The Winch.

[dangeranger88]

So, in preparations for running to the hills when the world starts ending around me, I thought maybe it would be wise to get a winch on my truck. Plus I think they look darn cool. But, I don't know anything about them, and the few I saw in the 5000-6000lb rating are over 400 dollars (not trying to spend that much)
So, what can you guys recommend me? Do I have to get a special mount? Front or rear? I do have front tow hooks if that helps any. I did see some things you can plug into a hitch receiver to hold a winch for the rear but theyre pretty salty as well. Thanks for any info.

 

[Destroyer000]

id look at an 8000k winch or better.. ive got a smitty built 8k winch an LOVE IT.. price was great.. check out the trs fab an off road

 

[dangeranger88]

That winch looks great! Right on the page you pointed me to--I didn't even see that little link up in the corner! Looks great, but how does it mount? I should probably look into a brush guard too...maybe i could mount it right on that? thanks

 

[LearjetMinako]

First rule of thumb to remember about winches. That 6k, 8k, 9k lbs rating is for the first layer of cable spool. Each layer after decreases the rating. So a 6k lbs winch will become like a 3k~4k lb winch when fully spooled.

Depending on use, most off-roads choose a 9k lbs winch. If its ultity work, a smaller rating one can be used. Just remember, that winch gotta be able to pull the weight of the truck plus any resistence (dirt, mud, log, stump, hills, rocks, etc).

 

[97BlackBetty]

You my friend have a lot of learning to do. You can get a hitch receiver for the front of your vehicle. You can purchase a winch plate that slides into the front reciever, a great option if you run power cables front and rear. A brush guard WILL NOT support a winch unless it is specifically designed to. The only one I know of is made by Warn. What warrants a winch anyways?

 

[Shran]

Warn is arguably about the best around. Lots of people have had really good luck with the $300 smittybilt 8k winch too. That is probably the one I will be getting.

You will want to invest in a snatch block, a tree strap, and a couple D-ring shackles as well...using a snatch block essentially doubles your pulling power and puts a lot less stress on your winch.

 

[dangeranger88]

ok thanks guys...and youre right Betty I am new to the world of offroading but after a little wheeling adventure i'm HOOKED! As for what warrants it, paranoia

So, is it better to have a winch on the front or the back? I guess it depends on how stuck you are Looks like a winch will be more expensive than I had hoped.

 

[feellnfroggy]

First rule of thumb to remember about winches. That 6k, 8k, 9k lbs rating is for the first layer of cable spool. Each layer after decreases the rating. So a 6k lbs winch will become like a 3k~4k lb winch when fully spooled.

Depending on use, most off-roads choose a 9k lbs winch. If its ultity work, a smaller rating one can be used. Just remember, that winch gotta be able to pull the weight of the truck plus any resistence (dirt, mud, log, stump, hills, rocks, etc).

I didnt read the whole post, but a snatch block (its what we called them in the army. but basically a pulley doubles your effective pulling power. It shortens your avail length by half though.

 

[Shran]

You can get a receiver hitch winch mount and run power cables to the front and back of the truck...then you can use it in either location, and take it off to prevent it from being stolen.

 

[97BlackBetty]

I think for what you are wanting you are going to want a front hitch, a winch reciever plate, and of course your winch. The smittybuilt will be more than enough for what you are wanting to do. You can get the hitch from Hidden Hitch, Reese... The site I got mine from I believe is etrailer.com.