What are the *must have* winch accessories?

FrankGG · 11-19-2009, 01:11 PM

My TJ came with a winch that the 1st owner installed. Just has the steel cable with a hook on the end (well, roller leads too).

What's some *must have* winch accessories that one should keep in the Jeep in case I ever need to use it for pulling either myself or someone else's vehicle out of a ditch?

I know you're not suppose to wrap the steel cable back upon itself or you'll kink it, so I picked up one of those 20ft seatbeat-looking tow straps, I figure I can use that to wrap around a tree if I need to use that as an anchor point for pulling my jeep out.

What else should I invest in?

Also, if you're say pulling someone's car from a snow bank, what's the best way to attach to their vehicle?

Thanks, I'm a winch noob!

**NotURMailman** · 11-19-2009, 01:22 PM

snatch block

tree saver strap

quality recovery strap

gloves

screw shackle(s)

10,000lb+ rated tow chain (short)

It will save you money to buy a winch accessory kit that has everything rather than buying individually.

Warn sells one, as do probably most winch manufacturers.

When I pull someone else's vehicle I always let them hook to it. The I check that I don't feel it is unsafe before pulling. Then they are responsible for their own vehicle damage.

**theducksguts** · 11-19-2009, 01:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotURMailman

snatch block

tree saver strap

quality recovery strap

gloves

screw shackle(s)

10,000lb+ rated tow chain (short)

It will save you money to buy a winch accessory kit that has everything rather than buying individually.

Warn sells one, as do probably most winch manufacturers.

X2, make sure your straps are up to par, some people run snatch blocks. I have one, but have never used it.

jdub2k5 · 11-19-2009, 01:26 PM

seen a snatch block used not a fan personaly but you never know when you need it

**SuperWade2** · 11-19-2009, 01:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FrankGG

My TJ came with a winch that the 1st owner installed. Just has the steel cable with a hook on the end (well, roller leads too).

What's some *must have* winch accessories that one should keep in the Jeep in case I ever need to use it for pulling either myself or someone else's vehicle out of a ditch?

I know you're not suppose to wrap the steel cable back upon itself or you'll kink it, so I picked up one of those 20ft seatbeat-looking tow straps, I figure I can use that to wrap around a tree if I need to use that as an anchor point for pulling my jeep out.

What else should I invest in?

Also, if you're say pulling someone's car from a snow bank, what's the best way to attach to their vehicle?

Thanks, I'm a winch noob!

Synthetic Rope and Safety Thimble...

**Unlimited04** · 11-19-2009, 01:29 PM

snatch blocks will double the winch's pulling capacity. when used with a tree strap, they also allow changing the winch line direction. this is key in some circumstances.

**NotURMailman** · 11-19-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unlimited04

snatch blocks will double the winch's pulling capacity. this is key in some circumstances.

It can also be handy to cut the pull speed in half sometimes!

**NotURMailman** · 11-19-2009, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SuperWade2

Synthetic Rope and Safety Thimble...

On my to do list for sure!

**Unlimited04** · 11-19-2009, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotURMailman

It can also be handy to cut the pull speed in half sometimes!

true! i've heard some of the guys with Warn 8724's complain they move too fast!

**NotURMailman** · 11-19-2009, 01:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Unlimited04

true! i've heard some of the guys with Warn 8724's complain they move too fast!

I'm just a chicken when I'm using my winch. If I'm winching up anything the least bit technical I prefer to do it as slow as possible!

**TheBoogieman** · 11-19-2009, 01:48 PM

A big tree or rock.

GOTROX · 11-19-2009, 02:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotURMailman

snatch block

tree saver strap

quality recovery strap

gloves

screw shackle(s)

10,000lb+ rated tow chain (short)

It will save you money to buy a winch accessory kit that has everything rather than buying individually.

Warn sells one, as do probably most winch manufacturers.

When I pull someone else's vehicle I always let them hook to it. The I check that I don't feel it is unsafe before pulling. Then they are responsible for their own vehicle damage.

If you are planning to keep the steel cable (even temporarily) get a weight bag for line weight. Fill it with sand and suspend it from just forward of the middle of the steel line. I saw a steel line break once and nearly remove a guy's leg. It was a bloody disgusting and un-necesary mess. Once you have the equipment, take the time to learn to safely use it.

IMHO - I'd plan on getting synthetic as soon as possible.

**dendrophobe** · 11-19-2009, 02:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NotURMailman

It will save you money to buy a winch accessory kit that has everything rather than buying individually.

Warn sells one, as do probably most winch manufacturers.

ARB has another, which I like better than the Warn. Of course, you really can't beat the quality of the stuff in the Viking kit! They do use ARB snatch blocks, and their own line.

TJunk · 11-19-2009, 02:20 PM

Not to sound like a jerk but make sure you have the winch control and test it before you need it. Check the line to make sure it isn't damaged and the cables aren't frayed or going to short. I run a 150amp breaker on mine to be safe.

I have a Viking line and love it! It is so much easier to pull and handle than a steel cable. They aren't cheap but my 9yr old son can pull it and handle it SAFELY. I don't have to worry about it whipping back on him as he pulls it. So it is cheaper than stitches and easier than explaining it to his mom

**GOLENJEEPTJ** · 11-19-2009, 02:31 PM

Have used a snatch block twice on Miller Jeep trail. Being able to change the direction to 90* was money well spent.Wouldn't be without!You never know!