I wanted to get your feedback on a winching disagreement I had with another Jeep person. This guy and I were talking about a recovery that someone he was riding with did of another vehicle in a mud pit.

The guy was stuck pretty well and the best course of action was to pull him out the way he came -- which is often the case. The problem was in how to go about the winching.

Scenario:

• Ground was at least somewhat wet from the rain
• There was no place to anchor the winching Jeep to
• The winching Jeep had no blocks or other equipment
• Winching Jeep is an automatic

Obviously, the recovery was going poorly because there was no anchor on the winching Jeep. However, this guy suggested putting the Jeep in reverse (I was taught that you put your transmission in neutral when winching).

To me putting the transmission into reverse seems like a recipe for disaster. At the very least you're going to be working it considerably harder then normal especially after a day of wheeling.

Tell me what you think. Am I wrong to think that is a bad idea, or is there something I'm missing? I don't mind being wrong as long as I learn something.

It may be indeed that it was the only way to get him out in that situation with the winch, but I think a strap would have been a better option.

 

The potential for putting more stress on the winch, line and mount is huge. Should the line go slack if the stuck vehicle moved, the winching vehicle in reverse would essentially be using the winch as a snatch strap. Theres a reason snatch straps are rated at 27000lbs +.

 

AS long as your are winching from inside the vehicle I would be just hitting the breaks really hard. Reverse is how i broke 2 stub shafts.

 

Talk about a recipe for disaster. This scenario is exactly why snatch blocks were developed. Even placing a person in the driver seat to hold the brake pedal is a bad idea. I realize the chances are slim that anything breaks and flies through thed windshield, but are you really willing to risk yourself for a stuck vehicle? Keep it safe, first and foremost.

 

My opinion (FWIW): Unless you're winching yourself out of something, the vehicle doing the winching should be in neutral. There's just too much chance of shock loading your winch line otherwise.

In case nobody's mentioned it, shock loaded winch lines are bad juju.

Also bear in mind that the gears in your JK aren't as strong in reverse - or so it's said.

 

neutral 4lo emergency brake on
locked front and rear if you wish

this is the same as mashing the brake pedal to the floor.

use of a wheel chock or tided off to something at the other end is good

also
indirect winching is safer
place recovery vehicle facing a tree that is also in line with the victim tree strap and snatch block the cable to the victim and winch out

recovering in reverse gear is generally a no no with tires moving that is.

have fun learning

 

Confirming everything I've learned and read. Although until that discussion I had never heard of anyone suggesting reverse. I appreciate everyone's input.

 

I'd pull an ATV out in revers if it wasn't too bad and I couldn't turn around but I'd use a strap not a winch.

Not a lot of experience talking here but some one mentioned risking yourself for a stuck vehicle... I wouldn't risk my winch for one unless it was mine.

 

One thing. I guess there's no concern about damaging your transmission running in reverse while the winch tried to pull forward? That is my number one concern.

 

you could of used reverse to digg down the rear of the jeep to make a nautral wheel stop it does help could it have been what the person was talking about