information to have. Thank you for your video and your time

Use a snatch block and double the cable back to the vehicle. That will also double the pulling power. You should also make sure the engine on the vehicle is running to supply a full 12 volts to the winch, because lower voltage will cause the winch motor to heat abnormally. If you're serious about vehicle recovery, the Warn 8274 is the only winch to have.

You could also get a front mount hitch so that you can move the winch and pull from the front and back that way you pull from wherever you have more traction/less obstacles

I'm using that exact winch on my cj5, 3 years running, no flaws. I'm wondering if that wiring is jacked. Yours sounds bad. My cj5 is a bit lighter than your SUV tho.

didnt read all the comments to see if it was mentioned, but winches only pull their max rating at a single layer on the drum, so on a warn M12 for example, 1/layer=12000, by the time you get to layer 5 its down to 9200lbs, and just continues to get worse. Its basically changing the gear ratio cause it gets larger diameter. so if your winch is struggling always pull as much cable as possible to try and get to single layer, a snatch block is great because it allows you to get double the cable out for the same anchor point, plus it doubles the pulling power, cuts the cable load in half, at the cost of half the pull speed.

You are correct on the relays clicking in and out due to low voltage.

My recommendation is run your ground and your power directly to your battery up front you may have to buy longer cables but it would be well worth it make sure you keep your vehicle running and by the way is that a 4x4 you were trying to pull out?

All the critics commenting...give them a break. They're young..they will learn. We're not born with knowledge. We learn as we go through life. Thanks for the video enjoyed it very much. I'm thinking about buying the same winch. This will be my first winch.

Tips: Sand down the paint from the metal before you ground it. Second check online for some used offroad tires.

Guys I know this is an older video but one other thing to consider is that the outer layer of the spool is the least effective for pulling and if you combine that with the short duty cycle it will affect performance. If you spool that out really far and double it with an extension strap or extra cable you would double the capacity and extend the duty cycle. Useful info just because I know you have the same Winch on Big Red now.

nice video, did u do the second one with the snach block?

I think any winch would have issues with half the truck sitting on the frame / axles but it did a decent job. Probably would have worked a bit better w a snatch block on it

If you guys are digging deep in to the mud with your wheels, how do you expect the which to freely pull the vehicle? Leave the engine running and leave on neutral and try to pull with the winch.

First :Got to have good powers connections , both of them. That's the quickest way to smoke ANY winch is run the voltage low. Second :GOT TO HAVE A SECOND BATTERY AND A HIGHER OUTPUT ALTERNATOR like those used for factory plow packages when the vehicle gets ordered originally. The extra amps are your best friend.

Snatch block will double the pulling power and winch will work half as much. Plus the more cable u can pull off the drum the better off u are as it steepens the gear ratio on winch

I really recommend getting the Badlands wireless remote control and a snatch block will help alot

I would of had it hooked up in the front first of all. And I have the 12000 pound winch pulls easily been pulling strong and tougher things then this vehicle your showing for sure and no issues definitely the operator for sure.

Get a pair of heavy duty jumper cables, cut the ends off and replace the winch end with a set of slave cable adaptors. These can be found at Northern tool and equipment. Go to the auto parts store and get eye ends for the battery end of the cables. Route the cables through the frame from the battery to the rear end and screw the slave cable adaptor to the hitch. You will have to cut the winches power cables in order to put on the other half of the slave adaptor. This allows your electrical hook ups to be permanently mounted to the vehicle, while allowing you to remove the winch mount.

Also look at how many wraps you have on spool that determines power. You only get the full power on wrap 1 , each additional wrap it reduces

You need a very strong battery or 2 to get the maximum pull.

Sounds like operator error. I've got one on my ATV 3500lbs. Great product

6:50 Putting a snatch block on the tree does not double your pulling power; it only changes the direction of the pulling force. You need two snatch blocks (one at the tree, one at the vehicle). Run the cable from the winch to the tree snatch block, back to the vehicle snatch block, then back to the tree. science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/pulley.htm Another thing about ALL winches and their ratings. The rating only applies to one layer of rope or cable on the spool. Continue winching and you add layers of rope/cable to the spool That REDUCES the pulling force that the winch can provide because the spool has a bigger diameter as each layer of rope/cable piles onto the spool. When you get to 4-5 layers, your 12,000 lb winch is down to about a 6,500 lb winch. science.howstuffworks.com/transport/engines-equipment/pulley.htm

I am glad i saved cash and got a better winch! This winch was on my list because of cost but now glad i passed!

Yep your ground needs to be way better for starters. I used mine with no issues and I pulled my 11ram 3500 out of some interesting things lol.

I have the same winch on my jeep zj and I've never had that kinda issue. I've pulled another jeep up a 45° angle with no problem and drug my jeep with tires locked with that winch. you need to re-ground that winch.

Are you sure you aren't dropping voltage? That could be why it's getting hot and struggling.

Your battery is dead or not hooked up correctly. I have same winch mine works great.

Cool ass drag slicks bro

We live and learn. That said, proper wiring does help with over heating. Always have at least two snatch blocks. I like to work the winch 10-15 seconds then let it rest for 15-20 seconds. This will help keep it from over heating. I'm sure y'all have figured this out now, but people still watching older videos so....🤷

I used one to load a car that all 4 wheels were locked up. Doubled the cable by using snatch block and it pulled the car right out of the woods up onto the trailer with no problem. Harder to unload than it was too load

I think your ground had part to do but the main part of your over heating issue was you can't keep hitting the on switch instead of holding it for the allowed time.

Glad I watch this review was about to buy this for my super duty I think of a better one if it’s struggling pulling a forerunner out also watched a video of it struggling pulling at 5000 pound tractor out and it supposed to be a 12,000 pound winch

i have a bad lands 9000 pound wench from harbor freight on a 21 ft flat bed and i pull all kinds of vehicles on the flat bed and don't have any troubles like you guys are having.

definately wasnt getting enough juice. You might need a second battery in the back close to the winch if the ground doesnt fix it

You have to run the negative and positive wires from the winch directly to the battery (2nd battery recommended). The battery is your fuse and if you don't want the wires to get hot then shorten them up or get larger wire. Consider installing a 2nd battery in the rear of the vehicle if you use your winch on the rear, that will allow a shorter wire run and you can still rig it to charge from the alternator. Be safe and use the snatch block and throw something over the wire winch cable in case the cable or something else breaks as mentioned by others. I once saw a guy killed by a broken winch hook, went right through the back window of the truck and took one side of his head off, bad work day.

Surprising how many vehicles don't have tires suitable for what they're doing but anyway the winch been thinking about 1 appreciate the videos informational will make a difference in my decision when I make a decision

Step 1-Never take a fake four wheel drive vehicle in the mud (fake=only two wheels spin at a time). Step 2-Never take a street tired vehicle in the mud--no matter the reason. Step 3-Never, EVER let that kid drive a stuck in the mud vehicle again. He is ten thousand percent clueless. Step 4-In the future, get lockers on your four wheel drive vehicles. No excuses, just get lockers. Step 5-put the vehicle in gear, let off the brake and help the winch do its job without someone digging it down deeper every time the winch starts getting it unstuck. Tires are saw blades when spinning in the mud. Should we even address you handicapping the poor lil winch by not wiring it properly? That's why it was over-heating so badly. If you ever connect it properly, you'll be amazed at how much stronger it will be, how much longer it will run and how much faster it will spool.

I have the same winch on my c60 and it pulls my 16k lbs truck around just fine. The large diameter black cord isn't the ground that is your negative contact for the battery. Your winch isn't running at full power. And for every row of line you pull out you loose over half your pulling power. Need a snatch

Winch not the problem here. It's not getting enough juice. Run the cables to the front of your car so it runs off that battery and your alternator will recharge. That's how I ran the setup on my truck. Let me know if it changes anything

Tire pressure is everything. You have to get the pressure way down. I have a 4Runner and it doesn't four wheel very well in sand or mud without lowering tire pressure. It makes a world of difference. It doesn't appear like they lowered tire pressure in this video. And the tires look like they're bald. Having said all that, good thing to remember about Harbor Freight is their motto: Almost Good Enough

You guys need to get off-road tires! Great videos, though -- keep 'em coming.

I have a super winch talon 12.5 I for my ram. Just now getting a bumper built fer it so haven't used it. Buy probably get one of these for the car trailer with it's on batt, And a 2 guage qd wire kit

on the box it tells you have 45 seconds of winching and about 10-15 minutes of cooling so your winch lasts you longer, keep what you are doing and you will mess it up fast

I have the same winch there must be something wrong with yours because I pulled a Z71 out buried to the doors and it didn't even stress the winch

even thou its a 12000 lb winch it will only pull that on the 1st layer of cable so if the cable is 4 layers then it will only pull around 6700 lb when winding the 4th layer so its best to let all the cable out or use a snatch block which will put its pulling power back up to 12000

Do u save money by having winch in back. Like not buying special bumper

Like many people have said put a second battery in the back check your ground And use another cable like a 1awg gauge for that distance. The reason that the winch is doing what it's doing is it's not getting enough Amperage. Voltage drop and resistance test will show drop for the power that I things draws.

i have that exact same winch, i just pulled my f350 out and it was sitting on the front bumper and the mud froze solid, pulled it out like a dozer blade pushing big chunk of dirt

Low voltage video. Get a dedicated battery and for the love of off roading................. get a snatch block! BTW was that plugged into the cig lighter?

Your ground is most likely your issue, but I carry a good snatch block in my outfit also so if my winch struggled a bit more than I like I would double line and life, and winching is good!!

that's a 12k winch pulling a 4k pound truck. You have power issues you need to run a dedicated power wire that's the same size or bigger than the wires that came on the winch to the battery. I've got a couple guys I wheel with that have that same winch and we have winched full size chevy pickups up steep hills loaded with camping gear with them without having to stop.

Check your ground. That minor clicking noise is your ground cables usually I had the exact same winch got stolen in San Diego recently. awesome winch just got another one but its rated at 9k

Clicking from the control box? Isn't that the sound of the mechanical ratchet to keep it from unwinding?

I would say Weld the rear diff.... should be easy because its a straight axle.... dont even have to take it out just take off the diff cover. Also check craigslist for tires that are a little bit more aggressive. Also buy a cordless controller for the winch.... it helps if your by your self and allows you to stay further away in case the cable breaks :)

Boys hang a wet towel over that cable, I don't want to see you get cut in half...

I guess you have to learn in the school of hard nocks, I’m sure a real good video with use of a snatch block. Good luck Boys

you'd be better off with a come-along.

my 94 gmc 3500 4door dually was stuck in 3 feet of slush mud mix. that winch pulled my truck out and up the tree where I attached. no problem.

You should have your winch cable unspooled to the first run of cable! It will give you the most pulling power!

You hook the cable straight to the battery no fuse in line the winch as a fuse in it what you could do get a set of 8 gauge jumper cables cut the ends off and put some quick connects on that take care of your problem and they are called winch blocks get you two 4000lbs blocks thats all you need .i have one of those 12000lb winchs and i can pull a 21000lb truck with it it all depends on if you know how to hook it up or not

I have the same winch something is wrong with yours mine doesn't struggle at all and Ive been stuck bad

I believe it might be the battery cause I just saw that winch rip a pretty big tree out of the ground in another video

you can definitely hear the winch motor begging for power which would cause the winch to get hot and the wires to heat up, the shorter the the main power and ground wires will make it easier for power to get to the motor, the winch should be hooked up directly to the battery along with the battery being bigger than the stock battery you have, depending on the distance between the battery and the winch will determine how thick the main power and ground should be, think about how water flows down a river, the narrower a river is, not only does water struggle to move but it also effects how much water is flowing, also, just for extra safety, it's always a good idea to drape a towel or a shirt over the middle of the winch cable just in case the cable breaks or what the cable is anchored to breaks or comes loose, if you do this the lil bit of weight from the towel or shirt will help make the cable fall to the ground keeping it from flying back and hitting your vehicle or someone that may be in the way

If you hook the winch ground to a clean spot on the Frame DON'T forget to add equal gauge wire from the battery to frame, and near the alternator on the engine block to the frame. With that long of a run I'd invest in at least 2 Gauge welding cable.

Use a snatch block. Run the cable to the anchor through the block and back to the truck. It cuts the effort roughly in half. Always run as straight as possible, that first run you tried was just short of useless, unless you NEED to pull the truck sideways or keep it from sliding.

If that tree goes, its gonna send a log right through that street queen and hit your buddy in the dome, I would also suggest using an arrest device on the winch cable so that it doesnt snap up and cut someones arm off. Ask me how I know. Also, run much larger cables for the power to the winch so it has less resistance. Usually these winches work pretty good if you install and use them right.

dude please tape up that hot wire where you spliced it before your truck burns down

Man these guys sure know what they are doing

I thought the clicking might be from a mechanism inside the which locking into place to it didn't release tension when the motor wasn't running.