Thursday, August 9, 2012

Smittybilt XRC8 Guide

A Smittybilt winch is already a massively powerful tool, right out of the box. However, this dynamo of pulling power can be modified even further. By doing this, not only can you boost your Smittybilt XRC8‘s performance, you can lengthen it’s lifespan.

This article will deal with ways you can lengthen the life of your already durable and finely crafted Smittybilt Winch.  To start, let’s discuss the solenoid. Anyone living near an ocean or other large body of brackish or saltwater knows that sea salt can devastate machinery in little time. To keep this corrosive element at bay, you should consider resealing your solenoid.

Although adequate for other regions, the rubber gasket can fail due to the corrosive attributes of sea salt and brackish waterways. To eliminate this threat to your winch's health, you should reseal the solenoid with a waterproof sealant. Specialty sealants are available for just such a precaution.
 A maritime sealant, or a sealant meant for boats, can do the trick nicely. An added benefit is the longevity of the seal. You won't have to reseal your Smittybilt XRC8 for quite a while. Conductive and lubricating grease can be applied to the electrical connections where accessible.

This will ensure a good solid electrical connection, and keep you contacts and such in tip-top shape for years to come. Using “rubber boots” to insulate the connections can have the opposite effect by collecting water and holding it. The easiest and least expensive way to preserve your XRC8 Smittybilt winch is good old fashioned grease.

ot only do you lubricate but you keep dirt and moisture away from sensitive parts. Many Smittybilt XRC owners will even remove the factory standard grease and replace it with their favorite high quality lubricant. A mild degreaser can be used to speed the whole process.