Is the Ramsey 12k winch about the same size as their 9k and 8k winches? I've got a Milemarker 12k winch and putting that side by side next to my Warn 12k or 16.5ti winches, the Warns dwarf the MM. The MM is the same size as my Warn 9k and Superwinch 9k winches. The 12k MM really doesn't even seem like it is in the same class as the 12K Warn, so not sure if the Ramsey you are looking at is the same way?
If you are REALLY stuck, I know I'd rather have one of the Warn Heavyweight series winches.
Happen to have any links where they talk about issues with the 16.5ti?