stupid winch

[digglesworth]

When the ghost in my winch decided to intermittently spool itself, it bent my damn fairlead mount on my bumper. Not happy about this one.

 

[4speedfunk]

WTF...How can it spool itself?


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[Pappibri]

Yeah, what gives.....

 

[Best4x4]

Sounds like the solenoid pack is engaging on it's own probably when your driving down the road. I'd contact Smittybilt ASAP or the vendor you bought it from and get a refund or replacement.

 

[RamRod]

I have a spare solenoid pack I could send you cheap too if they don't sort you out... Let me know


Sent from handheld smoke signal device

 

[digglesworth]

CJ- i have no freakin clue how its been spooling itself.
Best4x4- sounds like that's a good possibility. I have the clutch disengaged now so if it runs on it's own, it won't pull line in and tighten up again.
RamRod- it's a smittybilt x2o... is the solenoid compatible?
I'll send 4wheelparts and smittybilt an email and see wwhat they say.

 

[Highatop]

I guess that answers your question from before...Is your control pack wireless...Other then that, I got nothin...Hopefully, you didn't hurt your fairlead and becareful bendin back that support, powdercoattin anyway. Good luck

 

[4speedfunk]

You can probably use a large crescent wrench with a piece of pipe on the handle and bend it back. What really sucks is that I was looking at getting an X2O ...now I'm not so sure. I'm curious how Smitty and 4WP handles your complaint.

 

[Best4x4]

Yeah let them know ASAP. Smittybilt was good on a few Bikini Top issues I had, but I had to show proof each time that I bought the tops from 4WP. The last item I had issues with was on their G.E.A.R. Storage system for Jeep's. None of my bags would stay in place due to cheap snaps on the back of the bags. I emailed them several times and nada zip nothing.. Finally sold the Jeep and didn't have to worry about the bags anymore, but the stuff did cost me $$$. I'd get on their butt's ASAP so they can't pull the famous oh that's just out of warranty or you lost your receipt and then they won't do anything.

Honestly that's one of the main reasons I stick with Warn when it comes to Winches. They back their stuff 100% The new VR series looks great for the $$$

 

[twinmill28]

Smittybilt was excellent when I had a problem after I relocated their ****ty winch controller plug in. I ruined the first one, called and actually talked to a real dude who knew exactly what I screwed up. He put a new plug-in piece in the mail immediately and I got it in no time at no cost.
I've got no doubt these guys will take care of you even if their winches are cheap *** garbage. I bought mine because I knew chances of ever using it were remote and I figured the one time I'd need it, it might actually work.

 

[4speedfunk]

I wonder if the problem is caused by a nearby garage door remote or some other stay signal from a wireless device. I know the FCC specifies frequency ranges for certain devices but, nowadays there are so many signals buzzing around...seems like the chance for cross-signaling would be far greater than it was 10 years ago. Just a thought.


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[digglesworth]

i sent 4WP a message. ill see what they say. i can access my account with them for proof of purchase i think. ill probably hear something after the holiday.

 

[digglesworth]

Talked to the smittybilt guys. Super cool about the situation. He said they've had a few of these complaints and attribute it to stray frequencies. He's sending me a new control box and wireless controller. The control box now has an on/off switch so that it can be disabled when not in use. Just gotta send them a copy of my original invoice from 4wp and he'll get it sent out. Glad they are honest and willing to step up. As far as my bumper, I'm gonna have to find a way to safely tweak it back in to place. :/

 

[SuperBuickGuy]

heat is your friend, time to warm up the hot wrench

 

[4speedfunk]

Don't heat it...you'll bake off the powder-coat. You can bend that back without heat...its only 3/16".

 

[abearden]

Stray frequencies?! So basically, they're doing zero signal check on their wireless and just filtering for a carrier signal. That's a Chinese-crap way of doing it.

 

[zackcrum]

Am I the only one who can't see the pictures??

 

[Bigunit]

What pictures?....[emoji12] ...yes, the pictures are in post #1.

 

[digglesworth]

I have a piece of 1x4" wood. I'm gonna sandwich the fairlead mount in between 2 pieces of that with some rags and c-clamps to hopefully keep the coating in tact... it doesn't need a ton of bending to get it back to straight again. Hopefully I have the new, redesigned box soon and can stop worrying about messing my bumper up any more. It should work like a damn rc car with the new setup. Gotta turn both ends on. Box and remote. The guy said the on/off switch is totally accessible so that shouldn't be an issue. I can't say that this winch would work on an enclosed bumper such as an arb or BA for that reason. I know smittybilt isn't known for having the best stuff out there but I'm satisfied with their customer service handling this. Taking the winch out, remounting the control box, bending the bumper back and putting it all back together sucks but it is what it is.

 

[zackcrum]

You could just leave it, it is a story afterall lol