How to use winch properly?

[yokramer]

I generally agree, but a winch is also a bit of an investment, and if someone rolled up in a jeep without a winch I wouldn't say they're stupid for wheeling alone. It just significantly changes the level of risk you should be willing to take. So the debate should really be where that line is.

I suppost thats gonna greatly depend on where you live, there are spots out east here that the ground looks just fine and you get 6' in and youre to your axles without warning.

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[Terrymo]

If you haven’t, join a Jeep Off-road club in your area. There will be members eager to help. Or training is available. Here is one example if you want more than basic knowledge.
https://www.4x4training.com/w/product/winching-clinic-09-14-24-la-area/

 

[Ratbert]

I suppost thats gonna greatly depend on where you live, there are spots out east here that the ground looks just fine and you get 6' in and youre to your axles without warning.

And if the Jeep that's with you also has no recovery gear then you're still screwed...other than having a ride out.

 

[Mocopo]

I suppost thats gonna greatly depend on where you live, there are spots out east here that the ground looks just fine and you get 6' in and youre to your axles without warning.

Very true, I was actually about to use where I live as an example. Here in southern AZ is so dry that as long as I believe I have the flex and clearance, I'll drive the road no questions asked. If I go up north in the state, there are plenty of dirt roads that are very flat and well maintained, but a little bit of mud gets you stuck instantly. I didn't use to risk those roads in the winter until I installed my winch.

 

[gdeyarmond]

Hello everyone. Wanted to see and know. What’s the correct way to use a winch ?
Pull out a car/truck ? Or oneself ?
Thanks

Best thing I can recommend is to get familiar with how to use it in general. Then start thinking about how it can be used. I have spent a decent amount of time just cruising around with 1 vehicle. I can honestly think of 1 or 2 times where a winch would have come in handy....one of which wasn't even my truck. So, if you don't have one, think about how you use your vehicle and if you will ever need one. You're looking at 1k invested at a minimum when all is said in done.

Watch Matt's Offroad Recovery for how he does recoveries using a winch - (53) Matt's Off Road Recovery - YouTube

Madd Matt is another good one (Aussie) who has more how-to-style videos -

 

[Flip]

Set the hook and reel it in buddy, there's not much to it you'll figure it out.

 

[Heater]

In all seriousness - a very good source of all things related to Jeep offroad worthiness is in the Jeep Owner’s Bible by Moses Ludel.

Although it is updated through 2004, it is still very relevant. I’ve used mine for insight and modification ideas for my CJ-7, LJ Rubicon and current Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon.

https://www.amazon.com/Jeep-Owners-Bible-Hands-Getting/dp/0837611172

 

[rivercrossing]

Don't shock load the winch.

The winch cable/rope is not a tow strap. Us a tow strap/ recovery rope from one vehicles tow hook to the other vehicles tow hook if you will be pulling by driving the recovery vehicle.

Use the winch and winch line just for winching.

I learned this the hard way by damaging a winch.

Also have the engine running when you winch as you can run a battery dead fast if you have much of a load.

 

[zouch]

in the Dojo, Sensei will say we can learn from all our Sampais.

from some we lean how to (be).
from some we learn how not to (be).


you've gotten some good advice here; sift through it and you'll know which is what.

I asked a simple question, wasn't looking for a smart ass comment today !

 

[dragoneggs]

Lots of good advice here… including the sarcastic ones. Do your own research. YouTube is your friend. Coming in with a wide open question with zero context (no explanation of your particular situation) makes it pretty much impossible to answer other than… do your research.

 

[MichaelT333]

As what many others have said there is no one-way to use a winch. It all depends on what you’re trying to pull out and how it stuck and where you’re at. Ignore the people that are making fun of you. We all were beginners at one point and had no clue what to do. I would just look up videos on winching 101.

 

[Terrymo]

Some good info and lots of bad on YouTube on most topics. There‘s no substitute for hands on experience with someone that actually knows what they’re doing and isn’t just chasing likes and subscribes.

 

[AC77]

Don't shock load the winch.

The winch cable/rope is not a tow strap. Us a tow strap/ recovery rope from one vehicles tow hook to the other vehicles tow hook if you will be pulling by driving the recovery vehicle.

Use the winch and winch line just for winching.

I learned this the hard way by damaging a winch.

Also have the engine running when you winch as you can run a battery dead fast if you have much of a load.

In Park (P) ?

 

[mikibenz]

You can do both. But as mentioned above, watch a few videos to get the hang of it.
One important thing is to NEVER stand between the vehicles when winching.
a few years ago, I even saw a video where the guy was actually sitting in his pickup truck and was killed by the hitch that broke off the vehicle he was trying to winch out.

Another thing is to have a weighted bag on the rope (like a backpack with stuff in it), so if the rope breaks there is something to pull the spring effect down.

 

[mikibenz]

If you are new (we all gotta start somewhere) and there isn't a group or club near you, the Jeep Adventure Academy is a one day event that is well worth the money. Couple of instruction sessions, couple of trail rides, and a very informative session on winching and safety while doing so.

YouTube is great, but not always the best advice.

I agree with checking on the Warn winch site also (posted above) as they would be a great source of info.

Until you have more experience, it would be best to stay out of situations where you need a winch if possible.

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