Another comment on winches/recovery....regardless of brand.
USE THEM - there is nothing harder on 12v motors than letting them sit unused...I find it hilarious that people want a reliable winch, but the only time they know it works is when they NEED it. Check them at home, re-spool winch lines after every trip, operate them monthly. My winches are reliable BECAUSE they are used constantly. Winch issues mainly result from disuse or misuse.
You should be able to reach your winch controller, a tree saver and a soft shackle while BUCKLED in the drivers seat. Any place else in the rig is wasted gear. Those 3 basics should be readily accessible at all times. Ideally, a pair of gloves for the recovery help too, since they likely ran down the hill to help you out and forgot theirs...
I run my winch lines at 80% of drum capacity....and I carry multiple winch extensions for longer pulls (yes, even in the buggy....(40' on the drum two 4', one 8' and one 15' extension available in a bag in front of my seat) 80% drum capacity helps prevent overloading one side of the drum....ie: when you aren't paying attention during a side-pull situation to respool half-way thru. Running 80% of capacity reduces concerns about exploding drums when the line overloads and/or jams.
USE THEM - there is nothing harder on 12v motors than letting them sit unused...I find it hilarious that people want a reliable winch, but the only time they know it works is when they NEED it. Check them at home, re-spool winch lines after every trip, operate them monthly. My winches are reliable BECAUSE they are used constantly. Winch issues mainly result from disuse or misuse.
You should be able to reach your winch controller, a tree saver and a soft shackle while BUCKLED in the drivers seat. Any place else in the rig is wasted gear. Those 3 basics should be readily accessible at all times. Ideally, a pair of gloves for the recovery help too, since they likely ran down the hill to help you out and forgot theirs...
I run my winch lines at 80% of drum capacity....and I carry multiple winch extensions for longer pulls (yes, even in the buggy....(40' on the drum two 4', one 8' and one 15' extension available in a bag in front of my seat) 80% drum capacity helps prevent overloading one side of the drum....ie: when you aren't paying attention during a side-pull situation to respool half-way thru. Running 80% of capacity reduces concerns about exploding drums when the line overloads and/or jams.