I just purchased a Chicago 3000 lbs ATV winch online . The first thing I read on the manual was "DO NOT SUBMERGE". I use my ATV in the river and for duckhunting, therefore, it will get wet. Do you think the winch will still work? Shall I return it? Should I have purchased a Warren winch instead? Any other ideas?

 

Chicago? Is that like a Harbor Freight kind of thing?

My buddy has had one of the Harbor Freight cheap-o atv winches on his suzuki eiger for a long time, and I believe his has the same warning on it. He's had his for years, that was back when we were starting high school so that woulda been... wow... about 7 years ago... anyways his is still working perfect and he rides through everything. It's not a good idea to dunk it underwater and leave it there, but just the average riding of getting splashed with mud and water shouldn't kill it. We're all surprised that his is still working because we used to ride some serious mud, and he used to ride in the creek all the time too. If I were you I wouldn't worry about it.

 

Yes, I got it from Harbor Freight. I appreciate your reply. Thanks!

 

I have briefly dunked a Harbor Freight 2000 a couple times. I have it wrapped in a shower cap, and a winch cover I got at Cabela's.
It has run the half dozen times it was used the last two years. Has pulled, the 250 it is on, out multiple times, and pulled a Foreman up a bank once. My warn is a better winch, but this thing actually works.