The synthetic rope on my winch is uncovered most of the time, and I have had it on the winch for more than 2 years. I understand that UV ray exposure can cause the synthetic rope to deteriorate, and I would hate to have it fail when I need it. Should I just go ahead and replace the synthetic rope now to be on the safe side?

 

When I bought mine it said it was "UV Stabilized" or something like that.
Yours is probably ok.
You might put an extra tow strap in your off-road kit......just in case

 

A couple months ago I installed a Warn VR10000 -S. I got the synthetic rope version because it was several pounds lighter and I didn't want more weight on the front end than I needed. But, in the instructions, it states that you should change out your synthetic rope every year. Do you know how much the synthetic rope is? It is over $600!! All I have to say is that it had better last more than one freakin' year!!!

 

$600.00!!!! How much rope does your winch have? I was planning on no more than $300.00 to replace my rope. I could buy a new Smittybilt for $699.00.

It's like the other day when I was buying a new ink cartridge for my printer at home. The ink cartridge was $60.00, but a new printer with an ink cartridge was only $25.00.

 

I don't know about you but swapping out my winch would be a huge pain in the arse. I'd hate to do that once a year.

 

I know!! My rope is something like 93 feet. I saw it for like $629. That's what I was thinking - I'd buy a new winch before I'd replace the rope!! Where did you see it for $300?

 

Rope is NOT $600!

Synthetic rope comes with a UV protectant. This is often the color coating you see (yellow, blue or orange, etc.). UV light consumes that protectant resulting in line fading. When it's a pale color you are experiencing damage to the line and should replace it for safety.

Investing in a winch over is wise when you run rope. I garaged my TJ and it wasn't a daily driver. The rope lasted about 4 years. My JKU has lasted 4 years now and looks like new becuase I've kept it covered the whole time. A $50 cover is a wise investment.

Viking's Amsteel is a major line manufacturer but others are out there as well. Expect to pay under $300 for your line, or you're paying too much. This includes for colors. I do know that the orange line's protectant was initially defective so I wouldn't buy used orange line. New line in that color should be fine now however.

 

Never mind!!! I don't know where it said $600+. That might have been list price on the WARN site. I just looked up on Quadratec and they have it for $264.

 

For $600 you got ripped off!

Take a look at Quadratec for starters. No where NEAR that price! There are lots of places selling line. This is just one suggestion.

http://www.quadratec.com/products/92124_X0X_PG.htm

$299 here.

 

Cover your winch for $50...