How do I choose a winch size?
Definitely, you should consider adding a winch to your trip if regularly you're planning to go off-roading. But on the market, there are so many options for winches are available so it is tough to choose the right one. No worry, to pick the right one what you should consider we are going to discuss this.
Winch sizes
The winch capacity is the first thing you need to consider when it comes to choosing a winch. Always the higher winch capacity is better when it comes to a winch. You'll need the powerful winch according to your vehicle weight. Compared to the weight of your vehicle, at least more than 1.5 times your winch should be able to pull. By taking the gross vehicle weight and then by 1.5 multiply it, you can calculate it.
GVWR = Base Weight + Passengers / Cargo
Best winch Size >= GVWR x 1.5
So you need to choose a winch that is at least 2.7 metric tons if your vehicle weight is 1.8 metric tons. The industry-standard rule is 1.5X. But you should pick the one that has more capacity than your vehicle for better safety.
Winch types
The power source is the main difference between an electric and a hydraulic winch. With the electrical system and to the vehicle battery, the electric winches are linked. By the vehicle steering pump usually, powered the hydraulic winches.
The most widely used and common winch-type is an electric winch. Rather than the hydraulic winch often they are less expensive and quite durable. But the electric winches can overheat if you use them for a longer time. And with your vehicle's electrical system you may face a problem if you have to use the winch all day long. Though the electric winches are a better option, in this case, you can choose a hydraulic one.
The hydraulic winches are the best choice if frequently you plan to use a winch. As there is no overheating problem with this winch type. But the hydraulic winch has some drawbacks as well. The hydraulic winch is produced only a few manufacturers. And with the power steering pump, they're operated so the engine must be running while using the winch.
Click here for the runva winch review.
Rope options
Steel rope
Steel rope is easy to maintain, durable and affordable. But for your rig's front, it might be too heavy - this is one downside of this. For the highly abrasive terrains, steel rope is the ideal. You can choose the steel rope if you often drive through rocks, mud, and sand. And make sure to wear thick gloves when handling the rope.
The winch capacity is the first thing you need to consider when it comes to choosing a winch. Always the higher winch capacity is better when it comes to a winch. You'll need the powerful winch according to your vehicle weight. Compared to the weight of your vehicle, at least more than 1.5 times your winch should be able to pull. By taking the gross vehicle weight and then by 1.5 multiply it, you can calculate it.
GVWR = Base Weight + Passengers / Cargo
Best winch Size >= GVWR x 1.5
So you need to choose a winch that is at least 2.7 metric tons if your vehicle weight is 1.8 metric tons. The industry-standard rule is 1.5X. But you should pick the one that has more capacity than your vehicle for better safety.
Winch types
The power source is the main difference between an electric and a hydraulic winch. With the electrical system and to the vehicle battery, the electric winches are linked. By the vehicle steering pump usually, powered the hydraulic winches.
The most widely used and common winch-type is an electric winch. Rather than the hydraulic winch often they are less expensive and quite durable. But the electric winches can overheat if you use them for a longer time. And with your vehicle's electrical system you may face a problem if you have to use the winch all day long. Though the electric winches are a better option, in this case, you can choose a hydraulic one.
The hydraulic winches are the best choice if frequently you plan to use a winch. As there is no overheating problem with this winch type. But the hydraulic winch has some drawbacks as well. The hydraulic winch is produced only a few manufacturers. And with the power steering pump, they're operated so the engine must be running while using the winch.
Click here for the runva winch review.
Rope options
Steel rope
Steel rope is easy to maintain, durable and affordable. But for your rig's front, it might be too heavy - this is one downside of this. For the highly abrasive terrains, steel rope is the ideal. You can choose the steel rope if you often drive through rocks, mud, and sand. And make sure to wear thick gloves when handling the rope.
Synthetic Rope
Compared to the steel cable the synthetic rope is easier to handle as they are light in weight, flexible, and safer. And to handle them, you do not need to wear gloves. For the recovery winches and for the trail they're great. There is one downside of this - to the abrasion, heat, UV exposure they are very susceptible. And after using it in muddy or sandy conditions you need to wash them.
Compared to the steel cable the synthetic rope is easier to handle as they are light in weight, flexible, and safer. And to handle them, you do not need to wear gloves. For the recovery winches and for the trail they're great. There is one downside of this - to the abrasion, heat, UV exposure they are very susceptible. And after using it in muddy or sandy conditions you need to wash them.