Do You Really Need A Winch? Top 5 Reasons NOT to Buy A Winch

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

*Consider a portable winch also as an option:* kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqLJZ6iOaLB9htk

[@TheWinwin4all]

Interesting idea. I saw one in the metal enclosure, which can be hooked up from either front or back with the hooks. Will try to find a video or link how it looks like

[@michaelrodriguez9700]

I was definitely looking at that too so much cheaper thank you and great video love recovery stuff

[@ourfunctionalfarmhouse]

Absolutely fantastic explanation on recoveries in the south west desert context. As a "retired" Search & Rescue Motorized Sergeant, best practices dictate the safest methods first, which you highlight perfectly with simply a shovel and kinetic rope. We did train on winching, but this was a last resort use case in all scenarios that we would be involved in. I think folks get hung up on the gear that is *beefy/sexy* instead of the tried and true boring gear.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@ourfunctionalfarmhouse amen 🙏 ❤️ you are spot on... I too was taught by a desert elder on the sacred arts of desert offroad recovery... shovel, rope, jack, and learn how to _actually_ drive whatever vehicle you have offroad even if it's 2wd (ie,.practice and learn) ...all else is [mostly] unnecessary. Thank you for subscribing 🙇‍♂️ 🙌 ❤️

[@border2beachwithchipleach63]

I do most of my trail driving solo. The winch relieves so much anxiety. I’ve only needed it 3 times but once was enough to justify it for me.

[@cpk2GIRL]

Wouldn't the winching feature of the Hi-Lift jack have been an option?

[@border2beachwithchipleach63]

@@cpk2GIRL Not a very good option. Lots and lots of unnecessary physical labor and time

[@Elsuntan]

I use a come-along and let me tell ya the times I have used it, you start fantasizing about a winch.

[@freedomseeds4713]

​@@cpk2GIRLever manually winch a 3500lb vehicle with a hi-lift in 110 degree desert heat?😅 not fun.

[@matrix-fh9tn]

I now have a winch, winch anchor, and a hi-lift jack after getting stuck for 8 hours at a remote location before two passing by Jeepers pulled me out. I would've unstuck myself if I had those, and recovery boards alone didnt' help much. Just like a spare tire, they are one of those things that better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it, as long as you go off-road.

[@Coopdundee]

Really enjoy the video dude better than most straight and to the point and even the way you talk is excellent thank you you’re a cool dude and anybody can understand that video Mui Bueno amigo

[@iainahastie8658]

Agree a winch is not necessary. But for "self-recoveries" in addition to a shovel, and jacks, traction boards become another important tool, as they can be used to give that little amount of momentum to get out of sand, mud, snow (for some) but also getting up out of ruts. Not just countering open differentials.

[@John-cz6it]

It also depends on where you go. We never go anywhere with a pick (for hard rocky areas where you can’t get a shovel to bite) and a shovel

[@stevezodiac575]

G'day from Western Australia. Great point about the braked traction control. Many people underestimate the ability of the GX / Prado traction control and sometimes don't give it enough revs/time to allow it to kick in. I elected to not install an electric winch on my 150 Prado. If I'm heading for a more technical track I'll carry a hand winch for peace of mind, but I'm yet to use it. And I figure I'd have to use it about 12+ times to make me re-think the decision based on cost and effort.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Greetings from the Mojave desert... we LOVE atrac and kdss and are staunch proponents of those systems... they simply WORK. ✌️ ❤️

[@stevezodiac575]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD As I'm sure you know, KDSS was an Australian invention. I wish I had it, but my 2017 Prado (2.8 Diesel) is only the GXL model, and at the time of purchase I didn't really know about KDSS or I might have gone for the next level up, the VX. I'm not sure, but the ATRAC sounds effectively like the center diff lock. That I have and it is very good! One of my favourite features is having the spare wheel on the rear door means the Prado has a 150 litre fule tank (the 120 Prado had a 180 litre tank) that combined with the diesel engine provides a very useful range. And I've been very glad to have it a couple of times!

[@Kflash3782]

Great advice for newbies. And as you get more experience and choose to seek out more challenging trails solo, you will feel better adding a winch or boards instead of it being just a fade.

[@TheWinwin4all]

Im planning to get a portable 12,000lbs winch which i can keep in inside for the off-roading times, instead of mounting the heavy stationary one in front. Kinetic rope is a must to have in off-road times. Drill with the long auger and a couple of strong metal posts and cinder blocks to stick in the ground to winch itself out if travel by yourself, is another option .

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/aqLJZ6iOaLB9htk

[@elliotkane4443]

That's a horrible idea, you sound like you've got a death wish with that set up. Why are Americans so adverse to mounting anything on the front of their vehicles? I honestly don't get it.

[@TheWinwin4all]

@elliotkane4443 no, you didn't get it. Basically it is the same winch, but instead of permanently mounted on the truck, it is encased and could be attached to anything else. Driving with heavy winch constantly you are loosing $ on gas. Having an option to take the winch only when you need it, is a big benefit. IMHO

[@JoeBuck-uc3bl]

@@TheWinwin4all did you find a specific portable winch that you like/bought? If so do you have a link? Yeah it makes no sense to hurt your gas mileage 100% of the time, if you would only be in a situation where you might need it 3% of the time.

[@1malikalik]

Bro., you offer very practical and cost saving solutions. I do know One Thing: All these Gear Companies loath you. Believe me I know, I used to be buy gear like an addict. 99% of us will never ever use a Winch. I love your analytical and logical way of thinking. Its applicable in just about every facet of life: Finances, Housing, Relationships, Business and even Shopping for mundane stuff like clothes, shoes etc etc. When the new Tacoma 2025 came out I was blown away and seriously envisioned getting one in 2 years but after your video that you posted last night about the overpriced $65000 Tacomas it gave me a reality check. The number one problem plaguing Americans is Cost Savings And Prudent Expenditure. Thanks

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you for your kind words of support 🙏 ❤️

[@1malikalik]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD And Thankyou. Am a Black man and I come a long way brother. Just like most athletes I have blown so much money away on some dumb stuff and dumb relationships and greedy friends. Your rational thinking keeps me grounded

[@Coopdundee]

You have a really good video simple and that’s the best way to make it. Your approach is great love it thank you I just had to dig my truck out and pull a boulder out of the front by hand and I’m throwing my shovel in there today. I’m a full-time camp host in the eastern sierras thank you Siri good video

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

thank you for your support... digging a boulder out by hand/shovel stinks... but as you said it does indeed work and it does indeed solve your problem... Can't beat that reliability factor when you're in the wilderness 😃

[@deanrotering879]

Good video, thanks. I carry a shovel all winter long in Minnesota. Never thought of carrying one when doing serious off-road in summer lol. Good idea. I did see the round sling in another video you did. They are surprisingly cheap.

[@stansbruv3169]

Nice video! Thanks bruv. Newly subscribed. I appreciate the KZbin algorithm bringing your presentations to my eyeballs!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you for your happy comment and subscribing! 😃

[@m3logistics]

Good advice to new off road adventurers - keep recovery simple, but effective & efficient.

[@ericdelrosario6779]

Thanks for your insights. Appreciate it. 🇨🇦

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@ericdelrosario6779 thank you 😃 are you watching from Quebec? Thanks for subscribing 🙏 ❤️

[@jaysoneversgerd3740]

awesome advice.. much appreciated!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Hopefully it helps save you some $ 😉

[@Walter-ol6gd]

I have a 460 and Im planning a road/off road trip this summer out to Utah and Colorado. I know I cant bring EVERYTHING, so having a practical explanation on what is most needed on the trail is greatly appreciated. And should save me a ton of space in the truck. Thanks man 👍

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you for your support and kind words 🙏 ❤️

[@xvaltor]

Very useful info! Thanks for that. I'm curious of what you think of the "bug out" recovery system?

[@mikespight6157]

Outstanding video…thank you!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@mikespight6157 Thank you for your kind words of support 🙏 ❤️ 🙌

[@SamkoTradBow]

Great video! This is Jason from SamkoWorkShop (commenting from my other youtube channel). Agree with all of it. The winch I can see not being that important out there in the desert. In the east with the mud, often a winch is the only thing that will recover a vehicle. If its stuck in mud the mud creates a suction that will not let go in the short amount of time a kinetic has energy. The winch allows for a steady slow constant pull inch by inch as the mud releases suction. I do have a winch on a cradle I can bring on bad days but I still dont have one permanently on my jeep. Like you said, its not needed that often. But that is the big advantage to a winch. slow and steady pulling power for mud.

[@joshd2861]

This channel is amazing.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you ❤️ your support is much appreciated 🙏

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Mostly, I agree. I have a small shovel, soft shackles, kinetic rope, tree strap, recovery ring and a 12,000 winch. Have traction boards but found I almost never used them. I have a 2" receiver front and rear on my 4Runner. No steel bumpers or all that extra weight. Can winch from either end. I usually use the winch first. Second the kinetic rope. It does depend on the situation. In the desert kinetic ropes are the best. Being in the Midwest there is almost always a tree nearby so winch.

[@bigb0ngz]

I do agree that a winch is really only for some very serious offroading. 99% of people won't take those extreme trails.

[@monsieurtravelbags2178]

Great video! Unfortunately, my GX did not come with the tow hitch And I don’t know if I have it in my budget right now to put a hitch on right now. I don’t really need it at the moment. But it’s definitely something I wanna add in the future I didn’t know too much about the kinetic strap

[@InCognito-sass]

I know it's not your style but any company recommendations on the gear you use would be helpful for us newbies.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

😃 we like ARB compressors as they've proven to be durable and reliable for being made in China... as for everything else use what you like, there's no real "standouts" other than ARB... without ARB we'd be stuck with cheap China compressors that would be unreliable... while still made in China the ARBs are standouts in the real-world

[@DonCaprioni]

I tend to agree with your approach or recommendation with regard to a winch and traction boards. This is especially true when we are driving through a soft sand terrain. I keep repeating soft sand terrain in my comments because that is the most likely terrain we drive through here in the middle east. In general, we have a golden rule which we never waive and that is we never drive in the desert solo. There has to be a company of two vehicles minimum.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank you for your feedback... yes "soft sand" is what traps everyone out here too! Thank you for sharing your experiences in sand...it is appreciated

[@rayc76knoxville]

Excellent. What is that blue thing that you would place the jack? I don't have a winch, but I do have a jack so if the ground is soft that would help. Thank you.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

jack base/jack pad 😃✌️

[@rayc76knoxville]

@@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD Thank you for the quick response. Gonna get some. Planning a trip out West soon. Not planning on doing anything too crazy, but be prepared I guess.

[@mikeferguson1278]

I live in Utah and drive a Rubicon...yes, i have a winch. however Kinetic rope for the win. yeah, i have been stuck on a few gnarly trails and needed my winch, but good call that a vast majority of people are not doing what I am doing. Don't off road alone (unless you have to lol) thanks for the vid

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

🙏 thank you for your support and sharing your experiences ❤️

[@KoralMae]

Spoken by a man who has had plenty of experience getting unstuck…that’s obvious. Great advice for outdoor adventures in the real world. A shovel is everything.

[@LivingFreeInAWrangler]

So the shovel gets you out of 100% of situations 85% of the time?

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@@LivingFreeInAWrangler yes exactly 💯

[@many4173]

I have a winch and never use it. BUT ! IT IS THERE IN CASE I NEED IT .

[@JoeBuck-uc3bl]

What is that blue jack base that you have there?

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

it's a rando jack base so the jack doesn't sink in the sand... just a generic brand ✨️

[@aidan666]

What case do you use to store all your recovery gear?

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

oh I dunno... whatever i got layin around... one case is from one of my kid's old Lego jumbo sets or something 😆

[@artbencomo317]

Great info as always. How are the Firestone tires on the Sienna holding up?

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

oh so far the Firestones are good... better than the Wildpeaks as far as durability goes... will keep you posted 😃

[@stansbruv3169]

What was that Audi doing out there?!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

....oh you know.... 😆

[@INTERNA9]

WOW!

[@ferg4847]

Good points…… Keep Grinding!!!!! 👍🏾✌🏾

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

Thank-you 🕊 ❤️

[@stansbruv3169]

What was that Mercedes doing out there?!

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

... good question 😆

[@ItspronouncedAaron]

On the GX 460, I’m looking to trim the front end plastic for approach angle and am wondering what you recommend for front recovery points. Most of the aftermarket bumpers that have recovery points are also designed to mount a winch. I’ve always thought a winch is overkill for most people and is just another manly accessory that never actually gets used. The downside besides cost is all the added weight. I want to approach my “build” with a minimalist approach to not screw up what Lexus actually built in Japan 👨‍🎓.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

hope this helps: kzbin.info/www/bejne/j2K7Xmxsi7-Ilbc

[@MrSaxojes]

Very nice practical info sir

[@michaelrodriguez9700]

None of those can recover your self if you are by your self none of those will work if you are with others those are gold

[@freedomseeds4713]

A winch is handy in some situations. I had a buddy slide his jeep down into a 40 ft deep soft sand pit at Glamis. Youre not diggin out of a 40ft deep hole surrounded by soft sand. It took 2 of us with 12k winches working in tandem to pull him out. It was gnarly.

[@wilyceyote]

Thanks for the useful information you just need a tow rope or sling and a tire inflator get yourself unstuck

[@josephbenkert8399]

Good advice for someone who travels with others or where there are a lot of others so you can rely on someone being available to pull you out. Modern traction control may be reliable to avoid getting stuck on roads an Audi TT (which has AWD and modern traction control) would have the clearance to consider driving, and it doesn't even appear anyone's airing-down.Terrible advice for people traveling in other types of terrain, traveling alone and in lightly-traveled areas where you're less likely to encounter someone to pull you out or some self-recovery gear. It's true that 98-99% of people stranded or lost are rescued or recovered within 72 hours after they're reported missing, and are usually rescued unless they experience hypothermia or hyperthermia. Going off-road solo in lightly traveled areas in the desert or the mountains without a reliable means of self-recovery (which doesn't require the exertion of digging out entirely by hand) is just nuts. There are areas where you can get high-centered on rock outcroppings that you can't dig out, unless you're prepared to chisel or blast the outcropping free. I've encountered blizzards in the Colorado mountains in July, and not even on the high passes.

[@LexusGX460-OFF-ROAD]

@josephbenkert8399 shovel and your factory jack will self-recover just fine.... dig out the rock in the desert.... if you're high centered and you can't dig out the rock it means the ground is hard enough to use the jack on to raise over the high center situation. The relative "exertion" makes up for the lack of reliability of most Chinese winches that are hit or miss. ✌️

[@JeffCleverley]

Straps/ropes are not much use solo... Winch and a deadman would work in desert/sandy environment, even solo. But sure, shovel is #1, and ropes are goto when not solo.

[@surfordie82]

So if the Tacoma TRDs have ATRAC or MTS, do we always see them with traction boards mounted on the bed rack 🤣🤣🤣

[@zomic5438]

I’m buying a winch.

[@BrianDoherty-e8s]

Right on, Hoss. You don't need all the "overlanding" stuff to enjoy the backcountry. Most of that stuff is for macho display, especially when the $80K overlanding rig is most all the time parked in the suburban driveway. Makes Dad look like one expeditionary mo-fo! In real use you try to prevent getting stuck first, then if you do get stuck, like you say, shovels, jacks, stacked rocks, etc. will get you out. You don't need giant tires, suspension lifts, and $1200 winches unless you need compensation because you are "small!"

[@KoralMae]

Spoken by a man who has had plenty of experience getting unstuck…that’s obvious. Great advice for outdoor adventures in the real world. A shovel is everything.