I have never used a winch. I just purchased a Warn M8000 and the piggybank is just about empty. I know there are items that I must have to use a winch safely. Can you please advise me on some must have items to get me started. I have gloves and thats it. Thanks as always.

 

Congratulations on your new winch!

Minimum accessories list:

1. Tow strap (10-20 feet, with loops) min. 9K rating, for hooking up to other vehicles or trees.

2. Chain (8-12 feet), for hooking up to rocks or other hard anchor points which may fray a strap or cable.

3. Snatch block, for doubling your line, or changing what would be an angled pull to a straight pull.

4. blanket, for laying over the cable in case it snaps.

And good for you that you already have the gloves. Remember to keep your hands away from the cable at the winch end--when you are spooling back in, feed it in from a 4-6 foot distance.

 

I "almost" gotten stuck mudding around this past weekend, so I have a Warn 9.5ti on the way, Don't need to actually get stuck to justify getting one.

As for accessories... a tree-trunk protector is a must in my book! Don't Kill a Tree! This gives wheelers a bad reputation.