Reviews: Smittybilt XRC GEN2 Recovery Winches

This winch has several improvements over the XRC-8 Comp series that I replaced it with.(not that the XRC-8 was a bad winch) It has more power, slightly faster line speed, and seems to run quieter. The clutch lever is sturdier. Also, the remote control is of much higher quality. All for the same price as the previous model!

Best to upgrade battery & alternator to get the best use outta the winch.

Great winch waterproof 6.6 hp. Easy Install

Just installed it on my FJ Cruiser, so far so good. Everything was provided for installation

Works well for the price. Weekend fun only would not use everyday for a business

Simple install and easy to use great value in my book

This unit has more than paid for itself, two times now. Once to pull out a 2000 Cummins ext. Cab LB, burried to the frame in thick, sticky mud. Straight line pull, aprox 96% max winch cap. I drive a 2011 cummins ram 2500 LB on 37s. Between 8-9k loaded. Next, I pulled myself out while buried to the frame in the same thick, sticky mud. Safe Xtract app says 16,782lb aprox vehicle resistance here. Initially used straight line pull for easily 3 times the recommended duty cycle, for hours and hours. Second day, resorted to single snatchblock pull for well past the duty cycle again. Just kept working. I'm buying a 12k now, to use as a rear winch for future rescues. Might even replace my current 17.5k for precaution, since I surpassed the duty cycle so far. Didn't let me down though!

The winch has been flawless, I've recommended you as a good source as well. Using my winch for my plow and pulling others out of bad spots .

Fit well in my Warn semi-hidden winch bumper on my 2014 4runner. I wish paper instructions were included, but it was only a small hassle to find them online.

Perfect for the price. Good fit. Good product. Gets the job done.

I have purchased several of these Gen 2 Winches over the years. Some have been more utilized than others, but they have held up well and have no complaints. For a number of years they have been one of the best winches at the given price point. You have to keep an eye on sales, as with most things, they have gone up in price over the years and if there isn't a lot of spread in price when you are ready to pull the trigger, I might opt up to the Gen3, as it has a few additional desireable features. Probably nothing that will separate you from getting home or not, but they are worth a look if the price is close at the time. Assembly and installation of this winch are pretty straight forward.

You can’t beat the price. Very well built and great service at 4 wheel parts

For a budget winch this thing as everything you need and want with a few extras. Easy install, strong pull, and good looks.

It’s off the chart for the price. Good power. If the relay mounted better it would be approaching top shelf but so would the price tag. I guess it would look cooler then also?

Great quality winch with easy installation and instructions.

Only one recovery so far but it was really deep sticky mud, it worked like a champ. Easy install, easy wiring, fits my 2018 jk perfectly.

Works great on my JK! Came with all the hardware and cables needed to install on my winch bumper. Thanks!

Easy install, pound per pound, dollar to dollar - you won't be this winch. Smooth operation and easy install make this an easy security blanket choice, buy it.

Ive enjoyed this winch. Installation was easy, the options for placing the control box are nice to have, and then they’re the look of the winch. I’m very happy with it, especially for the price.

Great product for the money. I have owned many Smittybilt products and have always been pleased.