How much is too much?

I actually have a couple questions here. I’m a first time winch owner. I installed a Zesuper 13000 pound winch on my truck. My intention was to use it to aid me in some very odd tree damage that occurred during a storm. I was skeptical at first because it was a cheaper winch, but it has surprisingly been quite pleasing to use. But how much pull is too much? This thing will damn near lift the back tires off the ground and drag the truck! Should I be worried about any suspension component damage? Damage to the E brake? And also I noticed the synthetic line almost looks flattened and melted in 2 spots, but the winch was still cold after the pull. Is this something to worry about?

 

13K isn't too much IMHO. Remember, each winding on the spool reduces the pull capacity anyway. As far as the synthetic winch line appearing to be melted in two spots, did you pinch the line at that point and push it together, to see if the individual strands would still separate and were pliable?

 

No but I’ll definitely do that. Hopefully I didn’t mess it up

 

People slap a block on, doubling their pull, all the time. 13K is WAY below what that would get you on a 9000lb winch.

 

Unpopular opinion, ditch the synthetic cable and get a steel cable.

"Too much pull" would be pulling your winch off the mounting bracket / bumper lol.

 

The Gods must be Crazy?

 

Correct!

 

Why do you prefer steel cable? Just trying to get both sides of the argument. I personally don’t have a winch yet. Asking for educational purposes

 

It's just my preference. I've been in a multiple instances where someone else's synthetic cable broke when winching. I've never been in a recovery attempt where a steel cable broke (not saying it won't happen).

It sucks to be stuck. But it really sucks to be stuck and have a winch, but a broken winch cable.

The difference in weight is not of my concern. I've never had a problem with kinking or rusting. I don't have an issue with throwing on a pair of gloves if I need to for handling the cable. Take 5 minutes after each recovery to unwind, respool and lube the cable as required. (should always unwind and respool after a recovery, regardless of steel or synthetic)

They both have their pros and cons. I rarely use my winch, but when I do, I don't want to wonder if the cable is the weakest link.

Either way you go, just do your research on safe recovery methods and practices. Recovery situations can be dangerous.

 

the biggest plus for the synthetic cable to me is if it broke it’s less likely to take your head off. I know people with steel cable put a weighted blanket or something in the cable for that reason though right?

 

Yeah, exactly. Also, shouldn't be in the cable path to begin with.

 

Counter point: Its very easy to splice and repair synthetic on the trail.

To OPs question, Im not sure if there is really 'too much' winch. But some things Id consider:
-How is the winch making all that torque?
--Really low gearing (slow line speed)
--Or a massive motor (really big amperage draws on the electrical system)
-Overall weight vs a conventional 9.5 or 10k winch
-Cost

Personally my 9500 has done everything Ive ever asked it to. A snatch block or recovery ring and you've just doubled the capacity sacrificing only line speed. I think at the end of the day the knowledge to use whatever gear you do have is the most important thing you can take.

 

If it broke once...

 

Then you found the weak point and now can repair it (and buy a new line when you get home). Most synthetic line seems to have a 3 or 4x breaking strength. So if you broke it simply because you overloaded it, you might need to rethink your equipment

 

Lol, sounds like a great plan. Buy something only to have it break so you can “repair” it and buy another one later. I guess you enjoy buying disposable products.

I’d rather just buy a steel cable and not have to worry about it breaking, ever. And most likely never have to replace it.

I’m just speaking from my experience of using steel cable and others using and breaking synthetic cables.

Your opinion and money, do what you want with it.

 

it took for longer to reinforce the tree then the simple lift.

I hope no one gets any dumb ideas.