Going off-road often times provides us adventure and when going on an adventure, you will have to be always ready and prepared to be always safe. One way to be prepared is to ensure that you have a winch inside your vehicle. This means whenever your vehicle gets stuck on sand, mud or other obstacles, your winch will be able to get your vehicle from getting stuck. However, if it is your first time having and getting a winch and do not know how to use it, do not worry as through this article, we shall guide you through it.
On this site I have reveiwed electric winches, boat trailer winches, portable winches, hand winches, chainsaw winches and gas powered winches. To save yourself headaches in the future have a read of the relevant guide before you buy.
I(A winch is a device that comes with different components which have different roles. For you to be able to purchase and use one effectively, you would need to have knowledge on what each part does.
Motor: an electric winch motor gets powered by your vehicle’s battery.
Drum: This is a hollow metal cylinder which where the wire rope is neatly wrapped into. This is often also is called winch spool. Moreover, the drum is being drove by the motor and gear and the direction of the drum could be changed by the remote control.
Gear Train: This is the reduction gear which is powered by your motor. It then converts the power into a pulling force. This enables the winch to pull any heavy load.
Winch Line: This is the rope of the winch which is wrapped around the drum which goes through the fairlead. Your winch’s rope could be either synthetic rope or steel cable.
Winch Fairlead: it is the part that guides your rope into your drum while using your winch particularly at an angle. Through your winch fairlead, your rope gets less damaged.
Clutch: it locks your winch drum to the motor and gear train.
Braking System: It engages when the motor of the winch is stopped. In other words, it prevents the winch from paying an unwanted winch line when it is turned off.
Control Box: it usually is mounted on your winch or near it.
Remote control: this controls the winch direction
How to Use a Winch
Part 1 – Rigging the Winch
- Put on your gloves. This is important to ensure your safety.
- Plug your remote control into the winch. Ensure that it does not dangle in front of your winch.
- Find an anchor point. Ensure it is enough to hold while you winch.
- Release the winch cable. To do this deploy the disengage lever.
- Pull the winch cable to anchor point. Take in mind, that you must not pull much so that it does not become slack.
- Wrap a tree truck protector around the lower part of the anchor point.
- Attach the D-rink shackle through both loops on the tree trunk
- Insert the winch hook to the D-ring shackle.
- Lock the clutch
- Use the remote control to slowly pull the winch cable taut.
Part 2 – Pull Your Vehicle Out
- Clear your area
- Enter your vehicle and sit on the driver’s seat
- Use the remote control
- Winch the vehicle slowly
- Stop winching when your vehicle gets to a stable ground
Part 3 – Unrigging the Winch
- Unhook your winches’ cable from the D-ring shackle.
- Slowly rewind the winch cable through the use of the remote control.
- Unplug your winch’s remote control.
- Store it in a dry place in your vehicle
- Retrieve the D-shackle and tree trunk protector from the anchor.
- Take in mind that when the cable of your winch is under tension, do not disengage the clutch.
- Do not use the winch as a hoist.
Important Winch Accessories You Will Need for Winching
The accessories of your winch would depend on the following factors:
- Length of your trip
- Personal winching experience
- Vehicle type
- Environment
- Climate
- How much you could comfortable pack
Here are some important accessories:
- Gloves
- D-Shackles
- Snatch Block
- Tree Trunk Protector
- Tow Hooks
- Winch Line Damper
- Choker Chain
- Shovel
- Winch Kit
- Winch Line Extensions