viper winch beware!

Guys,
Great thread! Thanks for the honest feedback and thoughts. We take it very serious and will keep delivering a great product and service. We need to hear from you!

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Thanks,
Tim
MotoAlliance
tim@motoalliance.com

I recently took my Vmax 4000 apart for cleaning/greasing and was very impressed. I ride in Crosby a lot(salt water) and there was NO sign of water or mud inside of the unit. The cable was rusted up in the drum from the mud and water so I repalced it, cleaned the seals and greased the planetaries. Good to go again! The only complaint I have is that the Viper sticker blew off with the pressure washer

09 Rhino Sport 
29.5 Laws on 112s 
XPATV lift 
Snorkels
4000lb Viper winch 

Ya same here on the sticker, thats some crap!! Haha just kidding. I love my viper max 4500 on my rhino. It has saved me multiple times, and I have never had a single problem out of it. Always works and always pulls strong, and I'm really hard on it. Thanks again moto for a great winch and awesome service

09 Rhino 700 Silver Sport, 14" ITP SS 212s, wrapped with 27" Mudlites,Wheel Spacers,BRP rear diff support,4500lb viper winch,ipod setup with 240W amp, and 2 6.5s up top,gun racks, spot lights, Snorkeled, K&N air filter, Unleashed machined sheave, slider fix,epi gold spring,muzzys duals and msd ignition,HL 3GX Belt 

Tow rig: 07 Dodge 2500 qcsb 4X4, 5.9 [<font][<font]CUMMINS 6spd with lots of goodies
"I'll keep my guns, my money, and my freedom, and you can keep the CHANGE"

I have the 4000 max on my rhino.  It worked for about 5-6 months and then quit working.  They sent me a replacement contactor, but that wasn't the problem.  It was my fault that I procrastinated about getting it fixed for so long.  Their tech wanted me to take it off the rhino and ship it to him as he thought water probably got in there and shorted out the motor.  Again after much procrastination, I pm'ed Peter a month after my year long warranty was over.  He said that he would still honor the warranty since I filed notice with them.  That's really good service.  Honestly, 4 months later the winch is still on the rhino as I have zero time to mess with it.  I'm a little bummed that it doesn't work, but they aren't the ones that have to take it off and ship it.  You can look under my sig and see all the parts and pieces I have accumulated to put on my rhino and just don't have the time.  Maybe I'll just upgrade to a newer model anyway.  I appreciate the effort on their part to stand behind their product... just a hastle for me to make it all happen.  Peter or Tim, let me know if you all refurb these things.  Maybe that would be cheaper than getting a new one.  FYI, mine gets submerged quite a bit.  I ride in pretty clean water, not much mud, but a lot of water.

'08 Rhino 700 EFI, 27" 589's, SS2112's, MSD, Hunterworks Overdrive Weights, Snorkels, Aluminum Roof w/ custom switch plate, Stereo, 4000lb Viper Max Winch, Light Bar, Skinning / Gutting Lights, Bag Scabbard, 2" Bull Winkle lift on the front (rear springs just dialed up) and a "breaker breaker" cb radio

In the works:
Gauge cluster with a/f, water temp, and volt with green lights, .50 cal boxes mounted over the rear wheel wells in the bed with green led interior lights, waterproof green led tube lights under the boxes to illuminate the bed, HID headlight conversion kit

Mrmojorisan


I have the 4000 max on my rhino.  It worked for about 5-6 months and then quit working.  They sent me a replacement contactor, but that wasn't the problem.  It was my fault that I procrastinated about getting it fixed for so long.  Their tech wanted me to take it off the rhino and ship it to him as he thought water probably got in there and shorted out the motor.  Again after much procrastination, I pm'ed Peter a month after my year long warranty was over.  He said that he would still honor the warranty since I filed notice with them.  That's really good service.  Honestly, 4 months later the winch is still on the rhino as I have zero time to mess with it.  I'm a little bummed that it doesn't work, but they aren't the ones that have to take it off and ship it.  You can look under my sig and see all the parts and pieces I have accumulated to put on my rhino and just don't have the time.  Maybe I'll just upgrade to a newer model anyway.  I appreciate the effort on their part to stand behind their product... just a hastle for me to make it all happen.  Peter or Tim, let me know if you all refurb these things.  Maybe that would be cheaper than getting a new one.  FYI, mine gets submerged quite a bit.  I ride in pretty clean water, not much mud, but a lot of water.

Mrmojorisan,
That's a great question. We can refurb some winches, depending on the issues. I would have you call our tech and check what he thinks. If a refurb works, it should save you about 40% off a new winch. Make sense?

Quick poll: Who would be interested in a "winch service plan" that you can send in your winch once a year for a check up?

motoviper

Mrmojorisan,
That's a great question. We can refurb some winches, depending on the issues. I would have you call our tech and check what he thinks. If a refurb works, it should save you about 40% off a new winch. Make sense?

Quick poll: Who would be interested in a "winch service plan" that you can send in your winch once a year for a check up?

it's a good idea for customers that are local or somewhat local because shipping won't be too bad but for someone like me who lives in Canada that's not an option since shipping my winch too you would probably be 40$ and then you'll charge me 60$ since that's what's listed on your website, that's also the reason I don't want to send my winch to your tech because it's just more money I'm spending on this winch that I thought would be more durable

08 King Quad 750, VDI, MR109 inj., EPI yellow spring and 18g weights, UNI filter, 3" XPATV lift, 27" Mud Lights

Fair point for non-US customer Dage. Did you get my PM? Shoot me another one when you get a chance.

Also, I think our winches have proven quite durable over the past five years.....nothing perfect of course.....but I'm very happy with our overall quality -- and this is what we emphasize ahead of everything else. I know when I buy something, I want to make sure it's going to work and I don't mind paying a bit more to make this happen. That's why we aren't trying to be the lowest-priced winch in the neighborhood....hopefully just the best quality.

 
I do think some of our next main improvements will be creating some really good troubleshooting and winch maintenance ideas. Some other guys on the boards have asked for this, and it's a great idea. Kent is working on it now....we chatted yesterday about it. It should be another step in extending the lives of the winches even in the toughest of conditions. I think that together we can create the best combination for a winch -- winches that are both great out of the factory and properly maintained in the field.

If you have suggestions for me related to what has worked for you in maintaining your winch, please send them along to peter@motoalliance.com or to tim@motoalliance.com.  We'd love to read them and I'm guessing Kent (as smart as he is) will benefit too. We can create ideas specific to riding in mud, water, sand, silt, etc.....to preserving the battery....to what to do if you plan on not using the winch for a long time. We've actually been known to give away a thing or two for the best ideas.  :)

Have a good night.

Peter
Moto  

I have had a 4000 viper max on my ranger for 2 years now and no problems. Cant beat them for the price.

07 ranger xp,hd front springs,home made aluminum roof,27 inch zillas, 4000# viper max winch .
07 800 popo ranger front springs,x2 rear springs, low windsheild,27x12x12 /28x10.5x12 laws on 12x8 vision wheels ,gutted factory can.
00 harley nighttrain alittle of this alittle of that
02 dodge 4x4 v-10
05 altima se-r

Peter-  Thanks for answering my question about the dash switches the other day on ebay.  I just placed my order 10 minutes ago for the 5k max with rzr mount and I think it's gonna be great. 

All my friends are running the vipers but I was hesitating a bit - seems like a lot of winch for not much money...until I read this thread - the CEO responding to a complaint on a forum...wow!  After seeing that kind of communication I believe yall will stand behind the winch I just bought.

I'm gonna put it through it's paces for a few weeks and then I want to order a 4k to put on the rear...I'm assuming i'll have to fab a mount (I want a permanent mount, not receiver hitch...) I know it's pretty common on the Ranger, but have yall had any experience with anyone doing this on the RZR?  If so I would appreciate any guidance you can give me!

I'm looking forward to getting my winch (yall ship it extra quick for me!!!  )

Thanks,
Hudson

-Hud
2008 Popo RZR
29.5 Laws
Snorked
J-Strong Stereo Top
5k Viper Max

05 Brute 750 Camo (gone but not forgotten)

The Natty Boys Forums
Honda, Kawi, Suzuki, and Popo Service Manuals Free at Natural ATV

rancher man08


everyone bad mouths gorilla but mine works everytime mud or water rain or shine and trust me it gets used

Thanks rancher man08. I have reviewed forum discussions over the years and have found that every product will have there fans and detractors... I appreciate your comments.  We do PM those who say they have had issues.   If we can, we do try and address issues that come up- some times they are our issues that we need to resolve, other times the customer might have something to do with the issue.  Over the past 7 years of selling winches we are bound to get some folks that have had a bad experience with one of our products for one reason or another... not unlike the posts I have read of Warn and Ramsey customers.  In general, all companies try and do the right thing, that is how you stay in business and grow.  Believe me, the experience that you have had is by far the majority!



Best regards,

Tom McCullough
Co-Owner
ProMark OffRoad previously Gorilla Winches

motoalliance


Fair point for non-US customer Dage. Did you get my PM? Shoot me another one when you get a chance.

I sent you a PM let me know if you received it
 
Kyle

08 King Quad 750, VDI, MR109 inj., EPI yellow spring and 18g weights, UNI filter, 3" XPATV lift, 27" Mud Lights

red_420


mine has been in some mud but i thought it would hold up......but everytime i use it i have to get pliers just to turn the knob to and from freespool....that makes it a piece of **** to me!! whats the good of having it if it aint gonna work.....it ain't there to look pretty!!

My wife has a superwinch on her bike and i have to use a screwdriver to disengage the winch to put it in freespool but i'm not going to bad mouth it because it has never let us down.(i make sure i have a screwdriver with me........go prepared)

Mike

(mine)
09 RZR
  29.5 LAWS on MOTOSPORT NUKES 
6"CATVOS
Home fabed bumpers
(wife's)
07 500 H.O. EFI Sportsman
29.5 OUTLAWS on ITP's
AAEN pipe
3000 Superwinch
6"CATVOS wth 4" rake
Relocated HIGHLIFTER Radiator
ECDG     

Absolutely no problems with my Viper winch, and for future reference you shouldn't let your mouth outrun your butt.

07 Rancher 2wd
07 Rubicon soon to be modded

Always do what is right because it is always the right thing to do!

I bought my 4000 viper max in May and have a drain on my battery. I put the new style Contactor  on and ken had me send everything to him.There is something wrong inside. Waiting on him now.

650 Brute force,28 inch MST's tires,almond primary, almond secondary,58 wts's, 2 inch HL lift kit,HL springs, custom 4 snorkels, moose module ,custom front and rear bumpers coated with rhino coating, custom skip plates , cycle country c v brush guards,4000lb  Viper MAX  WINCH Kit. 2nd bike (son's),2002 camo 400 kodiak ,4 - 660 rollers,orange secondary spring, stock clutch springs,2 inch lift kit,26-9-12 589 tires,3000lb viper max, 3 custom snorkels,Dynojet Kit

We have a fix in place for any battery drain issues now too. Basically, if you get any kind of conductive element in the motor (motor dust is one example) it can conduct a small amount of energy. Just requires an adjustment in wiring and all our larger winches are going out the door with instructions regarding how to avoid this. Didn't happen often, but we wanted to make sure to to elminate the possibility altogether. Kent will get it all fixed up beyond this for you too. Have a good night.

Peter
Moto

just go with a warn sorry guys not trying to blast anyone but warn is the way for me anyway I have the 2500ci on my grizzzly 660 and a 4000ci on my king 700

o great...now gorilla winch has a rep on this site....

hate to be the bringer of bad news, but if you want to compete with viper, or warn you better step up your game....

08 Honda Rancher-Lil Red
Stick Stoppers and Basket Racks
27" Mudlites & HL Lift Springs
2500 viper max winch 

92 blue kawasaki bayou 220 (the blue beast)
UNI, Swampers and 12 point deer horns strapped to front rack

87 Honda Foreman 350...lil tank
25" Vamps, dual snorks, UNI, and harley pipe 

Past bikes:
05 kodiak 450 4x4 Camo 
26"Mudlites, snorks, K&N....SOLD SOLD SOLD!!! 

Bought a 4000# Viper Max back in March and the contactor went out on me about 5-6 months later.  I received one of the "newer model" contactors, installed it, and it's been working just as good as the day I bought it.  I've used this winch when my bike was rack deep in water and in soup mud and it never missed a lick.  The only complaint I have is my terminal posts and hardware (nuts, washers, etc.) on the winch are rusted pretty bad.  Other than that, great product IMO.

longdude17


o great...now gorilla winch has a rep on this site....

hate to be the bringer of bad news, but if you want to compete with viper, or warn you better step up your game....

dont leave out ramsey i personall think they are up there with warn and viper

Peter, you replaced my 3000 Elite several months ago and it's still sitting in the box on my garage floor awaiting install.  I've been hesitant to reinstall the winch after all of the electrical issues I experienced with the unit on my machine.  My question is, have you started shipping the new contactors?  If so, would it be possible for me to send you the old contactor (new in box) in exchange for the newer units you're now shipping?  I'd like to have a winch on my bike once again for emergencies but have opted to carry a tow starp as of late.

Thanks again, Peter!  It's rare that you see a company so involved with their customers,

Ezyrider

Thanks Ezyrider.....yes, we have the upgraded the contactors and everything on the ELITE has been going out the door this way for awhile now.  Same is true with MAX winches....eliminate the minor battery issues, etc. We haven't had many problems overall, but like anything else we are always trying to improve stuff as needed.

Shoot me a PM (maybe you already have, I have three in there right now) and we can arrange something if you can help with some of the shipping. Thanks.

Peter
Motoalliance

P.S. I've said it before....Ramsey does make a good winch...I agree.

Are the Viper winches on Ebay legit?

2008 500 Foreman ES 4x4
28" Laws
ITP SS108 rims
Snorkeled
2" lift
HMF

My Wife's:
2008 Honda Foreman 500 4x4 ES
27in silverbacks
212 ITPs (black)
Snorkeled
HMF Swamp series


http://www.myspace.com/jasonwallace228

http://www.myspace.com/mud_psychos

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=132752788895&ref=ts
 

any chance I could make one of your recovery winches work on a rhino?  Not sure how much juice they require

'08 Rhino 700 EFI, 27" 589's, SS2112's, MSD, Hunterworks Overdrive Weights, Snorkels, Aluminum Roof w/ custom switch plate, Stereo, 4000lb Viper Max Winch, Light Bar, Skinning / Gutting Lights, Bag Scabbard, 2" Bull Winkle lift on the front (rear springs just dialed up) and a "breaker breaker" cb radio

In the works:
Gauge cluster with a/f, water temp, and volt with green lights, .50 cal boxes mounted over the rear wheel wells in the bed with green led interior lights, waterproof green led tube lights under the boxes to illuminate the bed, HID headlight conversion kit

Yes, the VIPER winches on E-bay are legit.....same ones you'd get from us or Highlifter. Ebay is just a nice marketing channel is all. 

Not sure about the recovery winches Mrmojorisan. The MAX and CLASSIC go from 9,500-16,500lbs. Our new ELITE series coming out next month is going to be incredible (if plans go right) and will be available in 8,000lbs, 10,000lbs, and 12000lb capacities. They'll have 85' of AMSTEEL-BLUE cable on them, are fully submersible and sealed, and will only weight 61lbs instead of the 75-80lbs on the other ones.

However, mounting them might be a challenge. You'd probably need a receiver cradle.

Not sure on battery. I can get the specs from you. Needless to say, with the 8,000lb ELITE, and 20,000lb test cable, you'd never get stuck again -- nor would most of your trucks! These will be available through Highlifter as well.....we're VERY happy with how they have turned out in production.

Peter
CEO
Motoalliance

well the reason I ask, is because I don't use my winch that often.  I probably only need it to pull myself out maybe 5 - 10 times a year.  Instead of having to constantly maintain something I don't use that much, I was just wanting to have one packed away that I can slide into a 2" reciever to pull myself out with.

'08 Rhino 700 EFI, 27" 589's, SS2112's, MSD, Hunterworks Overdrive Weights, Snorkels, Aluminum Roof w/ custom switch plate, Stereo, 4000lb Viper Max Winch, Light Bar, Skinning / Gutting Lights, Bag Scabbard, 2" Bull Winkle lift on the front (rear springs just dialed up) and a "breaker breaker" cb radio

In the works:
Gauge cluster with a/f, water temp, and volt with green lights, .50 cal boxes mounted over the rear wheel wells in the bed with green led interior lights, waterproof green led tube lights under the boxes to illuminate the bed, HID headlight conversion kit

I wanted to continue the good input on the viper winches.    I absolutely love mine, the rope is unbelievable, its saved my butt to many times already.  This was my first winch purchase after doing tons of research.  I couldnt be more satisfied, and will continue to do business in time to come. Even the instructions were simple enough for an easy installation.  As far as the contactors go,  Have you guys tried mounting them inside your trunk in the back of the wheeler?  I just drilled holes and ran my wires inside of it and siliconed up all around it.  No water= Happy contactor!  I've also had friends who mounted it to the frame, but rhino lined the connections after the wires were connected to decrease the chance of shorting out.

2008 Polaris 500 H0
Uni'd
Custom Exhaust (stock+2" turn down)
Pure Brush Guard/Bumper
2" Lift 
HD Front Lift Springs
1/4 Gorilla'd
28" Mudzillas on ITP 212's
ViperMax 3000 w/ Amsteel