RUGCEL TANK WINCH 13500LB Dual Color Rope

This is for the NEW RUGCEL WINCH 13500lb Waterproof Electric Synthetic Rope Winch 12V with Hawse Fairlead, 2 in 1 Wireless Remote,Double color rope.The 1st thing I noticed right away was how well packaged this winch came and how much visually the packaging looked to the Badlands Apex. Having owned an Apex, I immediately knew who they were competing with. That is also where the comparison ended.From appearance only; I prefer the TANK! It’s about 3” smaller in length and a little lighter (not much). The dual color rope is very nice and thicker than the Apex synthetic rope (at least it appears to be). The winch is also slimmer and shorter than the Apex and visually appears sealed up like the Apex. The TANKs wires and control box are also very nicely done. The thermal protective sleeves on the TANK was a nice touch for sure and should also reduce weathering of the cables.I did unwind all the synthetic rope and “stretch” it while rewinding. I did notice the Tank and Apex motors were equally “winch-loud”. The Tanks speed seems to be faster and winding felt more controlled.For about $150 less than a Badlands Apex; you can get the Rugcel Tank. I definitely recommend from first glance as I haven’t torture tested the Tank yet like I have the Apex. The Apex is a 10 out of 10 highly recommend but I have no doubt the Tank will also earn that recommendation.Reminder: the reason most of these “cheap” winches fail is improper install, vehicle weight, utilization, and post trail care. For the “fan boys”, I’ve seen Warn’s fail too. For most folks, a $400 winch will do the job when you need it, especially with these new IP68/69 options. Just for good measure Warn is also a Chinese sourced half “Assembled in America” with domestic and imported parts winch; only you’ll spend 2-5x for it.

The box had a warning, team lift recommended. This winch probably weighs over 50 pounds. Seems built to handle a lot of weight. The manual leaves much to be desired. There are parts in the picture of what is included, but not shown in the assembly. The control box that sits on top is well documented, however, I could only get 3 of the screws to line up. Also, the cable plate that guides and protects the synthetic rope is different than the one shown and does not attach to the winch. I landed up buying the optional base that had mounting holes for the plate. There are none on the winch. The plate in the manual uses two mounting holes, the one I got uses four, but there is only hardware for two. I should mention, I am using this on a trailer, not on a vehicle. I am happy with the winch so far, even though I had to spend an extra $100 for the base. I haven't mounted it yet (paid extra to have the base expedited.) so I can't rate it on actual performance, but I have high expectations.

This is a solid heavy duty winch. Had no issues pulling a 6000 lb mid size pickup. Works great in all regards. Only wish it came with extra remote controller. It competes with Badlands winch but for less cost. Not any noisier than any other comparable winch.

Got it to work, works quicker than an older winch I had (different model) Assembled according to instructions and does not pull only makes noise. Checked wiring, battery and assembly. Will probably send it back if I cant get it going in the next couple of days. Will update review if I get it to work or get a response from manufacturer.

I bought this with the intention of infrequent but critical use. I advise wiring up the controller first. Alignment of the control box bolts is a bit off from the threaded bolt holes on top of the winch. The only install instructions are a wiring diagram (useful) at the back of the operating manual. The interrupt switch was a useful surprise - figured out where to put it on the fly. There was plenty of wiring cable to battery for my Jeep Gladiator. My test run was quiet and easy - worked the first time both wired and wireless. The hook clamping to the face plate with just winch taughtness is tidy and cool.