If you’re looking for a winch that’s more affordable than most on the market, then OPENROAD might be a good option for you. This is my first winch outside of Smittybilt and Warn, and on the surface, it does seem like a quality winch, but others have voiced their concerns about customer service and failures. I already have a Smittybilt X20 in the front of our 4Runner, so this is going to be our rear-facing winch on the Beatty MetalWorks Rear Winch Bumper. I didn’t want to spend another $500+ on a Smitty for the rear, so I took my chance with the OPENROAD 13K winch, and so far it’s been solid.
Upon opening the box, everything was pre-wired, and the winch was pre-spooled. Something I’ve never seen on a Smittybilt or Warn in the past, which was pretty convenient. The winch also comes with multiple remotes, a fairlead, and the hook.
The core of the Panther Series 3S is its 6.6 HP pure copper motor paired with a 3-stage planetary gear train. The motor is built for long lifespan and consistent torque, and the 218:1 gear reduction delivers the controlled pulling power needed to recover full-size vehicles in tough conditions. At maximum line pull, the winch delivers 5.2 feet per minute with a 320 amp draw at 12V, making it both powerful and efficient. Since the winch draws over 300 amps, always run an isolation switch/relay or HD marine-grade switch, and never wire your winch to the inline fuse on your battery terminals. The new inline fuses on the late model 5th Gens have a 270-amp rated inline, and you will blow that fuse if wired directly. Ask me how I know…
Find It Online
- Panther Series 3S (13.5K) Winch: Check Price
Table Of Contents
Specs At A Glance
- 13,500 lb. rated line pull
- 6.6 HP series wound motor, pure copper build
- 3 stage planetary gear train, 218:1 reduction
- IP68 waterproof rating for all-weather reliability
- 88 ft synthetic rope with 3/8 in diameter
- Weight: 65 lbs. with compact 20.8 x 6.3 x 9.5 in dimensions
- Automatic load holding brake
- Two wireless remotes and one wired remote included
- Hardware kit, fairlead, heavy duty hook, manual, and accessories supplied
- 3 year warranty
Power & Performance
The Panther Series 3S delivers a dependable 13.5K lb. rating with a motor and drivetrain built for tough recoveries.
- 13,500 lb pulling capacity handles mid-size trucks to even full-size under load
- 6.6 HP pure copper motor provides consistent torque and longevity
- 3 stage planetary gear system with a 218:1 reduction for controlled pulling power
- Max line speed of 5.2 ft/min under load with efficient current draw
I haven’t gotten a chance yet to do any rear facing recoveries, but we did test the winch in a parking lot, and loaded it a handful of times against a tree on the trail to test everything and make sure it was working properly. No issues yet.
Durability & Waterproofing
Built to keep working when conditions get rough, this winch is protected against the elements.
- IP68 waterproof rating ensures operation through rain, river crossings, and mud
- Reinforced swing arm and hinge increase strength under repeated stress
- Heavy duty construction with focus on long lifespan and reliability
Controls & Ease of Use
The Panther Series provides flexibility in operation, whether close or at a safe distance.
- Two wireless remotes included plus a wired handheld remote
- Automatic load holding brake secures the line when power is cut
- Simple installation with included hardware and mounting bolts
Complete Package Value
Everything required to get started is included, making this winch a ready-to-go solution.
- The winch itself
- Wireless remotes (2) and wired remote (1)
- 4 way roller fairlead, heavy duty hook, bolt set, and mounting hardware
- User manual, plus extras like a hat and sticker
- Strong price point compared to competitors offering similar specs
It was pretty much perfect for my setup. I didn’t need another expensive primary winch, and the price point on this one is just right to try out on the rear.
Final Thoughts
Early issues with durability with this brand seem to have happened in their early days and have been addressed since then. This is probably due to the fact that they improved a variety of components and ratings.
I think the key thing to understand is that you can’t expect premium features and performance on a budget. If you want the best, you’ll have to invest $750-1500+ and all these costs add up. And unless you’re beating on your setup super frequently, I would save the money and try something more budget friendly. And to be honest, from my experience, many people rarely need to use their winch. At the end of the day, a working winch that has adequate power is enough to get you through most tough spots.
Having a complete package with features like synthetic rope (keeps the weight down) and three remotes (yes, they go missing sometimes) is great to have.
At a price point that undercuts many competitors, it’s hard not to want to try something out. So far, we haven’t had any issues over the last few months the winch has been installed and tested. We’ll see how it holds up over time.
If you have any experience with the product, drop a comment below. Always happy to hear other’s feedback.
Has anyone else used this winch before? How was your experience with it?
It’s been great for me. Only used mine twice so far and only had one little mishap. The in button got stuck on the remote. Turned out I pushed it hard enough it lodged under the case. Now I know to push it straight down. Otherwise it’s worked flawlessly.
What are you using to make this a rear facing unit?
He has a Beatty rear bumper with an integral winch cradle. He made another post on here about it.