Winch cable question
 

Hi, everyone

I'm looking at buying a 12000lb winch and was wondering which steel cables or synthetic rope would be better?

Anyone have a prefference?

R-W

Re: Winch cable question
 

I often wonder about this winch LBS thing sometimes. 12,000 lbs ? Are you going to hoist your Jeep up a tree ? I haul about 100 boats in the fall on our small hydraulic trailer that are about 20,000lbs with a cheapie little winch and 1/4inch 7/19 wrap SS cable. Hasn't failed me in 10 years. I do admit I like the looks of the wench on the front....looks like you mean bussiness !! Just my 2 cents worth !

Re: Winch cable question
 

You have to remember...the winch might not always be for you :) I've come across a few people out on the trails and yes a 12,000lbs winch (which I have) was needed. And I bought a cheaper one (superwinch) so I went a little bigger than I would have if I had of got a Warn.

Re: Winch cable question
 

As a general rule of thumb is take the vehicle weight and multiply by 1.5. This will give you the minimum weight required for your vehicle. Hope this helps.

Re: Winch cable question
 

Hiya,
So to get back to the original question, wire cable or synthetic rope?
Peter

Re: Winch cable question
 

My personal Experience with both remember there are exceptions to all of these.

Pros Wire:
Inexpensive
Longer Life Span
No Difference In Accessories (Snatch Block, Fairlead etc)

Pro Synthetic:
Light Weight
Floats In Water (Real Big Bonus)
Safe

Re: Winch cable question
 

Thanks everyone for the input

Re: Winch cable question
 

The safety with a synthetic is a major plus, if the cable snaps it doesn't store energy and come flying back at you it just drops to the ground.
If you do get a synthetic I foud it takes a bit to get it to seat on the drum, it doesn't seem to spool on as tightly as a steel cable.

Re: Winch cable question
 

Hey, DDT, a guy would have to be nuts to NOT like the looks of a wench on the front!
Sorry! Someone just had to do it.