A cover for your winch to protect from moisture and UV is a good idea, regardless of clime. Synthetic winch lines do not absorb water any more than twisted steel cable does making ice and freeze a non-issue.

 

A warn Zeon 10s is the perfect jeep winch IMHO. A winch is like a first aid kit, you'll use very rarely, but when you do, you need it to be perfect. Synthetic is the way to go, in the last 3 years I've found almost no factual information that concerns me about its use. 12k is overkill, esp with a 2dr, and if you're concerned about having enough oomph to do the job, pack a snatch block. You'll halve your line speed but double your pulling power.

 

I am looking to get my wife a Warn winch to go with the Warn Elite front Bumper I am getting her for Xmas and want to add the Winch at the same time for Birthday gift and trying to decide on a Warn M-8000 vs Warn VR-8000 , I know see May never need if but that's about all she needs to complete her JK after lift and tires any suggestions on if there's a big difference between the 2 ?

 

In my experience its easier to damage a steel line than a synthetic. Not every recovery is going to be a straight on pull and this will cause the line to ball up on one side and/or sometimes cross itself. This can damage the line causing pinched and bird caged areas. Since I switched to snynth I haven't had a problem with this. I just watch the line and make sure its not going to run across anything that will abraid or cut it.

 

Over the years, I've used both cable and synthetic lines and both will get the job done. However, I do prefer the synthetic lines for safety and weight savings.

During the last snow storm a few weeks ago, I used my synthetic line without any worry about it being frozen or related moisture issues. In fact, knowing that ships in salty and snowy conditions primarily use synthetic lines really puts that argument to rest.

 

As you illustrate, there is a misconception of many that synthetic line absorbs water, it cannot and does not. In fact, remove the hook and most synthetic winch lines will float. If it can't absorb water, it can't freeze.

 

So i've worked in the Maritime industry for seven years now both in the gulf of mexico and in the northern atalntic (as well as in the south china sea) and from experience i can tell you that "synthetic" lines can freeze. just because they dont absorb the water in their fibers like manila lines do, doesn't mean that they cant hold moisture in between the strands; especially if its just wrapped around your winch. Trust me, after hours of beating on synthetic lines with a sludge hammer just to get them somewhat what flexible in the dead of winter i can attest to the fact that they can freeze. The most important thing to do with synthetic line is to keep it out of the sun, too much exposure will cause it to dry rot (become hard and brittle).

I believe that most of the winches out there have a type of spectra or kevlar line which is stronger than steel per weight. these will float, however if for some reason you come across a winch with nylon or polyester i would definitely steer clear. these two lines are strong howver they do not float and the tend to have a lot elasticity to them. Again, i haven't seen any winches with those on their so i wouldnt worry about that too much, just some free knowledge

I like synthetic lines a lot, especially for safety reasons. the spectra and kevlar lines are designed to just fall and not have the snap back that typical wire or other synthetic lines are known for. when in doubt go with what is safest.