Something thats overlooked alot of times by common folk is that they require alot of power and consistent power.
I feel that any truck using a winch should have a high output alternator if you're going to use it often and at least a yellow top battery or multiple battery set up.
Lack of voltage will burn up a winch quick! Ive always used hand throttles in my rigs that you can "tighten" down and maintain higher rpm's too.
And I know of a couple of guys that have used and been using the Harbor Freight winches for a long time at least once or twice a weekend.
But they waterproofed the solenoids too for when they do get submerged. Just my .02