ATV Tested Products - Thrashed

Warn XT30 Winch
I've been riding ATVs and off-roading all of my life and have always had a fond appreciation for a vehicle that has a winch. Knowing that you're capable of getting yourself or even someone else out of a sticky situation can be very comforting at times. I opted to install the XT30 onto our Rhino 700 because of the Warn reputation and to reassure myself that I can try more challenging obstacles without fear of being stranded.

First and foremost, when you open the box, it's easy to be overwhelmed by all of the bags of small components that are included. These winches are meant to be very versatile in that they can be mounted on a number of ATVs or side-by-sides, therefore the mounting instructions can be a little vague. This goes for the hardware that's used to mount the wireless remote receiver, electrical relay and remote switch. Once you figure out which part's bag goes to what part, your life gets much easier. Setting up the wiring is fairly easy with the supplied diagrams and leaves little room for error. So far, that's the only negative I've come across.

I've been a happier user ever since the winch was installed. I've taken the Rhino into mudholes that I'd never have even considered going near. At one point I found myself purposely getting the machine stuck so I could feel the full potential of this newly installed accessory. Straight into the deepest, murkiest mud pit that I could find until all four tires were flailing mud into the sky with no forward progress. It was the perfect circumstance in which to test this winch.

My friend pulled his truck near so I could attach the hook of the winch to his tow hook. Since I had to back up, I didn't have a clear view of the cable, so I handed him the wireless remote control and he activated the winch from the comfort of his vehicle. I threw the Rhino in reverse and lightly gave it some gas and let the winch do the rest.

Slowly but surely, the Rhino rose out of the trenches I had dug in the mud pit. I could hear some strain on the motor of the winch, but it was nowhere near its maximum pulling capacity. Talk about being impressed with a very basic item! Once out, I quickly reeled in the remaining cable and was back on the trail. With a price tag of $668.47, it may seem a little on the steep side, but if you're constantly in areas that can get you in a tough situation, this one item may be the only thing that can get you quickly on the trail again to enjoy the rest of your ride. -Eli Madero