I made the mistake of buying a Warn VR - 8000 which was a cheap model they made several years back. Needless to say I got what I payed for and I need to buy another winch. Apparently I haven't learned anything though because I am asking for recommendations or experience with the many low cost winches available today. Mainly I don't want to put a high end winch on an older truck. Does anyone here have any experience with $500 and below winches that was good, or should I just bite the Bullitt get a high end Warn and be done with it ?

The Harbor Freight winches are actually pretty reliable. They are slower than a Warn, but they work

I've wandered about them. The speed isn't a huge issue to me anyways.

I have never used one of the cheaper winches, but I have a Warn 8274 that my Dad bought new in 1980 that is still going strong.

Best winch made.

You got that right!!!!!

The Tractor Supply ones seep to have a decent reputation on the jeep forums I peruse...

My limited experience with Smittybuilt winches has been pretty good.

The cheaper Warns were bad about dropping solenoids. If that's all that's wrong with yours, you can replace them for not too much $.

You can find an old 8274 for about 500$.

That would be a deal.

I was looking for pics of truck wenches....

I have a Husky 10 made by Superwinch which is a worm gear winch. They run about 1500-2k though. FIL has a Badlands from Harbor Freight he uses on a trailer. The minimal use it sees has been good so far.

I have a wench that rides in the truck with me. Model 1962. Not cheap though.

I bet it is worth it though!

When I needed a winch I was looking at the SMitty built that comes with the rope rather that the cable. But I came across one of the 12000 lb harbor freight winches new in the box in a pawn shop. I know the guys personally and they sold it to me for 150.00 out the door so I figured I couldn't pass it up. I have had it on my f150 for 5 years. I have used it 1 time to pull myself out and 10 times to pull up small bushes and maybe 5 more times pulling others out. It has worked perfectly every time. I have certainly got my money out of it and would buy another in a heartbeat.

I’ve been happy with my smittybuilt 12k on my tundra and 10k on my Tacoma.

Thanks for the replies ! I would love to find an old 8274 from someone who didn't know what they had...I can put my hands on one now but it has a steep price tag on it. I have been seeing good reviews on the Smitty's but didn't know anyone personally that had one. The cheap model Warn I had did have issues with solenoids, but also internal parts as well....it is history. It was on a Tacoma so not over-worked but used somewhat more than typical as I work in the woods. If I ever get my hands on a good 8274 it will never get sold or traded out. I have a friend who has had his since the 70's, they are fast and stout !