winch - integrated solenoid or no?

[TX Mudder]

I did a search and still don't know why an integrated solenoid is better. Or is it? What's the deal?
I want an affordable winch but don't want to get something that will leave me stranded.
Honestly most any time I get stuck it will probably be in the mud. I have a 1 ton longbed pickup. I just can't afford the m12000/15000 series.
The most reasonable prices I have seen have been on the the HS9500 and XD9000i.
Any thoughts? I have just figured I'd use a snatch block if needed and that would be a lot better than paying for more winch.
-- Mike

 

[hoosierk3500]

Neither of the winches on my trucks have the integrated solenoids,and they have never let me down.Not saying they couldn't.I always try to use a snatch block when I can,just seems to be easier on the winch.Jason84k3500 /forums/images/graemlins/truck.gif85k2500 /forums/images/graemlins/burb.gif

 

[Sandman]

I use the integrated selenoids with no problem. There is less stuff to mess with. Might be a problem if one of them died on me though.

 

[k5blazerus]

I used the intergrated solenoid to. The only problem that I had was I burned up two of the solenoids that opperate the motor when you are winching in. Other then that I like my winch.
Colin

 

[txbartman]

I like the external solenoids for two reasons...
1) the winch is lower profile providing more mounting options. I could never have mounted a winch with integrated solenoids between my frame rails below my radiator support.
2) I was able to place the solenoid pack high enough out of the risk of any submersion in 99% of what I do. Not too mention the plug for the remote is much more convenient.

 

[bigjbear]

Its more of a prefrence thing than better or worse. The only real plus the nonintergrated has is you can put the pieces where you want. If you are planing on needing to double line get the one of the high speed winches (M8274-50 or HS9500/HS9500i) because when you double pulling power you half line speed.