I've finally gotten my Smittybilt SRC winch mounted onto the bumper and now we're getting into our snow season. This got me thinking.

Do I need to do anything to the winch? Its ok just sitting out there getting snow, ice, salt, rain on it?
Should I spray the cable with something?

I'm new to the winching seen but did get to test / respool the winch and it was pretty cool.

Thanks all.

 

Don't let UPS touch your winch!

 

when i put one on my TJ, i clear coated the hell out of it before i mounted it to give it some extra protection against the salt and what not. It held up like a champ.. two winters worth of Ohio snow and salt and a few offroad uses, it still looked brand spanking new. Except for the hawse fairlead, that was a bit scratched up but thats to be expected.

 

haha! What did the UPS guy say about a refund?

 

Clear coated as in wax or clear coated like using a rattle can clear coat? Even over the wire? I was thinking of hitting the wire with some kind of oil or heck even WD40 but wasn't sure.

 

rattle can clear coated the snot out of it, light coats and lots of them to keep it from running, dripping streaking. Came out great. the wire i never really worried about and it never really rusted much either. though i'm sure some WD40 or a bit of grease or something rubbed over the cable would help... just spool it all the way out, soak a rag in desired lubricant and wipe the whole thing down. I would imagine WD40 wouldn't hold up long to rain, and grease will attract dirt. a synthetic winch line would be the way to go, but they're pricey. Otherwise i guess on second thought i would just leave the cable alone. Maybe clear coat that too, but just do it spooled up. good luck

 

We are working on it. I am e-mailing pics and they contacted the store that packaged it up so i think it is looking pretty good for me, I hope!

 

During snowy winter season i keep my winch at trunk, stays clean and itīs just 4 bolts and 2cables to be conected in less than 10 minutes when a need arises.
If left outside, moisture will slowly do harm, and without any cover-up or hood it could became impossible to unspool frozen wire/line when needed, if it gets first wet and then temp drops well below freezing point. Of course we could use synthetic line and keep it inside dry and warm, and when needed just spool in few rounds and itīs ready for work.

 

I'm going to mount my Powerplant today, and have been thinking about this same issue.
Anybody have one of these neoprene covers? Do they work well? Stay on properly?

 

Winch covers work great and do stay on just fine. RainX works great too...