Another this one or this one...WARN M8k Vs VR8k

[NM-Frontier]

Just about to pull the trigger on a winch for my new ARB on the way for the Tacoma. Is it worth the extra $$ (not really a lot I guess but every bit counts) to go for the M8000 over the new VR8000. M8000 is the old stand by it seams and is is also a bit lighter witch is always a plus. The truck is a mild build, not going down the Rubicon or any thing like that but I do travel solo more often then not. Ideally I would never have to use the thing, but I want some thing that is going to perform when I need it. Any thoughts or suggestions from those who may have either or both?
Thanks!

[I Leak Oil]

M8....Been around for a long time, tried and true and tested.

[Nonimouse]

M8 if you have to go Warn

EP9 would be much better though

[fourfa]

Odd... the VR8000 is spec'ed out as a lower-end product, but Amazon has both the M8000 and VR8000 for the same price. In that case it's a no-brainer. (I've been thrilled with my M8000 on my Tacoma, but I definitely wouldn't want a SLOWER winch like the VR)

[NM-Frontier]

I'm defiantly leaning towards the M8000. Just looking to see if any one had any experience with a VR8000.

[Nonimouse]

Face it, the VR8 isn't exactly ringing the bell on reviews and the M8000 is the best winch Warn ever made

[1911]

FWIW, this info is from a Warn rep. on IH8MUD:

"The WARN VR winches have different motors, geartrains, remotes, and finishes vs. the M-series... They're backed by the same limited lifetime warranty that we have on all of our other 12V truck winches, and we test them just like all of our other winches. These are currently on our assembly lines in Oregon.

Yes, some of the parts come from global suppliers, but other parts are also are made in our Oregon plants. In addition, they're all designed, engineered, tested, and assembled in Clackamas, OR."

Here is the thread if you want to read the whole thing in context: http://forum.ih8mud.com/winching-recovery/476122-warn-vr-winches.html

[NM-Frontier]

Thanks for the link 1911, some good stuff in there.

[Warn Industries]

FWIW, this info is from a Warn rep. on IH8MUD:

"The WARN VR winches have different motors, geartrains, remotes, and finishes vs. the M-series... They're backed by the same limited lifetime warranty that we have on all of our other 12V truck winches, and we test them just like all of our other winches. These are currently on our assembly lines in Oregon.

Yes, some of the parts come from global suppliers, but other parts are also are made in our Oregon plants. In addition, they're all designed, engineered, tested, and assembled in Clackamas, OR."

Here is the thread if you want to read the whole thing in context: http://forum.ih8mud.com/winching-recovery/476122-warn-vr-winches.html

Yeah, that was me that posted on iH8mud.com.

FYI, the M8000 is faster, has a contactor (vs. solenoids in the VR8000), VR uses a different motor, has a different finish, and different remote. Same warranty on both. The M8000 is going to be higher performance, but more money.

- Andy

[NM-Frontier]

Well after LOTS of reading and talking to folks "in the know", I think I am going to try out the VR8000. This seams to fit all of my requirements specs are very close to the older M8000s and it has the same warranty. I think Ill just take the solenoids and the cost differences for gas instead of the new control pack and a bit of line speed. Thanks for chiming in Andy. It is good to see you on the boards to clear up stuff.Thanks

[Nonimouse]

It's fine, no worries, because you live in the US of A and can just give Old Andy a shout down at Warn to get a new one! Let me know how it goes as they are not CE approved yet so we don't get them for me to break/test

[Warn Industries]

Well after LOTS of reading and talking to folks "in the know", I think I am going to try out the VR8000. This seams to fit all of my requirements specs are very close to the older M8000s and it has the same warranty. I think Ill just take the solenoids and the cost differences for gas instead of the new control pack and a bit of line speed. Thanks for chiming in Andy. It is good to see you on the boards to clear up stuff.Thanks

You're welcome. Any time.

- Andy