[dcuballa]

Ok, After getting stuck in a nasty water-hole last friday night and flooding out the interior because it took my brother 2 hours to get there and get me out I have decided to get something for self-recovery and ive got a few questions. First one, with being on a short budget would one of those 2 ton winch/come a longs work at all for pulling out of situations. Second question if the first wont work, if I have to get a winch what would be the least weight pull I should get. I found a decent priced no name brand 7000 pound winch on ebay. I have a 96 jeep cherokee if you want to know what im trying to pull out. Thanks ahead of time for all the advice

(first time post, so if I got this wrong im sorry and please tell me where to put it)

[Fletch]

A come-a-long will get you out of most anything,it just takes a hell of a long time. I have pulled myself out of many sticky situations with a Warn 8000lb winch. A 7000il winch will probably be enough winch to get the job done.

[MSHarnett]

I bought my Ramsey winch for 400 bucks. The best investment I have made on my rig. It is an 8000 winch that has a smaller motor, thats why its so cheap. It can pull pretty damn fast underload and has deffitnley paid for itself as it has pulled me a number of times as well as frineds in bigger vehicles, like the old blazers and broncs.

[dzp]

For a long time, I relyed on a 4 ton come-a-long for recovery. It was slow and tiring, but worked everytime. I still have it in my box in the event that my winch fails. Or I need to go backwards. I would definetly suggest getting a 4 ton and a few tow straps.

Just remember that in addition to a winch, you have to be able to mount it onto something. I've got a Ramsey 8k winch that has served me very well over the last year. It has saved me on several occations, much quicker and better than the come-a-long.

[MSHarnett]

Originally Posted by dzp

For a long time, I relyed on a 4 ton come-a-long for recovery. It was slow and tiring, but worked everytime. I still have it in my box in the event that my winch fails. Or I need to go backwards. I would definetly suggest getting a 4 ton and a few tow straps.

Just remember that in addition to a winch, you have to be able to mount it onto something. I've got a Ramsey 8k winch that has served me very well over the last year. It has saved me on several occations, much quicker and better than the come-a-long.

Sorry for the hijack, but I got a quicky for ya dzp. To go backwards, unless you use a hitch mounted winch, could it work to use two snatch blocks to hook to the rear. I've been thinking about this but thought it wouldn't do anything, just pull the Jeep apart, haha. Do you have the same winch as me, or did you get the Patriot?

[TellyDSP]

Sorry, someone has to say it. Don't wheel alone. Come-alogs are a pretty cheap solution, just be careful. I'd hate to be standing that close to a cable that snaps.

Craig

[dzp]

Got the REP8000e for $400. To answer your question, I have heard of people who have done what you are talking about, but there are drawbacks. You have to route the cable under (or over) your Jeep. Then a snatch block in the rear receiver. It will work for extreme emergencies, very dangerous. Your cable will probably get damaged either at the fairlead or when dragging under the Jeep. I use the comealong to pull me back only a foot or so, then go forward. Forward is always better.


You are absolutly right TellyDSP. You have to be very carefull with those, as if the cable brakes, you are very close to it. Kinda hard to break the cable with the stock handle on those things, but can happen. Dont forget to place towels on the line in a few places. Also note that the comealong's are rated for a rolling load. The main reason for using on is cause your Jeep isnt rolling!! Above all, use common sense..... Much easier and fun to wheel with a buddy to help unstick each other.

[ForkLift]

come alongs are gods gift to the cheap/poor off-roader. they pull you out of anything. def the way to go right now, then just save for the winch.

[n1ywb]

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/ProductDisplay?storeId=6970&langId=-1&catalogId=4006970&PHOTOS=on&TEST=Y&productId=774 3&categoryId=0
Northern Industrial Tools 4-Ton Capacity Cable Hoist/Puller

Puller's body is constructed of heavy duty 1/4in. thick metal. Complete with 3 safety-latch hooks. 1/4in. diameter x 12-foot cable is 5 feet long when looped.

In Stock
Ship Wt. 15.0 lbs
Item# 11239
Discount Price... $29.99

I hate to sound like a Northern Tool spokesman, but I got this comealong and it is BEEFY. I keep it with me at all times.

[00XJEric]

Stupid question I know.....but I don't want to asume anything. To use a come along without any receiver hitches/shackles, only tow hooks....could you use two tow straps (i.e. Warn 20,000 lbs) along with the cable in the come along in case you run out of cable? I'm just wondering because I don't have the money or really the need for a winch, but it would be nice to have some form of self recovery.

[MSHarnett]

Yes you could use two straps. But the cost of a comealong plus the cost of a few straps is gettin up there. Like I was saying earlier the Ramsey REP8000e is only 400 bucks. I'd recommend this winch to anyone with a tight budget, which is pretty much everyone

[Ross]

A 4,000 lb come-a-long isn't enough. Your jeep probably weighs over 3K and by the time it is stuck it "weighs" more. A 4k come-a-long is dangerous. You can get stronger ones from tractor supply or most equipment shops.

Straps are not very good for come-a-longs. Come-a-long will only move you a few fet and straps will stretch that much. Chains will work better but they are HEAVY to get one strong enough.

[7sdad]

Has anyone tryed one of the winches from winchking? They have Duke & Raymart Winches. The Duke is 8000lb with mounting plate and fairlead for $395.00 and the Raymart is 8000lb without the mounting plate and fairlead for $299.00. They have the mounting plates and fairleads for $39.00 ea. I was just wondering if anyone knew anything about these? The specs dont look to bad.

[ZickZJ]

Originally Posted by Ross

A 4,000 lb come-a-long isn't enough. Your jeep probably weighs over 3K and by the time it is stuck it "weighs" more. A 4k come-a-long is dangerous. You can get stronger ones from tractor supply or most equipment shops.

Straps are not very good for come-a-longs. Come-a-long will only move you a few fet and straps will stretch that much. Chains will work better but they are HEAVY to get one strong enough.

Yeah, but if you look at that Northern Tool come-a-long posting a couple post up you'll see that one is a 4-ton(8000lb) model.
For $30 that is a bad deal.

[TellyDSP]

Straps are not very good for come-a-longs. Come-a-long will only move you a few fet and straps will stretch that much. Chains will work better but they are HEAVY to get one strong enough.

A tow strap and snatch strap are two different things. A tow strap will not give nearly as much as a snatch strap which is meant to use the stretch to build energy then snap back and snatch the vehicle.
IMO, I's rather walk home than be cranking a highly taught wire cable(bad enough) connected to a chain. I'd take my chances with a tow strap before standing in front of a high tension chain.

I'd say don't wheel alone, at least for now. Wheel with a budy and when you save up the money you can get yourself a winch.

My .02
Craig