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Good to know about vehicle winches

Here is some good to know information about vehicle winches. If you have any questions about our winches, please contact us. We have worked with WARN since the mid-70s.

• Pulling force – The pulling force needed for a vehicle winch is usually calculated against the gross weight of a vehicle. Multiply the gross weight by 1.5. A vehicle weighing 3 tons should have a winch with a pulling force of at least 4.5 tons. Also note that the pulling force decreases by approx. 10% for each turn that the winch line is wound.
• Battery – The vehicle battery is used to start an engine and can power accessories such as auxiliary lights when the engine is running. It is possible to connect a vehicle winch to a vehicle battery, but if you winch much or for a long time, you should upgrade or supplement with another battery (preferably deep cycle or marine battery).
• Winch rope – Vehicle winches are offered with traditional steel rope or more modern synthetic rope. Both ropes have the same pulling force, but steel rope is generally a bit more tough, while synthetic rope is easier to handle, it stretches less and weighs less as well.
• Safety – A winch and its rope must be handled with high safety, otherwise the risk of personal injury is high. Always wear safety gloves, never touch the winch drum during use, keep a safe distance from the winch rope and preferably use a winch mat with steel rope.
• Snatch block – With a snatch block, you can double the pulling power of a winch, as well as change its pulling direction, without damaging the winch rope. A snatch block relieves the winch, reducing its power consumption and heat build-up.

WARN has an excellent introduction that shows how to use a winch in the best and safest way possible: WARN – Basic guide to winching.