With a heritage forged in the legendary Camel Trophy competitions, Superwinch’s 12,000-lb SX12SR brings expedition-grade recovery capability to a Toyota Tacoma built for backcountry exploration.
Superwinch has been part of the off-road landscape for more than 50 years. With a long history of engineering dependable recovery solutions, the company earned its reputation through real-world use in some of the toughest environments.
From expedition rigs to industrial applications, Superwinch products have proven themselves time and again. One of the most iconic testbeds for Superwinch’s gear was the Camel Trophy—an event that’s become legendary in the off-road world.
During those grueling global challenges, Superwinch winches were factory-equipped to help competitors tackle deep mud, remote river crossings, and thick jungle. That legacy of durability and performance continues today with products like the SX12SR.
SX Series
We recently had the opportunity to install an SX12SR 12,000-lb winch with synthetic rope onto a Toyota Tacoma that’s been built for both weekend trail runs and longer backcountry camping trips.
The owner had run this truck for years without a winch, but as his adventures began to venture further off-grid and into less-traveled terrain, he decided it was finally time to upgrade his recovery options.
The SX12SR was a natural choice. It features a sealed 12V motor, synthetic rope with a hawse fairlead, and a rugged steel drum—all wrapped in a clean, modern housing.
Rated for 12,000 pounds, it’s more than capable of handling the Tacoma and then some. The synthetic rope keeps overall weight down and is easier to handle in the field.
Under Control
The Superwinch SX12SR comes with both a wired and a wireless Bluetooth remote, giving users flexible control options. The wired remote connects securely for direct operation and is especially useful during precise recoveries or in situations where wireless interference may be a concern.
The included wireless remote offers flexibility when positioning yourself during recovery situations, and the IP68 rating means this winch is ready for use in wet, muddy, and dusty environments.
For added convenience, the Bluetooth remote allows the winch to be operated wirelessly from a safe distance, which is helpful when spotting or needing to maneuver around the vehicle during a pull.
Both remotes are compact, intuitive to use, and built with rugged construction to match the winch’s overall durability. Having both options included makes the SX12SR versatile and ready for a wide range of recovery scenarios.
The Setup
Installation onto the Tacoma was straightforward. The truck is equipped with an Outgear Solutions Prelander bumper, which required us to clock the winch’s gearbox 90 degrees to allow the clutch handle to clear the tight confines of the bumper’s opening.
This is a standard procedure for tight-fit applications and was made easier thanks to a helpful step-by-step video found on Superwinch’s website. With the gearbox rotated and handle repositioned, the SX12SR slid into place without issue.
We also took advantage of the SX12SR’s relocatable die-cast aluminum control box. Due to the tight spaces within the Outgear Solutions bumper, there wasn’t enough clearance to keep the control box mounted in its original position.
Fortunately, the SX12SR is designed with modularity in mind, allowing the control box to be repositioned using the included bracket and hardware.
This feature proved especially helpful, making it possible to tuck the box into a more accessible and better-ventilated location while maintaining clean routing of the wiring harness. It’s a thoughtful design element that adds to the winch’s adaptability across a wide range of aftermarket bumper setups.
To add a layer of control over electrical draw, the owner also installed a Blue Sea Systems battery kill switch. This mini switch sits inline between the winch and the battery and is turned off when the winch isn’t needed.
While not a requirement, this extra step helps ensure that there’s no parasitic drain on the truck’s electrical system when the winch is idle.
Function Test & Tensioning
Once everything was bolted down and connected, we conducted a simple function test using the wired remote. The winch spooled in and out smoothly.
We followed up by pre-loading the synthetic line under light tension to make sure it would spool evenly onto the drum. This is an important step to take after any winch installation to ensure the line is ready when needed. (As a reminder, always wear heavy gloves when handling winch rope or cable, and follow all recommended safety procedures.)
Final Thoughts
With the installation complete, the Tacoma now has a serious self-recovery tool onboard. Until the time comes when it’s needed in the field, the SX12SR sits tucked behind the bumper—ready to go and adding a bit of purposeful style to the truck’s front end.
Superwinch SX12SR 12,000-lb Winch with Synthetic Rope
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