Topic: probably covered before, but questions on winches

[chrisfranklin]

Couple of topics -- this is the first one -- when using a winch, you are basically going to wrap the cable around a tree (protected, of course) and then attach it to the tow hooks on your rig, right?

What other fixed objects can you use your winch on? A lot of times, I see write ups where guys talk about making it through tough trails on 33's and with a winch -- but, the trail itself appears to be all rocks and they don't appear to be traveling with other vehicles.  :?:  :D

[SMC4WD]

First of all you mention wrapping the cable around a tree (protected of course).  Making sure it's perfectly clear...  Wrapping a tree strap securely around the tree, and there connecting the wicnh hook to that.  

I'm not a 'tree huggin liberal', but I just want to make sure the trails stay open, and don't get abused by the uneducated.  

Now back to the topic.   Snatch blocks help if a tree is way off to a side but you need a rock or stump in front of you, to lead you in that direction.  

Another expensive tool is a pull pal.  It's alot of money but if you use it once, it ended up just paying for itself.  

I've seen advertisements showing buried tires, or a multiple tied up stakes.  

But the simplist. easiest thing to use, is the thing one must always bring with them fourwheeling.  It's the thing that if you headed out without, you'll always end up in a heap of trouble...

Does anyone else know what it is?  or what I'm thinking???

[chrisfranklin]

Going to go with "friends" "friends in other rigs," "common sense," "Jessica Alba"      Nothing else comes to mind.  didn't know that -- so you use a strap around the tree and then hook the winch cable to the strap.

[Jeffy]

Yes, a tree saver is used around the tree.  This for a few reasons.  One, it doesn't damage the tree.  Two, it distributes the tension on a wider surface so the tree, depending on size won't be as likely to break.

Stakes in teh ground works if you have the stakes and the ground is soft enough to allow for stakes but not too soft.  Digging a hole and using a tree branch and tire works too but takes a lot of work and then you've got to cover up the hole.  Another option is to use a boat anchor or buy one that's designed for winching.  http://www.pullpal.com/.  The other option is to have a friend who's Jeep is built up more then yours.  Then have him go ahead and drag your sorry ass behind him.  

If you have a winch, you might want to get a winch acle extension which can extend the cable another 75' or more.  Also, you'd probably end up using the winch in conjunction with a Hi-Lift jack.  Use the jack to lift the Jeep then the winch to move it.

[SMC4WD]

If I was stuck on a trail with Jessica...  I'd stay stuck..   If Jessica were stuck on a trail with me, she'd get herself a helicopter called up and be off that trail quicker than I thought and she'd undoubtedly leave me stranded...

I hope I didn't sound disparaging or belittling about the part...  "Does anyone else know what it is? Or what I'm thinking???"  But the buddy system is the only way to wheel.  And a bigger/badder/better rig would certainly help.  

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So if you’re out wheeling, and going through an aggressive section of the trail.   One Jeep is built with a winch and the other isn't as built and no winch.

The better Jeep goes first, right?  Fights the obstacle and the turns around?  I'm guessing that's where a snatch block comes into play (or two).  That first rig could still be facing forward, snatch things up in a way that the cable will be able to run to the back of the rig (at least along side of it) and then tow that second vehicle through.  A winch extension strap could help in this scenario too.  A lot of different scenarios happen out there on a trail.  Studying your surroundings and assessing the situation (common sense) is also your best protection.