Winching 101: Mastering the Basics of Off-Road Recovery

[@mikesters3532]

1 ton = 2,000 pounds.

[@MystickPhoenix]

Decent video, a few things to note: 1. Your pulley block should be rated for 2x the winch capacity plus an extra 50% for a margin of safety. Reason being is that it can potentially see 2x the force that your winch can theoretically put out. The last thing I want failing is a chunk of metal that's going to come flying back at me. 2. Always having someone in control of the vehicle when winching. If something happens, that person can react and apply the brakes or steer into a tree. I'd much rather have a 5mph crash into a tree than lose the vehicle completely. 3. Winch dampeners tend to promote a false sense of security and do little to arrest a line moving a potentially rifle velocity. 4. Winching with your engine running is good practice because winches drain batteries very quickly. It'd be quite silly to winch with the engine turned off and get your vehicle unstuck only to be unable to start it. 5. Never step over a winch line, step *on* a winch line. If the winch line is put under sudden tension, it can come up with enough force to rupture your femoral artery. If you've stepped on the line, worst case is you get knocked on your butt. If you've stepped over it and something happens, you bleed out on trail in minutes. 6. You should always be wearing gloves when rigging or handling winchline. Hand surgery is stupid-expensive, gloves aren't and can save your hands. 7. I always recommend getting training from an I4WDTA certified trainer, they're the best in the business.

[@TrailTraveler]

Great input, thanks

[@mikesters3532]

I would setup the soft shackle differently. The way you set it up, the knot is trying to be pulled back through the opening. Preferred to have the shackle the other way with the knot being choked tighter by the shackle.

[@MitchBollig]

Thanks - this will give folks the basic recovery capability with a low risk of killing themselves or others!

[@mikethompson7406]

Nice thanks! When is "Winching 301: Mastering it all" coming out? :D

[@SnowManson]

Definitely getting that Factor 55 Flatlink E after seeing this. Thanks for these videos!

[@IcyReaper]

Thank you for Another very informative vid. Question, what do you do if you are somewhere with no trees?

[@dennisr7452]

Thank you. 👍

[@salemk.3098]

great video! can you do recovery tutorials without a winch too?

[@TrailTraveler]

Already working on the outline for it

[@bryanb5200]

@@TrailTraveler did the Fiery Red fail on you guys? I notice you said 10k winch so I’m figuring this isn’t the Fiery Red (13k)any longer.

[@TrailTraveler]

@@bryanb5200 I didn’t even realize I said 10k. The Fiery Red is still on the Jeep and has never let us down

[@bryanb5200]

@@TrailTraveler man that’s so awesome to hear! Ours is still doing great as well! Thanks for the reply! Great video (as always!)

[@johngray9702]

Thank you sir , very helpful video.