If you are someone who likes off-road adventure, then you might know how important it is to carry a winch in your vehicle at all times.
However, choosing the best winch for your vehicle is not as easy as it sounds. There are several features and factors you need to consider before making the final purchase.
No need to worry! In this buying guide, we are going to talk about all things you should look into while buying a winch for your vehicle.
Winch Capacity
When it comes to winches, the most important factor to be considered upon purchase is line pull rating or capacity. The rated line pull of a winch refers to the amount of weight it can work with. To determine how much capacity your winch should be able to shoulder, simply multiply the gross weight of your vehicle by 1.5.
For instance, if the weight of your vehicle is 3000 lbs, then the best winch for you would be the one with 4500 lbs.
Best winch rating>= GVWR X 1.5
If you are still not sure, then it is better to buy a winch with higher capacity. The more the capacity - the better it would perform.
Winch Rope
Choosing between steel and synthetic winch rope can be tricky. Let’s have a look at how both differ:
. Steel rope
Steel ropes are durable and sturdy, which is why they are more preferred to be used in areas with rough terrain. Among the two options, this one is not only cheaper but also doesn’t require much maintenance. However, steel winches can rust easily when used in wet and humid areas. Moreover, they are also heavier than synthetic ropes.
. Synthetic rope
As compared to steel ropes, synthetic ones are much lighter and safer for use. These are a better option for sanctioned off-road events. Since synthetic ropes are lighter, they don’t generate as much power as steel ropes.However, it’s also worth noting that though these ropes cost more than steel cables, they are still more prone to getting damaged from heat, chemicals and UV exposure and other external factors.
Winch Drivetrains
Winches usually come with three gear options, planetary gear, worm gear, and spur gear. The purpose of winch drivetrains is to gear down the high speed of a motor.
. Planetary Gear
This gear type is the most popular option among the three. As compared to the rest, planetary gear is more compact, affordable, and lightweight. Not only does it offer good resistance against torque loads, but also slows down the motor effectively. This gear offers 65% efficiency.
. Spur gear
This option offers the highest power transmission efficiency at 75%. It is easy to install and maintain, thanks to its compact size. Moreover, it is also quite reliable since it doesn’t slip during operation.
. Worm gear
This type of gear is self-braking - meaning once the crank turning comes to a halt, the winch also stops immediately. This option offers very high reliability and the most reduction. However, it is not as sturdy as planetary gear. Also, it is much slower than the rest of the gear types. Its transfer efficiency is 30-40%.
Hydraulic Winch vs Electric Winch - Which one is better?
The two most common types of winches are hydraulic and electric winches. Electric winches are powered through the electrical system and vehicle battery. These are used for pulling, lifting, and shifting loads. On the other hand, hydraulic winches are powered through hydraulic pumps and systems.
As compared to hydraulic winches, electronic ones are used more commonly because they get the job done quicker and are easier to install. Moreover, most electric winches can be controlled with a remote control.
Hence, you can manage the shifting and lifting of loads safely from a distance. However, because electric winches are powered through the electric system of your vehicle, it is important to check whether or not your vehicle holds enough electric power to support the winch.
On the contrary, hydraulic winches don’t need your vehicle’s electric support to work. This is also why they are more commonly used in areas where the water supply is abundant. Unlike electric winches, these can be used constantly for long hours without any problem.
Other than this, you can also find other types of winches such as air winches, hand winches, hybrid winches, mechanical drum style winches, and more.
Are waterproof winches worth your money?
If you are someone who frequently travels to wet and muddy areas, then it is essential that you get a waterproof winch for yourself. You can get a better idea about the level of protection that the winch provides against dust, water, rust, and other external factors through its ingress protection rating. The first number of the IP rating indicates the solid particle size, whereas the second indicates the resistance to liquid.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the warranty of a winch matter?
Yes, definitely. It’s always better to purchase a winch that comes with a warranty. Not only does this help secure the product you are purchasing, but it helps save the hassle of having to find spare parts. Most of the best winches come with a warranty.
Can a winch drain your battery?
You don’t need to worry about your battery draining if your winch is not running. You can also save your battery by ensuring that your ropes are tight.
Is a winch actually worth the money?
If you are someone who often travels off-road, or travels a lot in general, then a winch can come in quite handy for you. If by any off-chance your vehicle gets stuck and there’s no help nearby, a winch can effectively help you recover your vehicle.
Can you boost the speed of a winch?
To increase the speed of your winch, you would need to increase your motor’s voltage. You can also use a snack block to double the line, which would help increase the pulling power of the winch.