CSI P8500 Low Profile Winch Motor, 8500 lb. Load Capacity

OK, I just bought the synthetic line version of this from local installer to be installed on my 15 Ram 1500 with an Iron Cross winch ready bumper. I will report back on it over time. I actually have a badland (Harbor Freight) 9000 in the truck but decided to go with this based upon the installers recommendation and very competitive price. I then researched it to make sure I was OK with the product. In doing so, I found there is little out there, but finally saw references to this unit which appears to be a private (United States) label for CSI (Competition Specialties Inc.) an American 4WD specialty firm. The original product appears to be T Max an Australian 4WD winch and accessories company. This company appears to have a very good reputation and is referenced in some winch review competitions very favorably. One website/4WD provisioner "Rocky Road" does a very good job of comparing the T Max with the CSI with strong "implications" they are the same unit. It notes, that it is as good or better as the best American Brands but at a lower price as it is unknown i.e.The strengths noted are that it, "...feature a posi-loc drum brake which automatically locks the drum to the beefy main gears at the moment winching stops. Compare this with the cone brake in most other winches and the drum lock wears less on the motor, helps keep temperature lower, and is just all around more reliable. It might surprise you to know that most winches use inexpensive bushings for their moving parts." It also states that it has a "...3-stage planetary drive system for efficiency and durability... NOT a worm drive like many low cost winches on the market. Further, other brands that use a planetary drive use pressed/stamped gears. And that it... "uses machined gears heat treated for maximum durability. The winches are also geared very low to increase power and safety." Another site and the Rocky Road site note the use of bearings in places others use bushings reducing heat and wear and tear. Many of the quotes are for T Max units but the CSI references specifically note the CSI is the same as the T Max in these respects. The equivalent T Max units are noted for power and dependability and forged vs stamped internal parts. They are made in China, for what appears to be an Australian company, but to the manufacturing company specs whoever that might be...My installer also supplies the state vehicles with winches and he noted that he has put these on them for a couple of years and the outstanding feature is that no one brings them back civilian or state, upset or needing repairs including the state vehicles and he knows they are abused on those vehicles. Of course, in Montana, regular driving would be considered abuse in most other areas of the country. I'm not kidding. This installer in Helena MT also indicated that he ONLY sells the top of the line Warns now because their low end units keep coming back from unsatisfied customers. He moves them to the CSI's and they don't come back. He indicated the top of the line Warns are still likely the best but at three to four times the price, he loves selling the CSI winches. And so, I am taking the Badland back and getting the CSI.OK, I'm a weekend warrior with a 15 Ram Outdoorsman 5.7 Hemi, BF Goodrich KO2's and I pulled one person out of a winter ditch last year with a recovery strap and couldn't get another out in Yellowstone because I didn't have a winch. I do light four wheeling (Forest Service Roads) once or twice a month and some of them can be quite interesting with differing quality. I go to neat places in the snow to cross country ski and snowshoe 10 or more times a winter including Yellowstone at every opportunity (Don't come to Yellowstone in the winter. I assure you it is not dramatically more interesting than summer including the very few people who come. Just don't waste your time. Ahh, almost let the cat out of the bag.)So, I probably get four or five opportunities a year to use a winch not including my own stupidity that I am relatively certain will rear its head here soon and wintertime forest service roads can be unforgiving. I'll report back on the winch.Ok, got it on looks good, very tight fit for the iron cross bumper. Only problem will be putting a cover on as the solenoid pack is that tight. When the rain stops I'll give it a go. Nice feature is plug in remote long enough to to sit in cab and use.

Bought a used TJ Jeep with a new CSI P8500 winch already installed. I am retired now but I had been a Warn Winch dealer for over 30 years and have sold a number of other brands of winches in the past including Ramsey, Mile Marker and Super Winch. I have used the CSI winch quite a few times pulling stumps, out, using it in construction and wincing other jeeps and trucks, my tractor and occasionally myself out of jams. I do have the synthetic rope in my winch and love it. I have not even had the slightest problem with my CSI winch and have worked it very hard a few times. If the winch had not already been on my Jeep I would have put a Warn on it but as of yet I have absolutely no complaints with the CSI unit. It runs smooth and does not hesitate to do what it expected to do. I am only running a single battery but have not had a bit of problems with that so far. I can't really say that about some of the other cheaper brands I have sold in the past. I am one of those who tells the customer that you get what you pay for but so far I would not hesitate to buy another CSI winch again. If any of you have had any good or bad experiences with a CSI winch please write a review to let others know.