Off-Roading: Winch Season

Story By Ian Harwood

The arrival of spring signals lots of rain and melting snow in the mountains. It may not look like it now, but it is coming!

That means mud, and lots of it, to challenge 4×4 owners, who love to see how far they can get before getting stuck, or before they break their trucks, whichever comes first.

Before you head out, think about investing in a winch. It should have a weight capacity double the gross weight of your vehicle.

The two main companies that offer automotive-related winches are Warn Industries and Ramsey Winch Co.

Ahead of purchase, you should consider two things – what terrain you plan on travelling and how many more vehicles in your party you may have to pull out. If you are a serious off-roader, you should add at least 2,000 lb. more to your selection and consider carrying a snatch block. A snatch block is a pulley that attaches to a tree or anchor with a strap. You run the cable through it and back to your vehicle.

This device allows you to double the pulling power of your winch and enables you to change direction without damaging the winch cable. The snatch block should set you back about $125.

If you have a trailer hitch, you may consider installing a front receiver so you can take advantage of another product offered by these companies called a multi-mount winch system. This allows you to transport the winch securely inside your vehicle, until such time as you need it.

When you do need it, you can move it to the front or back of your vehicle by inserting the mount into the two-inch receiver and plugging the power cord into the quick connect plug mounted to the frame of your vehicle, front and back.

The winch system is available in 8,000 or 9,500-lb. models and should cost no more than $2,400. Warn offers a unit that has a built-in air compressor, perfect for those of you who like to air-down your tires off-road. This unit costs $2,514.

Whenever you find yourself using a winch, remember to leave your hood open or lay a blanket across the cable in case it breaks. I have seen too many personal injuries and broken windshields for me not to mention this.

You may consider carrying an accessory kit, average cost $240, which includes a pair of gloves (winch cables have many burrs that can slice a person’s hand), tow straps and first-aid kit. Tow straps are a good idea if you are travelling with more than one vehicle. They can get you unstuck quickly without having to use your winch.

If you want to put a winch on the front of your vehicle permanently, you will require a special mounting system. There are many styles of bumpers and grille guards available depending on your vehicle. Some require the removal of your existing bumper. If this does not appeal to you, then a grille guard is the way to go.

The grille guard set-up varies in cost depending on your vehicle and configuration, but generally, you would be looking at around $750 for a decent system.

There are also “hidden” kits available, which sit behind your existing bumper, leaving visible only the hook and fairlead where the cable threads through.

For mounting applications and winch sizes go to www.warn.com or www.ramsey.com