Topic: winch descent

[neale_rs]

I was just wondering if winches can be used to descend very steep obstacles in reverse, like rapelling in a Jeep.  Does anyone on the board have experience with this?   Thanks

[oldjeep]

Sure, but you better be sure of your cable.   3/8" steel cable is the only thing I'll use.  5/16 steel is too easy to break, and all of that synthetic crap derates too quickly if you get it dirty, or put it in the sun, or rub it on anything - or look at it funny.

[Jeffy]

I was just wondering if winches can be used to descend very steep obstacles in reverse, like rapelling in a Jeep.  Does anyone on the board have experience with this?   Thanks

Go on youtube...  This is done on Surprise Canyon...http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdUMqHyjnrY  I'm not sure if the video shows them winching down but it is used at the really steep parts.

The trail is a one way in one way out.

[Jesse-James]

^ Very nice CJ-6 in that vid, don't see many of those. ^

[neale_rs]

That's a good video.  I'd like to do something like that some day.

Does the winch have a specific feature to do this (like power out)?

[neale_rs]

Found this on youtube

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nHaZu_mqO2g

[Jeffy]

That's a good video.  I'd like to do something like that some day.

Does the winch have a specific feature to do this (like power out)?

For Surprise Canyon, just about everyone uses a Warn.  I know some other brands have burnt up while on that trail.  Basically, you're winching up several waterfalls, then on the return you're winching back down them.  So you're jsut about winching all day.  They're all standard winches.  All are 8000 or more.  Lots of 8274's and M8000's along with the 9000's and 9500's.  I've seen some older Warn 6000's as well.

BTW: typically the guy behind you is winching you down.  The last guy has to go sans unless he's got a rear mounted winch.  The biggest problem with winching out is the shock load the cable has to endure.  Winching down isn't as smooth as winching up.

[neale_rs]

Thanks for the replies.