I would like to have a winch on the Rancher, but I am put off by the weight of the things. I checked out a Warn 2.5 (the lightest I could find), but with all the hardware and everything, it came in at 30+ lbs. This would be mostly be just for emergencies, like if somebody skidded off the trail in the snow. (We don't have the mud bogs that you have in other parts of the country.) A 1.5 probably isn't enough for a Rancher, huh? I know the ratings are for the first wrap on the spool, so the actual capabilities of the winch are probably much less than the stated 1500 lbs.

 

Actually that winch packs a ton of wallup for a mini package... It will be out in MAY,,,,, You will be happy with it for the application you describe

 

Recon, if you do not need it but for emergencies, then maybe you should look into a 5 ton come-a-long and some rope. Does not take up to much space in the box and it is lighter by far. Also works on the front and rear. I used one for a couple of years before I got a winch and it worked out great, I got the winch because I started going more places and of course started getting stuck more( a winch gives one a sense of I can make it thru that syndome). AlaskaBoy.

 

I have a BlackMax, that I have never had to use. I have tested it out, and it will do the job in a pinch. Would be best if you have two people, though. Often out in the desert, there isn't anything to attach a winch to anyway.