Winches are used for vehicle recovery and towing. By having a winch, you can pull yourself out of trouble if you get stuck, or you can pull someone else out.
Pull Capacity Options:
• 8,000 pounds: Ideal for 2-door Jeeps and lighter SUVs.
• 10,000 pounds: Ideal for 1/2-ton pickups, 4-door Jeeps, and larger SUVs.
• 12,000 pounds: Ideal for 3/4 and 1-ton pickups and all types of large frame rigs that require longer and heavier pulls.
Steel Cable vs. Synthetic Rope
Steel Cable: Best used in highly abrasive terrains, such as in mud, rocks, and sand
Pros:
• More durable.
• Requires less maintenance than synthetic rope.
Cons:
• Steel may rust, requiring you to wear gloves when you operate it, to avoid sharp burrs. Lightly coat the line with WD-40 or chain oil to prevent rust.
• Steel cables are heavier than synthetic rope. The rope may kink.
Synthetic Rope: Good for vehicles that are sensitive to weight
Pros:
• Lighter, higher breaking strength, more flexible.
• Safer to handle without gloves.
• It can float, so it's good to use in mud or bodies of water.
Cons:
• It can hold water, so the rope may freeze in icy weather, or add weight.
• May be weakened by UV exposure, chemicals, heat, and abrasion. However, this can be prevented with a protective anti-abrasion sleeve.
• Must be properly maintained by spooling it out and washing it from time to time, especially after using it in sand or mud.