Ok, my winch line is kinked badly in two spots. I am thinking about switching over to synthetic because I suck at spooling in the steel cable and that is why I think it got kinked. I have some questions however. From my searching I have learned that synthetic is safer, lighter and stronger plus more expensive.

My major concern is exposure to salt in the winter and the winch line freezing in winter. My jeep is my only vehicle and DD. I live in WNY where we have long cold winters and I wheel in the winter. Am I going to be ok with synthetic winch line inthe winter? I would rather not run a winch cover but may consider it. Whats everyones experience with synthtic line in the winter?

 

The technology comes from the ropes and lines off boats, so I'd venture that they're safe in ice and salt water. Just keep them off the rocks and you'll be good. (a cover is still a good idea to keep road sand off the spool)

 

Has anyone had problems with cable freezing to itslef when spooled and not being able to unspool it to winch? With steel cable u just give it a good yank, I was wondering if u can do the same with synthetic?

 

Mine froze up pretty good last winter during an ice storm. We were in the middle of cleaning up damage at a Boy Scout camp from a prior ice storm when this one hit. We needed to use my frozen up synthetic line to lower a huge limb (2' around, 20' long) that was hanging precariously over a building. A little bit of yanking and pulling and the winch line unspooled just fine. I can imagine, however, that with any cable you could get things so iced up that nothing will allow it to unspool (short of spring thaw!). I've seen some pretty intense ice storms here in OK (here's my Jeepsicle pic before I had the winch and bumper) ...

 

So would u recomend the synthetic winch line even with the ice problems u have had?

 

I have Superline XD and have had zero issues with it. I have used it on winter wheeling trips and have had it and the winch covered in ice but with some pulling it comes unspooled just fine. Maine winters are notorious for any and all types of weather and it has held up well. I would highly recommend it.

 

thanks guys, I feel better about going with synthetic knowing I can unspool it in icy conditions. Would hate to have an expensive/useless brick of ice on my bumper if get stuck.

 

Just make sure to cover up your synth line no matter what. Sun will degrade the fibers and ice and cold will prevent use. Just throw a good cover on it and forget about it until you use it. I know it looks cool uncovered but it's better to keep the nasties off of it.

 

Thanks for the advice guys, I decided to go with Viking 3/8 x 80 feet synthetic line. I ordered it with the line protector and I decided to go with the safety thimble. My winch line is officially worth more than my winch (smittybuilt xrc8)

Man it was hard to push the order button 300 bucks, but I am really sick of the steel cable, it has given me nothing but trouble. It wound up like crap. I am hoping I have a lot less troubles with synthetic. Hopefully it outlast my winch and I will be transferring it over to a new winch. Again, thanks for the advice everyone.

Anyone recomend a good cover that will work with the rugged ridge modular bumper?

 

I've got the crappy XRC winch cover that's already sun bleeched (imagine the effects on the synth line). But eventually I would get a neoprene one. I think Ramsey has a neoprene one.