To winch or not to winch? That is the question.

[crackacoldie]

Hi all,  we are off to the cape in a few weeks time and I am still u decided as to whether to fit a winch to the Ranger as an additional measure for just in case.  For those who know the cape, what are your thoughts?

  Cracka

[alnjan]

Relying on everyone else to get you unstuck can be a real pain.  For the extra $$$ for the extra bit of confidence get one

[BigJules]

Not to mention the satisfaction one gets from retrieving others with your winch 

[GeeTee]

Are you competent in winch operation? Do you know the basics of vehicle recovery?

[muzza01]

Unfortunately after budgeting your dollars for a winch install along comes the recovery gear which can sometimes cost as much as the winch.
Do you know what route you are taking and where you are going yet.  Are you going CREB track, OTT or via Peninsula Development road?  This all makes a big difference on the winch requirements.

[DannyG]

Buy it all. Nothing like having a winch and plenty of recovery gear to give you peace of mind and allow you to attempt things you otherwise wouldn't. 9 times out of 10 you will drive through the things you thought you might need the winch for anyway.

As for being competent or knowing the basics its all about safety and knowing the winches limitations so knowing when to use a snatch block/s. Do a course if you need to or have experienced people show you the ropes, look at online guides etc theres plenty of good info around.
http://www.outbacktravelaustralia.com.au/driving-towing-recovery-techniques/safe-winching

GeeTee will love that link!!

[LC]

I think if you are towing then almost certainly you will need a winch, just to get out of palm creek (the first creek on the OTT). If you are travelling by yourself its a bit unreasonable to expect complete strangers to recover your vehicle for you. If you are going with a group of friends and they are happy to help you, then probably you don't need a winch, particularly if there is already multiple winches in the group, if there is only one then another as back up would be a sound investment. If they are not happy to help you, then I'd find another group to go with.

[02-SR5]

Considering you can buy a quality winch for less than 1k these days, there is no real excuse for not having one. Especially if your traveling along.

[dazzler]

Hi all,  we are off to the cape in a few weeks time and I am still u decided as to whether to fit a winch to the Ranger as an additional measure for just in case.  For those who know the cape, what are your thoughts?

  Cracka

Buy a tirfor. Winch backward, forward, sideways, upwards, whatever floats your boat.

Cheaper, transferable, less weight.

[DannyG]

Buy a tirfor. Winch backward, forward, sideways, upwards, whatever floats your boat.

Cheaper, transferable, less weight.

Use it once then buy an electric winch like all of us that have a hand winch   But seriously they can be handy even though I never carry ours any more

[McGirr]

Never had a winch and have never got myself in positions to need one when travelling alone.

When doing the cape trips we have recovery vehicles that help out .

Mark

[austastar]

Hi,
   I'm looking at one of these...



from here


It is way less weight than my tirfur, and will pull 6 ton with the double line.


Just a tad over$400 landed in Aust.


Usual disclaimers..no association etc  I've seen one in the flesh and am quite impressed.


cheers

[Barry G]

I know a bloke who has one who is  impressed with it.
The two probs with a Tirfor are:
1/.  They are bulky and heavy; and
2/.  Carrying additional pulley blocks severely compounds the previous problem....

[DannyG]

Hi,
   I'm looking at one of these...



from here


It is way less weight than my tirfur, and will pull 6 ton with the double line.


Just a tad over$400 landed in Aust.


Usual disclaimers..no association etc  I've seen one in the flesh and am quite impressed.


cheers

I have one like that as well. Its not as nice looking and it uses steel cable but essentially it is the same thing. I have to admit I havent used it anger but at times I put it under the seat incase I need it. Tilfor as you know is bigger and heavier but probably a little more capable than this one in reality?

[BigJules]

I know a bloke selling 12000lb electric winches for $400, in Australia.

[dazzler]

I know a bloke who has one who is  impressed with it.
The two probs with a Tirfor are:
1/.  They are bulky and heavy; and
2/.  Carrying additional pulley blocks severely compounds the previous problem....

Far far less heavy than an electric winch.
You need pulleys with an electric winch as well to gain advantage and not strain it.

You can only pull forwards with it.

The only disadvantage with the tirfor is its manual. You can't overload it either so it's safer. I have never heard of a tirfor cable breaking.  ( better google from home and check).

[DannyG]

Far far less heavy than an electric winch.
You need pulleys with an electric winch as well to gain advantage and not strain it.

You can only pull forwards with it.

The only disadvantage with the tirfor is its manual. You can't overload it either so it's safer. I have never heard of a tirfor cable breaking.  ( better google from home and check).

The shear pin will break before the cable and you can pull in other directions with an electric winch if you know what your doing with snatch blocks. Ive had some elaborate set ups pulling trees off tracks in the past!

[Barry G]

 With a hitch receiver removable winch, and a front mounted receiver, it is possible to use an electric winch at both  front and rear.

[SteveandViv]

Hi,
   I'm looking at one of these...



from here


It is way less weight than my tirfur, and will pull 6 ton with the double line.


Just a tad over$400 landed in Aust.


Usual disclaimers..no association etc  I've seen one in the flesh and am quite impressed.


cheers

How long is the handle on that. I doubt it will be half as good as a purpose made hand winch. After having to use ours on a Cape Trip 2 years ago with Frosty after my electric solenoid burnt out it was bloody hard work getting the car and camper 20 feet so I could drive out. The hand winch only pulls an inch at a time with the handle pulling in both directions. I'm just not sure you would get the leverage with that, just IMO.

[liney]

I know a bloke selling 12000lb electric winches for $400, in Australia.

Yep and they're pretty bloody good. A lot less sweating than a hand winch lol.

[crackacoldie]

Are you competent in winch operation? Do you know the basics of vehicle recovery?

Spent 9 years in the Army as a recovery Mechanic.  Know how to winch, just hate doing it coz it means work!

We are doing the OTT with another vehicle, neither of us have a winch at this point.  In the budget, if I do get one I have allowed for winch extension straps,  snatch blocks, dampeners etc.

Thanks everyone for the replys.

  Cracka

[crackacoldie]

I know a bloke selling 12000lb electric winches for $400, in Australia.

Not sure who that would be , any contact details 

[austastar]

How long is the handle on that. I doubt it will be half as good as a purpose made hand winch.

Hi,

8<------------------------------------------------------------
P7-3 Tubular safety handle - 3 ton unit

P7-3-EXT Safety handle extension (18” long w/blue grip) (inserts into P7-3) – 3 ton unit



8<----------------------------------------------------------

There is an extension handle which gives more leverage on the normal handle. The normal handle is aluminium and designed to bend to prevent over load.
I'm told you can feel when it is near its limit.
If it bends, it can be cut and re used with the extension handle quite safely (manufacture's info)

cheers

[gronk]

I know a bloke selling 12000lb electric winches for $400, in Australia.

Jules, I'll have a talk to you on the weekend !!

But don't tell the missus !!

[SteveandViv]

Hi,

8<------------------------------------------------------------
P7-3 Tubular safety handle - 3 ton unit

P7-3-EXT Safety handle extension (18” long w/blue grip) (inserts into P7-3) – 3 ton unit



8<----------------------------------------------------------

There is an extension handle which gives more leverage on the normal handle. The normal handle is aluminium and designed to bend to prevent over load.
I'm told you can feel when it is near its limit.
If it bends, it can be cut and re used with the extension handle quite safely (manufacture's info)

cheers

OK, all good. At least you know what it can do and didn't get it from Bunnings (did you  ) I've seen some that would be better used to - I'm not sure what