fbpx

Viper Winch Reviews

Last updated

A winch can be your savior when you are stuck in the middle of nowhere. There are a myriad of companies that supply winches nowadays.

Among them, the Viper winch series from MotoAlliance has become a well-reputed brand to a lot of off-roaders.

In this post, we will be exploring 6 of the top winches from Viper/MotoAlliance. Plus, we will also share a brief buying guide for your convenience.

So, if you are thinking of getting a good winch from this particular brand, you can start to read the reviews shared on the post.

Viper Winch Reviews

Viper Winch – Reviews

MotoAlliance VIPER Max Winch Review 2500 lbs. ATV/UTV Winch

vipermax winch

This MotoAlliance VIPER Max winch is available in 2 versions. Among them, one version comes with a synthetic rope and the other one comes with a steel cable. Depending on the version, the price will vary a bit.

However, in this post, we will be reviewing the winch that comes with the synthetic rope. The winch has a rated line pull of 2500 lbs. or 1133 kg. That makes it suitable as an ATV UTV winch.

This Viper Max features a 1.0 hp permanent magnet motor with a 3 stage planetary gear system. The gear ratio of this winch is 136:1. In the case of the cable, it comes with a black 50 feet long synthetic rope that has a diameter of 3/16 inches.

It sports a handlebar-mounted remote control with a 9 ft. extension cable. Additionally, it also features a cam-activated clutch for spooling the wire easily.

The line speed of this Viper ATV winch with no-load is 24 ft. per minute. And, at full load, it is about 9 feet per minute. It comes with a mount bolt pattern of 3.0″ x 4.875″.

As for safety features, these Viper Max winches include both dynamic and mechanical braking systems. You will receive all the necessary accessories for the installation process with this one for free.

For instance, you will find a hawse fairlead, a hand saver strap, a clevis hook, a rubber line stopper, and all the required wiring, etc. To be noted, the steel rope version will come with a 4-way roller fairlead instead of a hawse fairlead.

What Previous Buyers Said?

Overall, the customers were very happy with this Viper Max ATV UTV winch. For example, one previous buyer commented that the motor of his winch burnt up suddenly. So, he immediately contacted the Viper customer service team about the situation.

And, they replaced the motor with no additional costs within a week. Thus, he is recommending these winches from Viper/MotoAlliance to everybody. Likewise, most of the customers have said that it is working great for them even though this is a reasonably priced winch.

Pros:

  • Comes with 6 months warranty for the rope and a lifetime warranty for the winch
  • Manufactured with military-grade material
  • Comes with a waterproof rocker handlebar switch
  • Equipped with sealed solenoid
  • Very reasonable price

Cons:

  • The instruction manual is not detailed
  • No wireless remote control included

MotoAlliance VIPER Elite Winch 4000 lbs. ATV/UTV Review

viper midnight 4500 winch

The next one on our list comes with some unique and advanced features that make it perfect as an ATV UTV winch. First off, this one has a rated line pull of 4000 lbs. or 1815 kg.

Secondly, you will have a 40 feet high-grade American-made ‘Amsteel-Blue’ synthetic rope with a diameter of ¼ inch.

Another interesting fact here is that this particular synthetic rope is available in 5 different colors for you to choose from. The color options are red, black, orange, green, and blue.

It is equipped with a 3 stage planetary gear train with a gear ratio of 136:1. The mounting bolt pattern of this Viper 4000 lb winch is 3.0” x 4.875”.

You will also get a sealed solenoid and the winch is made with all stainless steel parts. These features make the device resistant to rust, water, and corrosion. 

Another great feature of this Viper Elite UTV/ATV winch is that it has a wireless remote control system. Add in the fact that the package also contains a rocker handlebar switch with an extension cable.

This winch is equipped with a 1.6 hp permanent magnet motor, a hawse fairlead, mechanical load holding and dynamic braking system, clevis hook, 4T snatch block, wiring, contractor, and so on.

What Previous Buyers Said?

Most previous buyers of these winches have said good things about this. For instance, one particular buyer said that it performed beyond his expectations. As a result, even though it has an expensive price tag, he will buy another unit for his 2nd ATV.

Other buyers said that it was very easy to install. And they liked that Viper offered all the necessary mounting equipment for free with the device.

Pros:

  • The synthetic rope is available in 5 different colors
  • Comes with a wireless remote control system
  • Backed by a 1-year warranty on the rope and lifetime limited warranty on the winch
  • Comes with an IP67 waterproof rating

Cons:

  • A bit pricey

image

MotoAlliance Viper V2 Winch 4500 lbs. ATV/UTV Review

viper max 4500 winch

Next, we have the MotoAlliance Viper Elite ATV/UTV winch that has a rated line pull of 4500 lbs. or 2042 kg. This indicates that it will be suitable for pulling vehicles with a gross weight of 3000 lbs.

For that reason, this device can be a great pick for your overlanding utility vehicles. Viper 4500 lb winch comes with a 3 stage planetary gear train with a gear ratio of 136:1. You will also receive a 1.8 hp permanent magnet motor.

It comes with a 40 ft. synthetic rope that has a diameter of ¼ inch. And, you might have already guessed that it also features the same AmSteel-Blue synthetic rope with 5 different color options to choose from.

Moreover, it also comes with all the installation hardware for free and the installation procedure of these Viper ATV winches is pretty straightforward.

There is a wireless remote control system included with the device so that you can operate it from a safe distance. Added to this, you will also receive a handlebar-mounted rocker system with an extension cable.

It is compatible with the mounting bolt pattern of 3.0 x 4.875 inches. The line speed of this Viper UTV winch, with no load is about 26 feet per minute. And, with a full load, the line speed is about 3 feet per minute.

What Previous Buyers Said?

The current owners of these Viper winches are pleased with the performance, build quality and even the price. Some particular buyers are so thrilled about this winch that they are planning to buy more units for their additional ATV/UTV vehicles or their friends & family.

At the same time, they are also praising the user-friendly installation process of this device. Many owners also liked the fact that there are 5 colors to choose from in the case of the synthetic rope.

Pros:

  • Comes with IP67 waterproof certification
  • Has a limited lifetime warranty on the winch and 1-year warranty on the rope
  • A Wireless remote control system included
  • The synthetic rope comes in 5 different colors to choose from
  • Robust build quality

Cons:

  • The wireless remote could come with better button implementation

Viper Elite 5000 Winch Review

viper max 4500 winch

The Viper 5000 lb winch, as the name suggests, has a pulling capacity of up to 5000 lbs. It has a low profile and a lightweight design. Important features when it comes to ATVs or UTVs.

The motor of the Viper Elite 5000 is a 12V DC, Sealed 1.95HP permanent magnet motor. It has a 3-Stage planetary gear (136:1). It has an automatic brake with 100%. load holding. The clutch is cam activated.

The synthetic cable is 40 feet long. The wired remote switch is weather-resistant, and the Rocker Handlebar Switch is easy to use.

The aluminum hawse fairlead is corrosion resistant. The clevis hook has a safety latch, and the rubber line stopper prevents line damage.

It has a hand-saver strap but the waterproof winch cover is not included.

The Viper 5000 winch is backed by a lifetime warranty, so you can trust that it will last for years to come.

What Previous Buyers Said?

They are overall very pleased with this model.

Some owners reported wireless control issues (optional extra), but the customer service solve all their problems in a day.

Pros:

  • 40 feet long synthetic cable
  • Corrosion-resistant hawse fairlead
  • Easy installation
  • Good customer service
  • Lifetime warranty

Cons:

  • Wireless remote issues (optional extra)
  • Cover is not included

MotoAlliance Winch – 6000lbs Waterproof Electric UTV Winch Review

moto alliance winches

If you are looking for a UTV winch from Viper, it could be a perfect fit for you. Because this one comes with a rated line pull of up to 6000 lbs. or 2721 kg.

It is manufactured with military-grade stainless steel parts. Also, marine-grade grease is applied to the motor and all the joints to make sure it offers quiet, smooth, and effortless operation.

You will get an American-made 65 feet Amsteel-Blue synthetic rope with this winch. And, the synthetic rope is available in 3 colors such as green, blue, and orange to choose from.

It also features a wireless remote, a hawse fairlead, a clevis hook, a flush mount dash switch, a hand saver strap, a rubber line stopper, and more.

This Viper winch is integrated with a sealed solenoid, 3-stage planetary gear train with a gear ratio of 136:1, all the must-have installation hardware, etc.

For safety, it has both automatic mechanical load holding and a dynamic braking system. For the price, this can be a great deal.

What Previous Buyers Said?

The previous buyers are showing a mixed feeling about these Viper winches. A few buyers have said that the wireless remote could have a better range. Also, if the instruction manual could be a bit more descriptive, that would be a perfect product.

On the other side, most of the users are content with the performance and the overall service of this Viper winch. They do admit that the instructions could be improved.

Yet, they are telling that it is always better to mount winches by a professional. That way, the instruction manual would not matter at all. So, overall, they are recommending the winch.

Pros:

  • Has a limited lifetime warranty on the winch and 1-year warranty on the rope
  • Comes with an IP67 waterproof rating
  • Robust build quality makes it durable and long-lasting
  • Comes with a wireless remote control system

Cons:

  • The instruction manual could be a bit detailed

Review of MotoAlliance 8500lb/3856kg VIPER Winch

viper midnight winch

This heavy-duty winch from Viper is specifically designed as a 4×4 truck winch. It is very evident from the high pulling capacity of this winch. You might have already known that it comes with a rated line pull of 3856 kg or 8500 lbs from the name of the winch.

This one features a 4.5 hp powerful permanent magnet motor. And, it also has a 3 stage planetary gear train with a ratio of 235:1.

The winch from Viper is integrated with a free spooling (lever-activated) clutch for pulling or out the rope without any hindrance. As for safety measures, this Viper winch has a weather-sealed circuit breaker, automatic load-holding, and dynamic braking system.

On top of this, it also has both a wired and wireless remote control system. The handlebar-mounted rocker switch comes with a 15 feet long extension cable.

There are 2 versions of this winch. You can get a winch with a black synthetic rope and another version with a steel cable.

Right now, we are talking about the steel cable version here. And, the steel cable has a length of 94 feet and a diameter of 5/16 inches. It has a mounting bolt pattern of 10.0”x 4.5” and comes with a steel hawse fairlead. So, it will be compatible with most vehicles from major companies.

What Previous Buyers Said?

All the previous buyers of this Viper winch are delighted about this. They have left positive comments about the design, build quality, performance and even the low pricing of this winch.

Most buyers liked that it comes with both wired and wireless remote control systems. Other users of this winch liked the idea that you can choose between a synthetic rope and steel cable.

Pros:

  • Made in ISO-TS16949 certified factory with military-grade materials
  • Comes with a weather-sealed solenoid
  • Backed by 6 months warranty on the steel cable and a limited lifetime warranty on the winch
  • Very affordable price

Cons:

  • The wireless remote range is not that great

Review of MotoAlliance Viper 12000lb 12V Winch

viper winch parts

The last winch on our list is another powerful one from Viper/MotoAlliance. This Jeep winch comes with a rated line pull of 12000 lbs. Or 5443 kg.

So, it can be an ideal choice if you are looking for a truck, trailer, or Jeep winch. One of the most interesting features of this winch is that it has a dual remote control system.

Another cool thing about this unit is that it is available with either a synthetic cable or a steel cable. But this particular winch we are talking about sports a ‘Dyneema’ synthetic rope.

The length of the synthetic cable is about 85 feet. This Viper winch comes with a mounting pattern of 10″x4.5″. Plus, it features a 3 -stage planetary metal gear system with a heavy-duty permanent magnet motor.

Add in the fact that it is manufactured in an ISO-certified factory using military-grade materials.

If you get the steel rope version, then you will get an aircraft-grade steel cable with a 4-way roller fairlead.

However, in the case of the synthetic rope version, you will be provided with an aluminum hawse fairlead. Altogether, you can see that it is a great winch for installing on the bumper mounts on trucks or jeeps.

What Previous Buyers Said?

The majority of the buyers are satisfied with this device. They said it was very easy to install.

And, almost all the current owners are telling that this one is a monster when it comes to hauling heavy loads. Also, the dual remote control system was a fan favorite feature of this device.

Pros:

  • Very reasonable price compared to the features
  • Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
  • Comes with an IP67 waterproof rating
  • Has both wireless and wired remote control system

Cons:

  • The range of the wireless remote could be a bit higher
  • The instructions could have been more descriptive

Buying Guide – Best Viper Winch Review

Rated Line Pull

If you are new to winches, then you might not be aware of the term ‘Rated Line Pull’. Yet, this is one of the most important things you should be familiar with before you decide on your next winch.

The ‘Rated Line Pull’ or ‘Pull/Winch/Load Capacity’ is a term that refers to the pulling capacity of the winch.

To make sure, you are getting the appropriate winch for your needs, you can use a simple formula to find out the required ‘Rated Line Pull’ for yours. Here it is: simply multiply the gross vehicle weight by 1.5. So, if the gross weight of the vehicle you will pull with the winch is about 3500 lbs.

Now, you will need a winch that has a load capacity of up to (3500×1.5) =5250 lbs. So, whenever in doubt, use this formula to see whether you are getting the proper winch or not.

Availability of Parts and Accessories

When you are buying a new winch, you should always ensure that you will find spare parts of the device whenever you need to repair or customize it. Thus, it is always a better idea to purchase your winch from a reputed brand that sells spare parts and accessories separately.

Lucky for you, Viper/MotoAlliance is known for offering all the replacement parts for all of their top winch models. As a result, they are gradually becoming a popular brand in the automobile and off-road industry.

About the MotoAlliance/Viper Brand

For the record, all the ‘Viper’ winches are made by ‘MotoAlliance’. This is a company based in Minneapolis, USA.

This is a Powersports company that focuses on designing and manufacturing all types of Powersports accessories and recovery gear. The company was founded back in 2004. Since then, they have been offering high-quality products within a reasonable price tag.

MotoAlliance manufactures its products by collaborating with various companies around the world. Most of these companies are located in the USA.

However, among them, 4 partner companies of MotoAlliance are located in China, and another one is located in France. Typically, all the designs of the products are done in the USA.

And, depending on the type of the product, they hand over the manufacturing task to one or few of their partner companies.

Wrapping it Up – Best Viper Winch Reviews

When it comes to price to performance ratio, MotoAlliance Viper winches are really hard to beat. But don’t let the cheap price tag of their products fool you. You might think that they are offering cheaply made products.

From our research, we can tell you that they are actually offering top-notch winches. In this Viper winch reviews post, we have shared reviews of 6 of the best Viper winches of different features and prices. Now, it’s up to you to choose the one that checks all the boxes for you. 

So, which one is your favorite winch from MotoAlliance mentioned above? You can share your insights in the comments below!

What winch do I need
arrow for opt in

CHOOSING A WINCH FOR YOUR VEHICLE IS A COMPLEX TASK

Enter your email below to sign up to our newsletter and to download this FREE 22-PAGES long guide on how to choose a winch.

YOUR PRIVACY IS PROTECTED

Photo of author
AUTHOR
Ferenc
Ferenc Elekes has been a devout Overlanding enthusiast for many years. During that time, Ferenc has explored 75 countries on six continents, with overland travel involved in 40 countries on three continents. From his trusty 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser Prado with a roof-top tent, he’s blogged about experiences that can only be found in the remotest regions on Earth. Along the way, he's gained in-depth knowledge of the novel challenges overlanders encounter and practical ways to meet them. On his website, he shares informed opinions about everything from the best overland gear to how to get a vehicle unstuck. Ferenc has also written for Ih8mud, the Expedition Portal, the Overland Journal, and he is often invited as a guest to outdoors-related podcasts.
Which Overlanding Vehicle Best Fits You?!

Take the quiz to find out which overlanding vehicle best fits you and your travel style.

Overlandsite - take the quiz

Leave a Comment