What is the norm for those of you with winches regarding winter storage of winch? Left mine on as it could be put to use in recovery situations and now the roller fairleads are rusted/coroded from snow and road salt treatments. The winch is protect by a cover but the fairleads are exposed. Do you just suck it up and by new fairleads in the spring or is there a better option?

 

Some fairleads are better than others when it comes to corrosion resistance. I've always had great luck with Warn. I've seen some of the other lower cost fairleads rust up in a few months.

Regularly fogging the cable, drum and fairlead with WD40 will keep the rust down.

 

I was able to buff out fairlead rust with steel wool and a lot of time and effort. When the rust comes back, I just repeat the process.

 

i personally have the daystar rubber fairleads for my synthetic line which is awesome with a cover over the winch ive seen some fairlead covers i think there by warn that pop on or clip on the fairleads for some added protection. that could always be an option. hope it helps

 

Rust adds character.

 

try the steel wool clean up in the spring and maybe you could have it shrink wrapped with clean plastic before next winter. Just an idea

 

Time to upgrade to Synth line and install an aluminum hawse?

 

all great options. Was hoping SOMEONE would say 2011 jeep in the spring so I could show the old lady what I would need.

for now steel wool and wd40 are on the table for sure.

Thanks all