Winching Techniques
Thread Starter
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 298
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From: Laguna Hills, CA
Winching Techniques
I wanted to give kudos to WOL and the So Cal group for their winching techniques and expertise. I think this is a good thing to learn and know out on the trail - just wondering how one goes about learning, without actually needing to be winched ...
JK Jedi
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 8,931
Likes: 6
From: San Marcos, CA
Hey Tracie - no worries we are all there for one another! 
I'd have to say that when WOL had me pull up to help winch you I thought it was going to be a pull from the tree but after seeing what he had in mind, a pull using snatch block from the tree to flip the jeep over then my pull from the rear to get you off the slope, I was impressed it worked flawlessly. For me I've learned through hands on and always have but I know there are some instructional videos (might even be some on Youtube) as well as clinics...just don't know which are worth looking at. 
I'd have to say that when WOL had me pull up to help winch you I thought it was going to be a pull from the tree but after seeing what he had in mind, a pull using snatch block from the tree to flip the jeep over then my pull from the rear to get you off the slope, I was impressed it worked flawlessly. For me I've learned through hands on and always have but I know there are some instructional videos (might even be some on Youtube) as well as clinics...just don't know which are worth looking at.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,338
Likes: 0
From: Denver
You can join a local 4WD club, go to the annual Jeep Jamborees, take a 4WD class on basic 4WD techniques and/or winching. I'm sure there are DVD's you can order from one or more 4WD magazines. Any of these places are a good place to start learning (what should be minimum) techniques for safe off-road operation.
JK Freak
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 876
Likes: 0
From: Boulder County, CO
To learn how to rig, recover, etc. we went out, picked a hill, and practiced. It is fun to do. Learning how to use snatch blocks is key. Much safer, easier on equipment when done correctly.
One of the trickiest recoveries is when someone has slipped off a ledge road. Frequently you can't get them back up on the road by pulling them forward or back. You've got to get the right angles to get the wheels back up. Anyway this can be practiced with a ditch.
Another scenario to practice is how to get someone down a very steep hill when they have lost power. I've seen this one a few times. Each one was different. If it is a short hill, then no problem. Hills longer than the winch rope can be tough.
Another one to practice is how to rig for towing/strapping someone out. Also then practice doing it. No Jeep left behind!!!
Almost every weekend we are winching, strapping, or recovering someone. Mostly just little pulls. Every once in a while big pulls, or roll overs.
Bottom line. practice.
One of the trickiest recoveries is when someone has slipped off a ledge road. Frequently you can't get them back up on the road by pulling them forward or back. You've got to get the right angles to get the wheels back up. Anyway this can be practiced with a ditch.
Another scenario to practice is how to get someone down a very steep hill when they have lost power. I've seen this one a few times. Each one was different. If it is a short hill, then no problem. Hills longer than the winch rope can be tough.
Another one to practice is how to rig for towing/strapping someone out. Also then practice doing it. No Jeep left behind!!!
Almost every weekend we are winching, strapping, or recovering someone. Mostly just little pulls. Every once in a while big pulls, or roll overs.
Bottom line. practice.