Winch selection

To all the ones that uses their rigs and winches.
I'd like to know your thoughts on capacity ratings. Specifically thoughts on utilizing a smaller winch, but instead of running rope/cable directly to anchor, using a pulley. So the cable/rope end would be attached to truck, and pulley would run to anchor point.

 

Rule of thumb on winch sizing. Vehicle weight x 1.5 = winch rating. A Tacoma weighs around 4000+ lbs. Equals 6000 lb minimum winch capacity.

I have a 10000 lb Engo synthetic line. On sale it was about as expensive as the 9000 lb

PS: also recommend a wireless remote.

 

10K with steel cable, it will pull the truck straight up and over a 4 1/2 ledge.

 

From what I understand, you want a winch well rated above the weight of the vehicle because when you're in a situation that requires a winch you may need more pulling power than the weight of your vehicle on nice flat land. Also lighter weight rated winches also use lower weight rated lines, so keep that in mind.

Snatch blocks are a great as additional means to help in a situation but not as a means to make up for the shortcomings of a winch IMO

 

And just to add on to this: The winch rating is with all the line out minus one wrap on the spool. The more line wrapped on the winch, the less pulling power it has. There may be situations where you can't get most of your line out so having that extra capacity is nice.

 

Warn Xeon in 8k or 10k, a snatch block or two, tree savers or straps, winch extension rope and shackles for rigging everything up.

 

I winched a buddy's 2500 dodge out of the mud, he had the front end sunk deep. It was a workout for my 10k warn zen! I was wishing I would have gone with the 12k at the time but the 10k is more than enough for saving me and my tacoma.

 

Were you pulling straight or using a pulley doubled back? (Snatch block?)

 

There was a bend in the road right where he was stuck so we used a snatch block to get straight pulls on both vehicles. Wasn't able to double back, didn't have enough blocks with me for that. I was probably at a 30 degree angle once we decided to chain my truck to a tree, it was pulling my truck forward instead of his backwards so we had to readjust everything... Sadly I didn't think to get any pics, I was too cold at the time.

 

I can't remember why, but I've heard that is not a good thing to do.

 

Not good for the chain.

 

I wasn't thrilled about the whole situation but when a friend is in need you put your junk on the line...lol

 

I thought it had more to do with possible frame bending/damage. I was always told to brace my front bumper against a tree to hold the truck in place...if possible.

 

This has been discussed before:

"What about an ATV winch, they're lighter and cheaper, and I don't plan on doing any hard pulls with it."

Bad off road driver. No biscuit. Go stand in the corner.

No one in the history of anything has anyone ever uttered the phrase "gee, I wish I had a smaller winch."

While a snatch block is standard kit to have with you, that's not because you should be using it on every single pull. You'd be amazed at how easily you can exceed the weight of your truck when pulling. Stuck in mud, pulling over rocks, etc... All that can easily exceed the weight of your truck.


As others have said, the rule of thumb is 1.5x the weight of your vehicle. It's important to note that is your MAX GROSS weight, not the empty curb weight. It'd be pretty dumb to buy a winch, then load up your truck for a trip and realize you've exceeded the capacity of the winch. Go by the maximum weight the truck is rated for.

Take your GVWR x 1.5 and that's the MINIMUM winch to get. For most of us that's just going to be an 8k winch.

I went with a 10k Warn just for a little extra wiggle room. Any pull I make is going to be that much farther from the max capacity of the winch which leads to better longevity/reliability.

 

To a point yes, if lives were at risk, I'd burn my truck to the ground if were to help save someone. But there's also a very important rule that always applies, and that's to never create more unnecessary victims.

Trying to exceed the limits of your vehicle/equipment could have left you both stranded.

A stuck vehicle is a stuck vehicle, and not necessarily a life threatening situation. I would have considered enlisting the help of a 2nd truck and waiting it out.

 

I agree. While I will do what I can for a friend I wouldn't risk ruining my vehicle to help them.

 

This is my setup with Warn’s 10k. To be honest I have used the straps more then the winch, but that said I still want that winch.

 

LOL... Great point about what someone has NEVER said. Hilarious and spot on for every aspect of eveything. 12k it is if it will fit!

 

Yeah, I stole that I think from a 4WheelDrive article or something. I don't believe the winches a any bigger (at least the 8-12k ones). So if you're putting it in any one of the several aftermarket bumpers, you should be good to go.