Vivid Adventures replied:

Unfortunately not using it very frequently is not a mitigating factor.

If during that time of non-use, the rust has crept in, or something has vibrated loose or ...

Winches need frequent use and maintenance.

There is a thread 30298 recently where some comparisons were being planned.

Ciao for now
Andrew who is installing a chinese winch from ebay as of now.

Goona replied:

Thanks Vivid.

One other thing how easy is it to nstall into a standard steel Nissan GU bar?

Thanks Goona

geordie4x4 replied:

I just recently heard a disturbing verbal report about a repco winch being installed.

When the installer had to rotate the motor to fit it in the correct position, they found a the spacing washer or shim made out of a fanta can cut into a circle.
I am not absolutely sure of how reliable this story is so do not take this as a damming report on the quality of the winch.

Apparently a photo of this has been posted somewhere, So iff any else has more verifiable evidence please post where the source can be viewed.

Haza replied:

If you can wait till they have done there review.

Goto PostID: 30298

Redeye replied:

Hi Goona,

They fit well into a standard GU steel bar (ARB). I put it in by myself. Used a jack to put it in place and just screwed the bolts in.

Wiring was easy. I have a technical background so have hidden the control box and provided a switch on the dash. Very convenient.

One small problem though. Mine died on Fraser after two months of use (twice). It is at REPCO for warranty currently. Three weeks tomorrow. Am getting a little frustrated as am going to Landcrusier this weekend without it. But then a Nissan doesn't really need one LOL.....

The people at REPCO tell me mine is the first return thay have had.

Redeye

J.T. replied:

Goona,Just read a bit about tibor winches.Apparently they,re made buy warn and cost $1100.Only $300 more but perhaps a better option.(just a suggestion).Having said that I bought a second hand ramsey and stripped,lubed and rebuilt and cost about $300.Still going strong.

chump_boy replied:

Goona,

Let me say up front I sell these winches.

I have a few on ebay at the moment (as do a few other people). For less than $770 you should be able to pick up a 12,000lb unit. They are essentially the same as what Repco sell, they are just branded, and come with some extra accessories.

Warranty is only 12 months though, so you need to weigh up what the extra 2 years is worth to you.

Cheers,

Chump

Member - Fred L (NSW) replied:

G'day Goona,
I installed a Repco 9500 on a GU with the standard alloy bar about 4 months ago. The winch is mounted on the chassis. Had to turn the clutch 90deg which was no drams. The innards looked good to me. Have used it a couple of times with no drama at all. Cost me $699 then so you might be able to bargain a bit. I have dunked it yet so I I am not sure how it will go after a good watering!
Cheers

Member - Howard (ACT) replied:

Went to repco today and had alook at their winches. They are the identical unit to the 1200 lb unit I purchased on ebayin November for $446 (even got the same stckers). with freight landed in canberra for under $500 and on the truck within a week.
I'm prepared to forgo the 3 year warranty against the extra 110%cost.
thats without taking into account the net cost after unloading a 6000lb ramsay $300 and gaining double the capacity.
cheers
Howard