The importance of a winch

[Rubyroundhouse]

On new years the wife and I were exploring forestry trails in Eastern KY around Cave Run Lake and on an easy gravel road came upon a large downed tree across the road. Utilizing the winch I was able to drag log out of way and utilize a snatch block to pull to side of trail. You could tell where other vehicles had to turn around.

Always remember, recovery gear is a necessity because you never know when something will try and block your adventures.

 

[Boostpowered]

Oh man your gonna get some hate on the winch front.
There are sooo many here who belive a set of max Trax and a tow strap is all they need to get by with.

I'm with you my winch has moved some wood too but most importantly It will keep you from breaking ifs parts if you go to the winch when stuck instead of trying to throttle out of everything Thats how CV shafts get broken on ifs trucks.

 

[G & J]

I have used my winch for projects like moving/lifting trees way more than for recovery. I usually carry an electric chainsaw depending on where I am going.

I did plenty of axe swinging and two man saw work in my younger years so screw that

 

[Rubyroundhouse]

Oh man your gonna get some hate on the winch front.
There are sooo many here who belive a set of max Trax and a tow strap is all they need to get by with.

I'm with you my winch has moved some wood too but most importantly It will keep you from breaking ifs parts if you go to the winch when stuck instead of trying to throttle out of everything Thats how CV shafts get broken on ifs trucks.

View attachment 182258

So true, some might say I could of moved it with a simple tow strap but issue was it was heavy and had to use a snatch block to pull at different angle. All recovery gear is a must. They all have a specific purpose.

 

[Boostpowered]

So true, some might say I could of moved it with a simple tow strap but issue was it was heavy and had to use a snatch block to pull at different angle. All recovery gear is a must. They all have a specific purpose.

Yep I dont use the tow strap unless whats being towed has got wheels, my winch can pull 2x more than my truck is capable of on its own and the truck can be anchored to another 4x4, rock, tree or any other suitable land anchor and not worry about blowing the trans or other critical driveline components.

 

[Smileyshaun]

You could always use maxtracs under the tree as you move it that way it’s a “overlanding tree extraction and trail recovery “

 

[Lindenwood]

I have gently tugged a log out of the way with several bounces of a snatch strap. Was way faster than winching***

But I will admit for anyone not actively "wheeling," this is probably the best justification for a winch.

***edit: Way faster especially when you account for all the time at the end of the trip carefully respooling the winch line.

 

[smritte]

Oh man your gonna get some hate on the winch front.
There are sooo many here who belive a set of max Trax and a tow strap is all they need to get by with.

Gawd...so true.
I cant count the number of fallen trees and debris I've moved with my winch. I can count on one hand how many vehicles I've used it for. Odds are, if I'm stuck, I wont need it. Having a tree fall across the road I needed to drive to go home, made me glad I had it. BTW, I did try to move it with my strap first. Would have been nice to not have to drag the cable out.

 

[Boostpowered]

Gawd...so true.
I cant count the number of fallen trees and debris I've moved with my winch. I can count on one hand how many vehicles I've used it for. Odds are, if I'm stuck, I wont need it. Having a tree fall across the road I needed to drive to go home, made me glad I had it. BTW, I did try to move it with my strap first. Would have been nice to not have to drag the cable out.

Replace the cable with synthetic and it won't be a chore to use it's way lighter. Much safer if it breaks it won't cut you or someone else in half and synthetic floats.

 

[Billiebob]

Around here you need a chainsaw.

 

[MidOH]

I almost always bring my chainsaw.

LoL-ing at the too heavy quip. Sounds like a challenge to me.

 

[slax]

Just finished installing a Warn Evo 10. I'm not sure if we'll need it to recover the rig, but glad to know it's there in case we do. I'm also tired of pulling trees out of the way with a tow strap. :D

 

[Jdsint]

I'm with you. Better to have it and not need it....

 

[MegaBug]

+1 on the chainsaw and winch!! They got us out of a sticky situation this day .... and opened the trail for others to a lovely little Rec Site :)

 

[DaveFromCasper]

On new years the wife and I were exploring forestry trails in Eastern KY around Cave Run Lake and on an easy gravel road came upon a large downed tree across the road. Utilizing the winch I was able to drag log out of way and utilize a snatch block to pull to side of trail. You could tell where other vehicles had to turn around.

Always remember, recovery gear is a necessity because you never know when something will try and block your adventures.

I carry an axe for the situation you describe. A winch has saved my ass, but there's cheaper and lighter ways to solve what you desvribe. I sometimes also carry a machete and a dewalt cordless chainsaw if trees are likely to be an issue.

 

[Skidpl8]

I usually bring a beaver...or two

 

[bear_den_overland]

Good thread.

 

[jimmyjamson]

On new years the wife and I were exploring forestry trails in Eastern KY around Cave Run Lake and on an easy gravel road came upon a large downed tree across the road. Utilizing the winch I was able to drag log out of way and utilize a snatch block to pull to side of trail Burnaby plumbing companies. You could tell where other vehicles had to turn around.

Always remember, recovery gear is a necessity because you never know when something will try and block your adventures.

That sounds like quite the adventure! It’s always great to be prepared with the right recovery gear, especially when exploring off-road areas like the trails around Cave Run Lake. It’s impressive that you were able to handle the situation with the winch and snatch block — definitely a good reminder that you never know when you’ll encounter an obstacle. Having the right tools on hand can make all the difference in keeping your adventure going. Thanks for sharing your experience — it's a solid tip for anyone heading out on similar trails!