4WD’s open up a whole new world of places to explore, and that’s one of the reasons they are so popular. However, before you head off and enjoy some of these brilliant spots you need to know how to safely, correctly and easily recover a bogged 4WD.
For those of you who’ve been doing this for many years, you’ll know there are a variety of ways to get a stuck 4WD moving again, and hopefully the risks associated with each method. In this post, we are going to cover everything you need to know when recovering a bogged 4WD.
It’s essential to know how to safely recover your vehicle.
4WD recoveries can be very high risk
Let’s start with the most important factor; safety. Yes, we live in a world where safety is continuously shoved in our faces, and it’s easy to be complacent and not heed the advice when you are out on your own time, having fun. However, I will make a statement here that will hopefully ensure you take the time to perform 4WD recoveries carefully, and safely.
Since 2003, at least 7 Australian’s have been killed in 4WD recoveries gone wrong. In several cases, it’s been innocent people who have stopped to offer assistance to someone they didn’t even know.
Please think about that for a minute. Recovering a bogged 4WD can result in some extreme forces, and if something breaks the results are catastrophic. No 4WD trip is worth your life.
The good news is with a basic understanding of the right techniques your chances of being injured or killed in a 4WD recovery are extremely low.
The right tyre pressures will ensure you don’t get bogged.
Why do you get bogged?
4WD’s get bogged for a number of reasons, but the most common one is incorrect tyre pressures. When you head off road, you should be reducing the amount of air in each tyre. This helps to cushion the ride, look after your 4WD and it increases flotation and traction.
Particularly on beaches, tyre pressures that are too high are a guaranteed recipe for a bogged 4WD. The other common reason 4WD’s get stuck is simply related to clearance – if you drive over something that is taller than the undercarriage of your 4WD, it’s going to grab and you won’t be going anywhere.
Understanding why the 4WD is stuck in the first place is the key to setting up the right 4WD recovery. If you don’t know why the 4WD is bogged in the first place, it’s hard to pick the right recovery technique.
Traction and flotation are key when 4wding.
If you are stuck, don’t make it harder
One of the worst things you can do if your 4WD comes to a grinding halt is to jump on the accelerator and hope to spin your way out. You can very slowly turn your wheels forward or reverse while turning the steering wheel back and forth, but spinning the wheels quickly makes your 4WD sink even further, and a simple recovery can turn into one that takes a long time!
Stuck on a beach using Maxtrax to recover the 4WD.
How can you recover a bogged 4WD?
There are lots of methods for recovering a 4WD. One of the most commonly used methods is the snatch strap. These are useful tools if used properly, but they are also by far the riskiest method of 4WD recovery. They also shouldn’t be the first recovery option!
Other ways to recover a 4WD include using a winch, traction aids, reducing tyre pressures, digging around the vehicle, jacking the vehicle up and putting sticks or rocks under the wheels and getting a few people to assist pushing a 4WD (where safe to do so).
A 4WD winch is a great way to recover 4WDs.
What’s the right order of recovering a bogged 4WD?
Once you understand the risks of 4WD recoveries, the order that you do each recovery in becomes fairly obvious. Start with recovery options that are safest, like reducing tyre pressures, using a shovel to clear the way and traction aids to drive out. If that doesn’t work, a winch is the next safest option, with a snatch strap being the least safe. In many cases, the fastest, easiest and safest way to recover a 4WD is using traction aids.
High force 4WD recoveries
There is a time and a place for high force recoveries, but it’s not every time. High force recoveries generally refer to the use of snatch straps, but it can include winching as well.
High force recoveries are dangerous.
Snatch straps
I mentioned above that the humble snatch strap is one of the most common ways to recover a 4WD. This is because they are cheap, lightweight, most people have them and they seem simple enough to use. A snatch strap is relatively simple in theory – it’s a special rated strap that when pulled stretches up to 30% in length.
This allows a recovery vehicle to get a bit of a run-up before the towing starts to take place. Instead of one harsh yank like chains or a normal tow rope would apply, a snatch strap stretches while building up energy and then releases it more gently.
Snatch straps should be used carefully.
However, when you are talking about recovering 4WD’s up to 3.5 tonnes in weight, the forces can be huge. If anything breaks during a snatch recovery, the object will flick through the air at speeds of up to 400km/h. A little piece of steel becomes a deadly object, as it has done several times in the past.
When using a snatch strap, make sure it is suited to the weight of your vehicle. You want a breaking strain of around 2 – 3 times the weight of the lightest vehicle in the recovery. They should also never be used in recoveries where a 4WD is very badly stuck. This mainly applies to mud, as the suction is too much to break in a quick pull; winching is a much better option.
Only use rated gear in good condition.
Imperative safety practices when winching or using a snatch strap
If you’re going with a high force 4WD recovery, there are a number of things you absolutely must do. The first is to ensure your tyre pressures are actually correct for the terrain you are driving on. Especially on beaches, you need to let a substantial amount of air out. The general rule of thumb is somewhere between 12 and 20 PSI, depending on the vehicle’s weight.
From there, you need to reduce the force required on the recovery. This means spending 5 minutes on a shovel digging around the tyres, and under the chassis if it’s belied out.
Letting air out of tyres.
After that, you need to grab rated equipment, in good condition. This means it has a tag, or stamp with a safe working load (SWL) or MBS (Minimum breaking strength). Never, ever attach a snatch strap or winch to a point on a vehicle that is not stamped and rated. Everything from the recovery point, to the shackles used, to the strap or cable need to be rated, and in good working order.
The next step is to use recovery dampeners over the snatch strap or winch cable. These are dampeners that sit over the strap (preferably in two places!) and are filled with sand. If something does break, they stop the strap or cable from flicking through the air at huge speeds.
Yellow-rated recovery points on a Ford Ranger.
When you are ready for the recovery, everyone except the two drivers needs to be at least 1.5 times the length of the strap/cable away from both vehicles, in case something breaks. Communicate between the two drivers and proceed with the recovery. If using a snatch strap, use the right gears (normally 2nd low for the vehicle recovering, and 1st low for the one being recovered) and start with a gentle pull first.
Pay careful attention to the amount of effort you are having to apply to get the vehicle moving; if it’s significant you may need to come up with a new recovery method.
Never recover from a tow ball.
Never use a tow ball for a 4WD recovery
Tow balls are designed for towing, not for being shock loaded in a 4WD recovery. They have a nasty habit of shearing off, and a shiny ball of steel is a very, very scary object to have hurling through the air.
Work as a team to set up a 4WD recovery.
Other things to know about 4WD recoveries
4WD recoveries can be high-stress situations. The reality is, unless you have the tide rolling in on your 4WD there’s no need to move quickly. Don’t rush around, as mistakes are commonly made. Work as a team; talk to each other, and make sure you are all on the same page with what is going on.
Don’t add any further objects into a 4WD recovery than needed. Snatch straps should never be joined together with shackles, and if you can get away without having a shackle in the recovery, do so. If something does break, it means there are fewer missiles involved that could hurt or kill someone.
Lastly, a quality 4WD course is worth its weight in gold. You will be physically shown how to drive a 4WD, what to do when you get stuck, how to recover a 4WD safely and you’ll go home with the right techniques.
Prevention is better than cure.
Avoid getting bogged in the first place
For those who have been driving 4WD’s for a long time, you’ll know that prevention is better than cure. Adjust your tyre pressures, drive where your vehicle is suited for any avoid getting bogged in the first place. It might be a bit of fun the first few times, but after that, it gets old really quickly.
There’s nothing new, or wrong with getting bogged in a 4WD. It happens hundreds of times every week. However, please take the time to recover 4WD’s safely; we’ve had enough accidents and deaths already.
Has your 4WD ever been bogged?
The post Recovering a Bogged 4WD – What You Need to Know appeared first on Snowys Blog.
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Agilenano - News: The 10 Best Car Trailer Winches of 2020
# Preview Product Rating Price 1 ZEAK Advanced 5500 lb. Electric Winch Off Road Automatic Powersports Winch, ATV Utility, Gavanized... 38 Reviews $184.99 Buy on Amazon 2 Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch | 9,500 Pound Load Capacity 1,473 Reviews $369.99 $261.34 Buy on Amazon 3 Electric Winch 12V 13000 lbs Recovery Winch Fit for Trailer Truck SUV with Wireless Remote Control... 7 Reviews $255.99 Buy on Amazon 4 X-BULL 12V Steel Cable Electric Winch 12000 lb Load Capacity 75 Reviews $359.90 $298.90 Buy on Amazon 5 ZESUPER 9500 lb. Load Capacity Electric Winch Kit,Waterproof IP67 Electric Winch with Hawse... 67 Reviews $304.98 Buy on Amazon 6 WARN 885000 PullzAll Corded 120V AC Portable Electric Winch with Steel Cable: 1/2 Ton (1,000 lb)... 594 Reviews $213.16 Buy on Amazon 7 Superwinch 1140232 Winch 2 Go 12V 4000SR Portable Winch System (4000lb with Synthetic Rope, Pulley... 103 Reviews $449.99 Buy on Amazon 8 WARN 92000 Vehicle Mounted 2000 Series 12V DC Electric Utility Winch with Steel Cable: 1 Ton (2,000... 144 Reviews $134.93 $97.20 Buy on Amazon 9 RUGCEL WINCH Waterproof IP68 Electric Winch with Hawse Fairlead,Steel Wire Rope, 1 Wired Handle and... 146 Reviews $93.99 Buy on Amazon 10 Reese Towpower 74329 Trailer Winch,Silver 1,089 Reviews $53.95 Buy on Amazon
A car trailer winch is a helpful accessory to have for a number of reasons. It’s useful for lifting, towing, pulling, and getting yourself out of some tricky situations. Even though they are a helpful product to own, that doesn’t mean they will all prove useful for your unique needs. Read on to learn what car trailer winches are available, and how to buy the right one for you.
1. Zeak Electric Automatic Off Road Winch
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If a reliable car trailer winch has been on the cards for some time, then it might be time to check out this option from Zeak. This electric winch comes packed full of convenient accessories – and all without a high price tag.
You get to enjoy a 50-foot galvanized steel rope, powerful 1.6HP motor, and a three-stage planetary gear train to last the distance. People also like the 5,500-pound pulling power and a one-year warranty that comes with this car trailer winch.
The motor housing is weatherproof for peace of mind, while it also helps that it’s fast-cooling after ongoing use. You even get a remote with this winch. While it doesn’t come with instructions, it won’t be hard to install this car trailer winch and put it to work.
Features
Galvanized steel rope
Mount included
Remote included
1.6HP, 12-volt motor
Three-stage planetary gear train
50-foot cable
5,500-lb winch
One-year warranty
Pros
It comes with a lot of accessories
It has a long cable for safety
Affordable to buy
Generous warranty period
The motor is fast-cooling
The motor housing is weatherproof
Cons
No instructions for wiring or installation
2. Reese Trailer Winch
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While you might have problems with the hook opening of this car trailer winch, it’s otherwise an ideal option for many people. Don’t spend the earth on a trailer winch when you don’t have to.
This model from Reese has a 1,500-pound capacity and a 20-foot strap and hook. Before you buy it, though, make sure the hook size is going to work with what you are attaching it to.
It’s ideal for use on trailers, can handle a lot of pressure, and even has a comfortable handle you are bound to appreciate. For longevity, the manufacturer has included a full-length drum bushing and oiled shaft bushings.
This corrosion-resistant car trailer winch with carbon steel gears will not disappoint. Spend a little and get a lot of value from Reese.
Features
1,500-pound capacity
20-foot strap and hook
Zinc-plated finish
Corrosion-resistant
Comfort grip handle
High carbon steel gears
Pros
The drum bushing is full length, while the shaft bushings have oil
The handle is comfortable to use
Affordable to buy
The gears resist wear and tear
It can handle a lot of pressure
Ideal for use on trailers
Cons
The hook opening is too small
3. Fulton Trailer Winch with Strap
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Whether you need to winch a boat or something else, this car trailer winch from Fulton could be the right tool for the job. Not only is it affordable to buy, but it’s a sturdy, well-made, and stunning piece of engineering that can’t help but impress.
It has an aluminum frame and two-position handle, a center-drive enclosed ratchet system, and powerful 2,000-pound capacity. The addition of the mounting hardware and 15-foot winch strap is much-appreciated, as well.
People love how salt and moisture is not a problem for this car trailer winch, and that the handle is comfortable whether you are left-handed or right-handed. Even though you will need a sizeable mounting surface for this car trailer winch, it’s well worth your inspection all the same.
Features
Aluminum frame and handle
Center-drive enclosed ratchet system
Two-position handle
2,000-pound capacity
15-foot winch strap
Mounting hardware included
Pros
Affordable to buy
Sleek and elegant design
Generous capacity
It resists damage from moisture and salt
The handle is comfortable
It’s easy to use with your left or right hand
Cons
You need a large mounting surface
4. Smittybilt Steel Cable Winch
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Even though the claims of waterproofing leave a lot to be desired, according to some Smittybilt car trailer winch owners, there are still many reasons why you would buy it.
If it’s not the 10,000-pound load capacity and three style options that pique your curiosity, then it will be the six sizes, remote and manual operation, and powerful 6.6HP motor that does.
This car trailer winch benefits from stainless-steel hardware, a four-way roller fairlead, and an abundance of convenient features to make your winching job easy.
The final deal maker is the warranty period. Enjoy a lifetime warranty on the mechanics and a five-year electrical warranty. Check this car trailer winch out for yourself and see if it ticks all the boxes.
Features
10,000-pound load capacity
Waterproof steel
Three style options
Six size options
Four-way roller fairlead
Wireless remote
Remote or manual operation
6.6HP motor
Stainless-steel hardware
Lifetime mechanical warranty
Five-year electrical warranty
Pros
Suitable for a range of winching tasks
Generous warranty periods
You can choose from different sizes and styles
Powerful motor
You can operate it with a remote or manually
It’s easy to install
Cons
It can rust easily
5. Openroad Hand Winch
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If you don’t plan on doing too much heavy winching, then there’s every reason to believe this car trailer winch from Openroad is right for you. It’s of a hand design, which means it doesn’t have a motor for you to deal with the hassle of maintaining.
It has a 1,600-pound load capacity, high-carbon steel gears, and a zinc-plated finish for durability. The anti-slip handle is a nice touch for comfort and grip, and you can use this car trailer winch for a multitude of different tasks.
People enjoy how easy it is to install, its competitive price tag, and simplistic design. It might not have the power of a larger winch, but you will surely see its value all the same.
Features
1,600-pound load capacity
4:1:1 gear ratio
High carbon steel gears
Zinc-plated finish
Anti-slip handle
Boat and ATV compatibility
Pros
It’s affordable to buy
You can use it for pickup trucks, boats, ATVs, and more
It resists rust and corrosion
Easy to install
The handle is comfortable
Generous load capacity
Cons
Better suited to light applications
6. TR Industrial Trailer Winch with Hook and Strap
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Not everyone is confident with the strap of this car trailer winch, but if you can look past how thin it is, you might still be impressed with this winch.
It boasts a 1,200-pound capacity and comes with all steel components, including the gears and frame. The zinc and black plating give it additional strength. The rotating handle is even a feature that’s bound to impress, for it’s both comfortable and easy to use.
Given that it’s suitable for a variety of applications and ticks all the boxes for durability, you’ll be pleased you decided to buy this car trailer winch from TR Industrial.
Features
1,200-pound capacity
20-foot strap and hook
Steel frame
Steel gears
Zinc and black plating
Rotating handle
4:1 gear ratio
Pros
Affordable to buy
Strong materials
Easy to install
Ideal for a variety of applications
Generous load capacity
Durable steel
Comfortable handle
Cons
The strap is thin
7. Superwinch Winch
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If you’ve been on the hunt for an easy-to-use, reliable, and functional car trailer winch, then you will get all that and more with this winch from Superwinch.
With a 3,000-pound load capacity to suit all manner of vehicles, it’s hard not to be impressed with it. Users enjoy the simplistic mount plate, handlebar rocker switch, and handheld remote to make winching more convenient. Even the mechanical and dynamic brakes are a talking point.
The competitive price tag of this winch also helps, as does the durable motor and strong lead. However, customer support is a bit lacking, and the instructions can be hard to follow. Weigh up the pros and cons before you decide if this car trailer winch is right for you.
Features
3,000-pound load capacity
Roller fairlead
Mount plate
Handlebar rocker switch
Handheld remote
Sealed magnet motor
Mechanical and dynamic brake
Pros
Packed full of convenient features
Strong lead
The motor is durable
You can use a remote or the handle
Competitive price tag
Easy to mount
Cons
The instructions are hard to follow
Customer support is lacking
8. Orcish Electric Truck Winch
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Not everyone is impressed with the hardware and cable quality of this car trailer winch, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a standout product on the market. If you have to winch a truck, such as a jeep, this car trailer winch could be the right product for the job.
It has a load capacity of 13,000 pounds and is even waterproof rated for peace of mind. It comes with gloves, a sealed contactor, and an overload protector, as well. This car trailer winch is affordable and has all the power you need, which you can operate from a remote. There are plenty of reasons why it’s going to work well for your needs.
Features
13,000-pound load capacity
Waterproof rating
Overload protector
Gloves included
Sealed contactor
85-foot steel cable
Pros
Suitable for jeeps, trucks, and more
Generous cable length
It comes with accessories to make you more comfortable
You can power the motor with a remote
Affordable to buy
It’s heavy-duty to last the distance
Cons
The mounting hardware feels cheap
The cable quality is lacking
9. Warn VR EVO Electric Winch
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If you are looking for the best of the best in the car trailer winch world, regardless of cost, then check out this electric winch from Warn. Running on a 12-volt motor with a variety of convenient features, it stands out from the crowd.
You can use it for pickup trucks and large frame rigs thanks to its 12,000-pound load capacity, and it has a series of features designed for heavy vehicles. Enjoy the series-wound motor, planetary gear train, and relocatable control packs for low-profile installations.
Even the warranties are something to write home about, for you get a lifetime mechanical warranty and a seven-year one for the electrics. This high-performance car trailer winch, while expensive, is bound to meet the mark for your needs.
Features
12 volts
12,000-pound load capacity
Three sizes
Two rope types
Series-wound motor
Planetary gear train
Waterproof construction
Remote control included
Lifetime mechanical warranty
Seven-year electrical warranty
Pros
It’s a high-performance winch
You can choose a size or style
You can use it for pickup trucks and large frame rigs
You can relocate the control packs for low-profile installations
You can use it wired or wireless
Generous warranty periods
Strong and well made
Cons
Expensive to buy
10. Warn Portable Drill Winch
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If you only need a small car trailer winch for jobs around the yard, then check out this portable drill winch from Warn. It operates with your portable drill and has a 500-pound load capacity. That means it’s suitable for hauling loads onto trailers, and even stock.
This car trailer winch comes with a 30-foot wire rope, free-spool clutch, and both front and rear rigging hooks. The integrated hawse fairlead and competitive price tag are bound to capture your attention, as well.
Some people say the cable isn’t all that strong, and the pulling power is lacking, but it’s a desirable option for many. Dust off your power drill and put this car trailer winch to work.
Features
30-foot wire rope
500-pound load capacity
Three styles
Standard portable drill-powered
Free-spool clutch
Front and rear rigging hooks
Integrated hawse fairlead
Pros
Easy to power on a portable drill
You can choose a capacity
Generous wire length
Easy to use
It has hooks in the front and rear
You can use it for stock and hauling loads onto trailers
Rigging is fast and easy
Competitive price tag
Cons
The cable is not as strong as it could be
The pulling power is lacking
Considerations for Purchasing a Car Trailer Winch
It won’t take you long to realize that there is no single car winch that will be suitable for your needs. There are several different ones on the market, and they are all designed to achieve different results.
That’s why it’s paramount to look at the various options and compare them to your needs. The more you know, the better your chances of buying the right one. Read on to learn what to factor into the decision-making process.
Use of Winch
The first thing you need to think about is why you need a car trailer winch in the first place. What will you be doing with it? Believe it or not, what you use your winch for can determine the type you buy. So, are you pulling vehicles out of challenging terrain? What about unloading and loading heavy vehicles like boats? Are you using one to lift and hold items off the ground? Let your use guide your decision.
Winch Types
There are several winch types on the market, including car trailer, recovery, utility, crane, boat, and ATV. Base your decision on the section above relating to the use of your winch. A car trailer winch is going to be useful for loading and unloading heavy boats and vehicles off trailers.
Winch Load
The amount of force you will be using on your car winch can be a significant deciding factor when buying a new winch. It’s a good idea to match the winch rating to the rolling load weight. Many things can impact this, such as the vehicle weight, ramp slope, the rope layers around the winch drum, and if you are using a pulley block or not.
The majority of car trailer winches for sale have a load capacity of between 2,000 pounds and 12,000 pounds. However, there are some outliers, such as a 500-pound drill-powered winch and winches you can use for trucks.
Determining Your Rolling Weight
Before you buy a new car trailer winch, you have to work out your rolling weight. Otherwise, you are at risk of buying one that isn’t fit for purpose. Your rolling weight determines the minimum rated line pull your winch needs to roll a load onto a trailer.
To work it out, refer to a Rated Line Pull graph, of which there are plenty online. In it, you can find out the RLP based on the slope percent of between ten percent and 100 percent.
Electric Winch Accessories
When you are buying a new electric winch, it helps if you get as many accessories with it as possible. Otherwise, you may find your winch is not as convenient or easy to use as others on the market.
Look out for mention of winch accessory kits that come with recovery straps, shackles, gloves, pulley blocks, and tree savers. Mounting plates and roller fairleads, along with tow straps and tow hooks, are all helpful things to own, as well. Not every car trailer winch will come with these, so work out what you need before you go ahead with your purchase.
Minimum Vehicle Requirements
If you decide to buy a car trailer winch with a 12-volt motor, there are a few things you need to consider. Believe it or not, there are minimum vehicle requirements to make sure you can manage the winch you buy.
For example, when you buy a 12-volt winch for your trailer or vehicle, your towing vehicle needs to have either 440 to 660 cold-cranking-amp batteries. Alternatively, the alternator needs to be at least 60 amps.
If you plan on using your winch often, it might help to have a heavy-duty alternator or auxiliary battery. Two batteries with an isolator can make sure your vehicle can handle more winching without the challenge of not being able to start your vehicle battery afterward.
Mechanical vs. Dynamic Braking
Some car trailer winches for sale will come with dynamic braking, while others come with mechanical. Do you know which one you prefer or will be the best option for you?
The best type of braking for strength is mechanical, and it’s far better for holding a load. Dynamic braking, on the other hand, adds resistance to the drunk through the use of the winch motor. Typically, it’s not strong enough to hold a load.
Planetary Gears vs. Worm Gears
A car trailer winch can come with worm gears or planetary gears, so you must decide which is the most practical option for you. The worm gear or planetary gear is responsible for rotating the winch drum.
The worm gear is of a screw design, and as the screw rotates, it turns the sprockets or gears. In the case of a planetary gear, though, there is a single gear or sprocket in the middle. When it’s turned, three or four sprockets turn around the center sprocket.
Planetary gears are not as powerful as worm gears, but they tend to turn faster and generate more speed. As a result, you are more likely to come across a car trailer winch with a planetary gear than one with a worm gear.
Mounts
A car trailer winch is going to be of no use to you if you can’t mount it. As a result, the mount is one of the most important factors to consider before you buy a new winch. Your winch mount must be able to handle the winch capacity.
You can buy custom-fit mounts for ATVs and similar, but one of the most desirable options is a trailer hitch winch mount. You can attach it to your vehicle and remove it with ease. The beauty of such a hitch, too, is that you can mount it on the front and rear of your vehicle, depending on where it’s going to be most convenient.
If you have a trailer, then a steel plate welded to the frame of the trailer is going to be the strongest and safest option for the use of your car trailer winch.
Price
Finally, don’t forget to pay attention to the price tag. In most cases, the more expensive the winch, the stronger and more robust it is. If you need a winch that lasts the distance, then be prepared to pay more for the privilege.
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