Is the smittybilt xrc hd winch reliable  and how dose the air work

For the price, sure.  I have also used the Harbor Freight winches without issues.  The cheaper winches may be slower but they will get the job done.

But if you want a quick winch that won't break down you should spend the extra money and get a WARN.  They are at the top of the list for a reason.

As for the on-board air bit, it's just a standard compressor slapped on top of a winch.  My guess is it didn't work very well as I found the following when I went to their website for statistics on the air pump:

Due to unforeseen circumstances the XRC10 HD winch has been discontinued at this time.

FWIW....

I have a 9K Chicago Electric that is sold by Harbour Freight. They are made by Multi-Mile, if something does go bad you can get parts for it through Multi-Mile. I had to buy a solenoid becacause some AzzHat decided instead of buying their replacement they would just steal mine. I called Multi-Mile told them what I needed and that I wanted to "upgrade" to their parts and they fixed me right up.

Other than the theft issue I haven't had any troubles with mine.  

This what I have. Slow but works just great. Customer service from the guy was excellent. It says 5000# but is actually 6000# and the exact same as their 6000#. Had it for a couple of years now and have used it a few times.

http://cgi.ebay.com/VORTEX-5000-LB-Pound-Recovery-Winch-Bonus-Package-JEEP-/170544676900?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item27b5414024

Anyone use the Chicago 3000lb 12 volt camouflage remote controlled winch from Harbor Freight? I can buy for 1/2 price ($50).
LOT No. 95912.

The general rule of thumb is 1.5x the weight of the vehicle you want to pull.  So a 3000lb winch will help tug you out of a ditch, but any more then that you will have to double up your cable which means it will pull twice as slow.  For a Sammy most people go with 6000lb winches, which are usually close to the same cost as the 8k.

lv2fsh:  That's pretty cool.  We have used the remote controller attached to that winch on BRD_HNTR's Tracker, it works great and allows you to tuck the control box under the hood.  Roadless Gear has the controllers, along with a nice in-dash winch control unit I use in my SJ.

http://www.roadlessgear.com/page/RGL/CTGY/R

I just use the key fob remote inside and out.

The general rule of thumb is 1.5x the weight of the vehicle you want to pull.  So a 3000lb winch will help tug you out of a ditch, but any more then that you will have to double up your cable which means it will pull twice as slow.  For a Sammy most people go with 6000lb winches, which are usually close to the same cost as the 8k.

lv2fsh:  That's pretty cool.  We have used the remote controller attached to that winch on BRD_HNTR's Tracker, it works great and allows you to tuck the control box under the hood.  Roadless Gear has the controllers, along with a nice in-dash winch control unit I use in my SJ.

http://www.roadlessgear.com/page/RGL/CTGY/R

also, most winch manufacturers use the same platform for the 6&8k winches so theres very little weight difference. I would go for the 8k if thats the case.

Usually the weight jumps dramatically when you go above 6000#. I the case of the one I have it was like 40 some lbs to 90 some. Price wasn't that dramatic but I didn't want the extra weight.

Our general rule of thumb for winches is 1.5 x GVRW.

And if anyone has any questions about any of our products, feel free to give me a shout.

- Andy

Oops that's "GVWR" (gross vehicle weight rating)

Our general rule of thumb for winches is 1.5 x GVRW.

And if anyone has any questions about any of our products, feel free to give me a shout.

- Andy

As lv2fsh pointed out, the weight difference can be a factor.  Annoying since a lot of places don't list the weight...  One way to save weight is to switch to the rope, but is it worth it on a DD where the winch will see maybe see the line pulled out once or twice a year?  How does the rope stand up to being ignored compared to the old school cable?