Get it Wet and your Warranty Is Void...
Lowmounts Only:
Investigating the Get It Wet and the Warranty Is Void fine print covered by 90% of winch manufacturers.
Winch Warranties:
I have started this thread in relation to Companies/Manufacturers stating on there advertising 5 Year Warranties, Limited Lifetime and Lifetime Warranties on there winches only to hide behind the fine print regarding Water Ingress which makes these warranties TOTALLY Null And Void, Its only after the fact we find this out because generally I believe 95% of us do not read the fine print, where certainly not told by the salesman at the time because I'd bet you would probably laugh and walk away.
Its not until you have an issue after your first river crossing/s after a break away in The High Country/Water crossings etc etc and the winch seizes shortly after the trip away and you call the Company only to be told the water exclusion is covered in the fine print and usually denial of the warranty is stated next.. Your on your own.
Unless you want to pay to repair it under warranty, new motor etc and for them to remove and refit @ $100 plus an hour..
Personal View:
Now I don't believe its to much to ask that a Winch at least last the length of the Manufacturers Warranty. What I expect out of a winch is being able to drive into The High Country like they advertise, drive through as many river crossings,mud/snow etc, etc, and feel that the winch will perform like advertised. If there is a problem with water ingress that causes it to fail well its either repaired or replaced at there cost under warranty .
The number one enemy for winches is water Full-stop. Warn believe its acceptable to allow water and electrics to mix inside the motor onto unprotected mild steel (motor, brushes and holder) I don't and I don't believe its too much to ask a $2400 winch to outlast its measly 1 year warranty either. Whats the use of a 1 year warranty when water or corrosion (well you need water/moisture mostly for the corrosion process to take place anyway) making the 1year warranty null and void and useless, don't forget they allow the water in through holes in the first place.
I believe by Law they should have to apply a sticker or label on there product " Get it Wet and your Warranty Is Void"..The 5 years or limited lifetime warranty usually only covers the gearing end with most winches as most issues are electrical, people assume that these warranties cover the whole winch and Companies bank on this assumption when selling.... I do believe the water issue should be stated in every warranty, not hide further behind the misuse wording that every Warranty has...
Warning: If sellers are selling online and you cannot find the full warranty, terms and conditions about the winch on the site personally its a concern IMO.
With that being said, What experiences either with immersion or companies have you had in detail with regards to warranty claims or repairs. Further, outside of the risks what measures have you taken to minimize or be successful with the ownership of your winch/Brand suggestions?
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