Winch on the front, or winch on the back?
Discussion
TheHeretic said:
Which is best? Is it better to winch yourself forward, potentially into more trouble, or backwards, where you came from?
(I realise there are setups that can do both, just wondering what the concencus is)
It depends upon whether the going gets easier beyond the point where you are presently stuck - time spend on reconnaissance is seldom wasted!(I realise there are setups that can do both, just wondering what the concencus is)
If I fitted a winch to my car I'd use a US style receiver so I can mount it front or rear and use same to stow the device internally. The problem is once you have a winch the associated paraphernalia to make it useful takes up room and payload - extension rope, ground anchor etc.
I firmly believe in common sense, (i.e. a good recce on foot of tricky bits) a hi-lift with pad, good shovel and some digging. That has solved 98% of my "stucks" in 20 years of green laning and off-roading.
Unless I actually had a need, I wouldn't do either! If you're out with others, a winch recovery is very slow... A quick tug with a rope would be far quicker & easier. So, in that situation, you don't need one.
If you're solo, you'll want to get out via a known good route... Backwards. In that scenario, you'll want a winch but it'll need to be able to pull you backwards.
The only time I'd vehicle mount a winch, on the front, would be for the like of winch challenge events or if I needed it as part of my job.
M
If you're solo, you'll want to get out via a known good route... Backwards. In that scenario, you'll want a winch but it'll need to be able to pull you backwards.
The only time I'd vehicle mount a winch, on the front, would be for the like of winch challenge events or if I needed it as part of my job.
M
camel_landy said:
Unless I actually had a need, I wouldn't do either! If you're out with others, a winch recovery is very slow... A quick tug with a rope would be far quicker & easier. So, in that situation, you don't need one.
If you're solo, you'll want to get out via a known good route... Backwards. In that scenario, you'll want a winch but it'll need to be able to pull you backwards.
The only time I'd vehicle mount a winch, on the front, would be for the like of winch challenge events or if I needed it as part of my job.
M
What he said...winches look good but you need training and extra equipment in order to use them successfully and safely. Spend the money on some training, a hi-lift jack (also jacking points) and a shovel.If you're solo, you'll want to get out via a known good route... Backwards. In that scenario, you'll want a winch but it'll need to be able to pull you backwards.
The only time I'd vehicle mount a winch, on the front, would be for the like of winch challenge events or if I needed it as part of my job.
M
mikeh501 said:
good luck mounting a winch on the back of most vehicles...
Exactly... Which is why I suggest getting a hand winch.It doesn't look as 'cool' as front mounted one but it is more versatile, cheaper and doesn't affect the handling of the car. OK, it is slow and takes a bit of effort to use but if you drive properly and are careful with your route choice, you'll rarely have to use it anyway.
M
TheHeretic said:
You mean like this
I don't see why it would cause an issue at all.
Nice mount...I don't see why it would cause an issue at all.
Some vehicles take to having a rear winch better than others. The Defender can be a PITA as it requires quite a bit of work, where as that one looks as though it'll just bolt straight on. 8)
M
TheHeretic said:
You mean like this
I don't see why it would cause an issue at all.
I bet that rear winch bumper assembly wasnt cheap.... you know exactly what i meant tho. for every rear mounted winch assembly there are 100 front mounted ones for sale.I don't see why it would cause an issue at all.
also, trying to use a tirfor when your on your own is nigh on impossible. so much easier with a winch.
A few winch companys do a winch mount designed to be stowed in the boot and clip on to the tow ball when needed, one of those and a towball front and rear and your sorted.
Personally whenever im off out offroading i chuck the tirfor and a few tackle blocks into the back, if i have them i never seem to need them.
Personally whenever im off out offroading i chuck the tirfor and a few tackle blocks into the back, if i have them i never seem to need them.
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