[Dick]

I installed a 3500# Runva winch I purchased from Ontario Canada through Ebay seller "canadianwinchexpert". I paid $150 cn and it was delivered for $30. It is all metal construction and has warn bolt pattern. The reviews I read were good and it runs very quiet and smooth. It comes with a snatch block, shackle and tow strap in case I ever need to double the pulling capacity. I purchased the winch mount from KFI.

I mounted the solenoid in this location under the hood, it is out of the way, high and dry, and easy to work on. The wires were exactly long
enough to reach here from the battery.

I decided to purchase a wireless remote instead of installing the rocker switch on the dash, I just couldn't find a place I liked. This way I will have the wireless key fob, wireless remote and hard wired remote that came with the winch in case the wireless stops working.

I am very happy with the purchase and it should work for the occasional use I will need. I see they have the $4500# winch on sale right now for $150 ,figures they would go on sale after I bought one.

Here is the link to the seller if anyone else is interested canadawinchexpert on eBay

 

[Moose]

Nice looking install Dick. Once you go wireless remote, you won't ever go back!

I have the same kind of sale luck.

Had you heard of the make of winch before, or did you go out on a limb?

 

[DG Rider]

I have a Champion 4500# i picked up off Ebay for $130 new. Might even install it one day..

 

[Dick]

Nice looking install Dick. Once you go wireless remote, you won't ever go back!

I have the same kind of sale luck.

Had you heard of the make of winch before, or did you go out on a limb?

I just read the reviews and watched a couple videos people made. The only complaint people had was the mounting bolts snapped for a couple people but they must have over torqued them I had no issues. I wanted a winch for peace of mind, these things are too heavy to push and where I go there is not much help available or cell phone coverage.

 

[Dick]

I found this wireless remote for $13 free shipping from China, how is that even possible. Delivery 3 weeks. I guess there is no mark up by anyone in North America. I had to give it a try at that price so we'll see.

 

[CanadianCook]

I have had 2 different runva winches both 2500 lbs no problems with either, the only complaint I had was that it was slow compared to my previous warn.

 

[Dick]

That's good to hear that Canadiancook. It says that is your first post, welcome to the forum. What do you cook?

 

[Moose]

I have had 2 different runva winches both 2500 lbs no problems with either, the only complaint I had was that it was slow compared to my previous warn.

Welcome to the forum!

 

[CanadianCook]

Thanks, I'm Chef / Camp Manager in Fort St John area and I have been lurking on this forum for while and have been waiting to get the chance to test drive a Pioneer before I take the plunge. I have a 2011 Honda Rincon right now that I really enjoy but i want to bring my 4 year old little girl with me which I can't on the Rincon.

 

[Dick]

Out there in the foot hills of BC where all the good paying jobs are. That would be a good place for a Pioneer. Don't be scared to join in the conversations or ask questions no one here bites too bad.

 

[Thunderstix]

Thanks, I'm Chef / Camp Manager in Fort St John area and I have been lurking on this forum for while and have been waiting to get the chance to test drive a Pioneer before I take the plunge. I have a 2011 Honda Rincon right now that I really enjoy but i want to bring my 4 year old little girl with me which I can't on the Rincon.

Hmmm, sounds we both work in the patch in the same region.

 

[skorp1702]

I found this wireless remote for $13 free shipping from China, how is that even possible. Delivery 3 weeks. I guess there is no mark up by anyone in North America. I had to give it a try at that price so we'll see.

between me , my dad and buddy we have 3 of these in operation the keychain remote almost reaches as far as the cables on out winches

 

[Dick]

Well guys I gave this winch a good test today. I was driving on 2 feet of snow with a hard crust and broke through the ice layer on top, underneath was a mealy snow with no traction. It fetched up on the frame with all 4 wheels free spinning.

I hooked the line onto a tree about 30 feet away grabbed my wired remote (wireless is still enroute from china) and pulled without getting in the machine to help it. It started pulling pretty hard and then just popped right up on top on the ice. I was impressed. I was pulling against a wall of ice and I could have put the line up the tree farther, used the snatch block to double the pull or got in the machine and helped it, so I still had options. Shoveling would have done no good because there would have been no way to get back on top of the ice. 5 minutes and I was underway again homeward bound.

This 3500 lb winch will do the job, I would still get the 4500 lb for the little difference in price just in case. I would recommend everyone who goes offroad to get a winch, they worth their weight in gold when you need it.

Sorry guys did not have my camera with me (Rich is going to be mad about that)

 

[skorp1702]

ill tell you the wireless is nice did you order the keychain one. I put it on my beltloop when we go riding and tell my gf to drive while I hook it up

 

[Moose]

Dick, your story is a testament to preparedness. Glad she winched out for ya.

 

[Dick]

ill tell you the wireless is nice did you order the keychain one. I put it on my beltloop when we go riding and tell my gf to drive while I hook it up

It is pictured above skorp, I am sure it is the same one you have. Curious did it come with batteries for that price?

Moose speaking of preparedness I think I will get a roll of synthetic rope to throw in the tickle trunk. One never knows how close the nearest tree will be.

 

[skorp1702]

yeah batteries are in the remotes

 

[Dick]

The wireless remote came in 2 1/2 weeks from Hong Kong and seems fine. The key fob is metal with a slide to cover the buttons. $13 you can't complain about the price..

12V Wireless Winch Remote Control Switch Unit FOR Truck ATV SUV Winch | eBay

 

[skorp1702]

Dont be afraid of that lil keychain one I done drowned mine or thought I did anyway but never stopped working

 

[KamiahKid]

How much was the wireless remote? I really like that idea!