Taco+mud=fun in n.georgia

Well I've had this truck for a couple months now. Did some minor repairs, and thanks to this forum for the advise. Bilstien shocks front and rear. Arb bumper and a warn winch.

Decided to get some new tires: bfgoodrich all terrain/ta
Next day decide to take the truck up to Beasley knob trail in n.ga. And quickly found the limitations of my truck. Tires filled with mud and had zero traction going uphill. Bent the cheap chrome steps.

Here is my question. I used the winch once. Am I suppose to let the winch do all the work, or am I suppose to give it has while the winch is pulling me up.