Thanks for sharing your previous post on waterproofing and lubrication. I guess that as long as the winch is used, either in actual recovery or at least spooled out and back in at least once a month, it should be alright. Its not that difficult to remove the 9.5XP from the ARB so it might be a good idea to add that to the periodical PM list. Just open it up and check for corrosion and perhaps re grease. I would like to be able to get a cover for mine but with it being mounted feet forward, I don't think it would fit well enough to protect it from UV and rain. That is what happened to my first winch, I just put it on and forgot about it. I used it a few times but then went through a long period of non use and that is when I discovered it was seized due to water sitting about half way up the drum and on the motor. I have been getting by without a winch for the last 5 years and just don't let myself get into situations where I would need a winch but it sure is nice knowing you have one on there just in case. Some times I would just use the winch to remove fallen trees etc from my path or as a utility for working around the shop.
Good point on just periodically exercising the winch. It may not do it any reall good -- this damage is caused by sitting after all -- but it does confirm it's operational.
I think the real takeaway message from that little project was how most winches end up with an ill-suited grease from the factory that basically acts as a water sponge, at least the Chinese-made ones do. I am curious what Warn uses.
The idea of a cover is something I've thought of, but has to be done right. In certain climes it might even tend to trap moisture underneath. Our truck is lucky because it's garaged. That's makes a big difference, as it may get wet, but always has a chance to dry out. Presuming your drains are open and pointed in the right direction, that may be the easiest thing to do for some.
