I just purchased/installed my very first winch. My previous wheeling experiences relied on hi-lift, snatch strap, chain, shovel, or other assistance.

Before I get into a situation where I need to use it I'd like to know some basic do's & don'ts. FIRST and foremost I realize that SAFETY should ALWAYS be considered, which is the reason for my post. I'm sure common sense goes a long ways as well.

I've read this article www.4wdandsportutility.com/tech/0411_4wd_winching_basics/index.html, but I'm sure there is still a lot to be learned.

I have a Warn 9.5ti (roller fairlead) w/ 125' of 5/16" cable. I will most likely purchase a recovery gear bundle with snatch block, tree saver strap, etc...

I realize it may be difficult to pin point certain things without seeing the actual situation, but I'm interested in basic procedures for self recovery, when to use snatch block, pulling at angle as opposed to straight on, best/safest way to winch another vehicle,

Here's a pretty simple straight pull example:

Let's say a buddy of mine calls at 3 in the morning and is stuck in the mud. Solid ground or pavement within my cables reach. What steps should I take before even turning on the winch? Leave rig in park? Use parking brake? If he doesn't have recovery points can I use a chain? What size chain? What's the best way to secure the chain to his rig and winch to chain.

I look forward to hearing your responses and experiences.

 

This is a big subject. I know my Warn Power Plant manual had the basics covered, so you might want to start there. With cable you'll also want to have something like a floppy floor mat to absorb the kinetic energy if the cable snaps. Maintenance to make sure your cable is in good shape is pretty important.

As for the chain, personally I wouldn't use a chain unless it's fully contained under his undercarriage (which means when it breaks it'll be reasonably contained). In that scenario you're better off letting a tow truck pull them out. It'll cost them, but imagine what a severed limb will cost.

Transmission considerations:
You're going to want to have your transmission in neutral and the parking brake on. Your transmission will be under too much stress if its parking brake has all of that pressure being applied.

 

Random thoughts on the subject: Wear gloves when handling the cable; unless you are on really solid ground or its an easy pull, consider using another cable to anchor the back end of your Jeep onto something; good driving is more useful than a good winch; stand back in case something gives way and comes flying; don't double the line back to your Jeep without a pulley and don't use the hook to attach to your own cable (it'll put a kink in it); don't wrap the cable directly around a tree; the most pulling power is when the spool is almost empty; make the other guy do the dirty work.

 

What load rating should I consider for a snatch block, D-rings, etc...?

If I use a snatch block for a double line pull I'm reducing the speed of the winch but doubling the pulling power, or basically getting twice the pulling power of the effort of the winch.

A 5,000 lbs pull on the winch (double line) would be doing the same work as a 10,000 lbs pull with a single line.

With a 9,500 lbs winch that's 19,000 lbs of force on the snatch block (total of both line loads running cable parallel) not counting initial surge of the winch, right?!?

The D-ring I have my winch currently hooked to on my bumper, is only rated for 8,000 lbs. I definitely wouldn't want to use it to anchor a snatch block in a double line pull, right?

 

It has the potential to make about that much force assuming most of the cable is off the drum. You're only at 9500 lbs. capability on like your last layer or something like that. The force exerted on the cable, snatch block, and mounting points is going to be based on situational factors such as the weight of the vehicle being pulled not necessarily the capability of the winch.

 

So are you saying that a D-ring rated at 8,000 lbs would be ok for anchring a snatch block for a double line pull with a 9,500 lbs. winch?

 

I'd the get the 10,000 lb rating. Well, I did. Any medium duty recovery gear kit is good. Also, just using a snatch block won't give you double the power. Most of the time you'll be using it to get a better angle on whomever your pulling. I wouldn't recommend using a chain to attach to a vehicle without recovery points. Better to use a strap. (It's actually better to slap whoever is out wheeling without recovery points.) I have 10ft of grade 7 chain and there are hooks on it. I'm not a big fan of using it, but I got it just in case.

 

Did I say that?

 

i know rausch creek (local offroad park) doesn t let you use chain or tow straps with hooks on. they are serious about them being missles! i m interested in this thread as well. i will be getting a winch this summer.

 

Sorry that was my way of questioning to clarify. I thought maybe in some way you were answering my question, but I guess you were just adding facts to the thread.