Novice question. In or out of the vehicle?

[BrianSanDiego]

Hi guys,
I hope this isn't too stupid of a question...
I've been wheeling for a long time, but haven't had to use the winch on my 40 much at all. And not at all to pull out the Lancruiser.

So when winching out a Jeep , is it better so sit in my rig and operate the controller, or stand way off to the side? I think it would be safer to be off to the side.

So the way I imagine it is:
Outside vehicle= engine off with Cruiser in gear, and safer. But maybe harder on my drivetrain?

Inside= engine running (to help power to the winch and battery) and foot on the brakes. Better for the Cruiser but not as safe?

Is this correct?


Also, on my only real pull, I used a snatch-block to pull a stuck Jeep up a hill. I was at the peak and stayed in the 'Yota just in case my tires slipped or parking braked failed and I got pulled over the top. Was that correct?

BTW, 8074 winch and FJ40.

Thanks a lot,
Brian.

Oh yea, the cable seems to be in good condition but if I go ahead and replace it, what size and type of cable is plenty strong? And maybe a good place to buy it?

Thanks!!!
B.

 

[Rambrush]

I prefer to sit inside hood up. That way you can control brakes and steering. nothing quite like a run away vehicle.

 

[greentruck]

Inside and hood up. Your vehicle should be angled so that it points toward the load for a straight pull. The hood will protect you in case something goes wrong. Sometimes the situation may demand a position less than ideal. Find a way to put something between you and the load as best you can.

Being inside the vehicle also means you can follow the voltmeter easily.

As for standing on the brake or relying on the parking brake, you should try to block your wheels in some fashion if at all possible. If you're in the vehicle, yes, it's easier to quit pulling or stop it from rolling. But consider the results if things don't hold:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/winching-recovery/358562-warning-anchor-your-vehicle-before-winching.html

 

[madinal]

Put a heavy blanket on the winch cable to control the energy if it snaps. That or you can buy one of the commercially available heavy cable blankets

 

[greentruck]

madinal,
Excellent point and an easy way to lessen the adverse consequences of a cable or rope failure.

A handy object to use is something as simple as a floor mat. A coat or any similar limp, large surface area object will also work.

'cause even if you're sheltering behind your open hood, you want to avoid or lessen the impact of anything that won't buff out.:

 

[BrianSanDiego]

Thank you guys, much appreciated!

That link to the runaway Jeep is just what I had envisioned possibly happening. Not good at all.

Got it then... In the Cruiser, Engine running, hood up, blanket on the cable, foot on the brakes, and possibly anchored down or to another vehicle if possible.

Great tips, thanks a lot,
B.

Nobody with a suggestion for a good strong cable for my 8000lb winch? TIA


... also, just received my HFS bumper. Holy cow that thing is stout. I won't have to worry about bumper being the weakest link!

 

[bigndn]

Nobody with a suggestion for a good strong cable for my 8000lb winch? TIA

An 8274 is rated for 150' of 5/16" aircraft. Obviously if you go up to 3/8", it won't hold that much. OTOH, many people who use their winches a lot have gone to synthetic. Masterpull or Amsteel are pretty popular. Synthetic has a much higher weight rating, is very easy to work with, doesn't store energy, and is very light compared to cable. You can order either over the internet, or have a local rigging company make it to spec like I do. Mine's about $1/ft finished with a new hook.

Personally, I don't use my winch enough to justify the additional cost of synthetic, but it's awesome stuff.

 

[BrianSanDiego]

Great! Thanks a lot for all the help fella's.
B.

 

[number057]

I would prefer inside the truck keeping the revs up to 1500 ish (applying the brakes!)to keep the charge of the Battery. also if you dont have a spotter try to make sure you aim the winch line so it does not get spooled on one side .
just my 2 cents!