Every August, the quiet mountain roads of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, transform into the ultimate mecca for off-road enthusiasts and 4x4 builders. The Great Smoky Mountain Jeep Invasion has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2012, when just 165 Jeeps gathered in nearby Townsend.
Fast forward to the 14th annual event this year, and the numbers are staggering. Hosted at the LeConte Center, the 2026 Invasion featured over 300 vendors, sprawling indoor and outdoor exhibits, and a massive Show and Shine competition. Naturally, Superwinch was right in the middle of the action, ready to talk trail recovery with thousands of dedicated enthusiasts.
Showing Off the Heavy Hitters
If you stopped by the Superwinch booth at the expo, you got a firsthand look at our full lineup of trail-ready recovery gear. On display was our aggressive new Scorpion winch and the dependable Tiger Shark. We also showcased the tried-and-true Superwinch SX series - a winch so reliable that our team even trusts it on their personal off-road race cars.
But we didn’t just hang out at the expo booth. A proper Jeep event requires some proper dirt therapy. We took some time away from the pavement to watch attendees take on the unforgiving trails at Windrock Park, Tennessee, putting their rigs and our gear to the ultimate test.
Trail-Tested: The Superwinch SX 12
Image Credit: humberto.wrangler
Out on the rocks and mud of Windrock, having a reliable winch isn't a luxury; it's a necessity. Check out the video below for a breakdown of why so many trail runners rely on the Superwinch for their rig. When you are constantly recovering yourself or pulling your buddies out of a tough spot, versatility is everything.
"One really special feature about my Superwinch is that it has two remotes - one wireless and one wired - one of the best parts."
Whether you prefer the tactile feel of a plug-in wired remote or the freedom to spot your rig from a safe distance using the wireless controller, a Superwinch puts the power in your hands.
Upgrade Your Recovery Game Today
Superwinch is proud to be part of the Westin Automotive family, producing industry-leading winches and winching products for trucks, Jeeps, ATVs/UTVs and SUVs. We build our gear by a simple motto: Proven Performance. Zero Compromise.
When you equip your rig with a Superwinch, you are investing in top-tier engineering designed to get you home safely. All of our winches feature:
- IP68 Waterproof Rating: Featuring a fully sealed drum, gearbox, and contactor (aka solenoid) for maximum protection from the elements.
- Rugged Steel Winch Drum: High-strength steel that won't crack or shatter under pressure like inferior aluminum drums.
- Extreme Duty Readiness: Rigorously tested in temperatures ranging from -40°F to 125°F, and equipped with integrated drum and controller lighting for safe after-dark recoveries.
- A True Capacity Rating: Every single winch we build meets or exceeds its advertised pulling power rating.
- Easy-To-Use Clutch Handle: Big, tactile, and easy to operate even when you're wearing heavy trail gloves.
- No-Bind Design Clutch: Engineered for flawless engagement so it won't bind and break like cheaper, standard clutch designs.
Don't wait until you are axle-deep in mud to wish you had better recovery gear. Shop at Superwinch.com today to explore our full lineup of industry-leading winches and experience the confidence that comes with true off-road capability!
