To winch or not to winch

[danend]

A little background, I don’t plan on doing much more than easy to moderate off-roading in my JTR. I have a RZR XP Turbo with a winch and all the recovery gear that I take on the more difficult stuff. The issue is that I live in the Midwest, so deeper mud is always a possibility on the trails and sometimes at unexpected times. It’s rare I would ever be doing something solo, but no one in my group has a winch on their Jeep.

I’m debating the “I need help to get unstuck” risk if we can’t manage it with kinetic ropes vs the potential fire risk that winches (or any accessory wired direct to the battery) add. I’m a firefighter and have responded to several fires either parked or in accidents that I believe are likely caused by additional accessories added to the vehicle. I would certainly use a battery disconnect switch to minimize the risk.

I see both as fairly low probability, but the stuck one is mostly a pride hit and maybe paying someone to get me out. The fire risk, while also very unlikely, has much more serious consequences. I pride myself on being the prepared for everything person with my family and friends so I’m leaning towards adding the winch, but part of me keeps wondering if it is worth it.

Anyone else have this internal debate and land one way or the other?

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[Scott0700]

Never questioned the decision to add a winch after I was stuck and alone.
Don’t forget tree straps, pulleys and shackles.

 

[Chaos Theory]

As a first responder for over 20 years, I understand how you sometimes see things on a regular basis at work, and assume it's enough of a risk to plan for it. In this case, the chances of a significant crash, leading to spontaneous fire due to a winch, is so very remote... Plus, some winches (mine included) require that it be switched on inside the cab before you can do anything outside. That's what the 4-aux switch cluster is for!

That said, most people who have winches don't use it much. Many just use it for looks, frankly. It's a heavy weight at the front of your vehicle that changes the handling, suspension and MPG, however slightly. It's cost-vs-benefit. How likely are you to need it vs how likely are you going to need it in a situation where there is no other option (tow truck, buddies, etc)?

If you don't think you're going to need it, don't get it unless you're after that "bad ass" look. There are better mods for your Jeep you can do with that $. There are also non-electric winch straps you can get for "that 1 scenario"...

 

[fourfa]

+1 if you're not certain that you need it, you probably don't.

Maybe that will change in the future, in which case you can add one later

 

[danend]

Definitely thinking more for utility than looks. Now the lift and larger tires, that’s mostly for looks based on how I use it. ?

 

[cranbiz]

I'm in the camp of if you will take your JT into an area where you may get stuck, you need a winch.

My JT is not my primary off road Jeep but it is the designated recovery vehicle for my JK in the event I'm disabled off road. It's also a work truck around the property and a winch (or 2) can be really handy in tree removal, shrub removal, etc.

So, my JK, the winch is essential, my JT the winch is desirable, so it got one.

 

[Silverator]

@danend - sounds like you might be a candidate for one of these :

https://www.bushwinch.com/the-bush-winch-in-action/

I've seen em in action on old school jeepers, and they work. Fixes the "winch up front", electrical fire, weight problem.

 

[mkopec]

As a first responder for over 20 years, I understand how you sometimes see things on a regular basis at work, and assume it's enough of a risk to plan for it. In this case, the chances of a significant crash, leading to spontaneous fire due to a winch, is so very remote... Plus, some winches (mine included) require that it be switched on inside the cab before you can do anything outside. That's what the 4-aux switch cluster is for!

That said, most people who have winches don't use it much. Many just use it for looks, frankly. It's a heavy weight at the front of your vehicle that changes the handling, suspension and MPG, however slightly. It's cost-vs-benefit. How likely are you to need it vs how likely are you going to need it in a situation where there is no other option (tow truck, buddies, etc)?

If you don't think you're going to need it, don't get it unless you're after that "bad ass" look. There are better mods for your Jeep you can do with that $. There are also non-electric winch straps you can get for "that 1 scenario"...

Can you provide a link on how to add the isolation or switched function through the Aux switch? I mounted a winch yesterday, and the winch had no instruction or hardware for this. thanks!

 

[danend]

Can you provide a link on how to add the isolation or switched function through the Aux switch? I mounted a winch yesterday, and the winch had no instruction or hardware for this. thanks!

Not sure on the link, but look for winch solenoid connected to factory aux switches. It’s a pretty straight forward connection.

 

[BGlad]

I do not plan on getting a winch. I have 2 come a longs, chain, and straps in the bed in a Tupperware. Hopefully thats enough in the event i need it.

 

[DanW]

A little background, I don’t plan on doing much more than easy to moderate off-roading in my JTR. I have a RZR XP Turbo with a winch and all the recovery gear that I take on the more difficult stuff. The issue is that I live in the Midwest, so deeper mud is always a possibility on the trails and sometimes at unexpected times. It’s rare I would ever be doing something solo, but no one in my group has a winch on their Jeep.

I’m debating the “I need help to get unstuck” risk if we can’t manage it with kinetic ropes vs the potential fire risk that winches (or any accessory wired direct to the battery) add. I’m a firefighter and have responded to several fires either parked or in accidents that I believe are likely caused by additional accessories added to the vehicle. I would certainly use a battery disconnect switch to minimize the risk.

I see both as fairly low probability, but the stuck one is mostly a pride hit and maybe paying someone to get me out. The fire risk, while also very unlikely, has much more serious consequences. I pride myself on being the prepared for everything person with my family and friends so I’m leaning towards adding the winch, but part of me keeps wondering if it is worth it.

Anyone else have this internal debate and land one way or the other?

I have a winch on each of my Wranglers and I've used them maybe 5 times in 16 years. If I count my YJ, maybe 6 times in 30. But I've always felt that if I didn't have it is when I'd need it. Lol!

On my Gladiator, I'm leaning toward a winch with a receiver mount. Then I don't have to carry it around everywhere. I've always felt that if I get into a sticky situation, I'll probably want to be pulled out from behind, anyway. I had this setup on my 1999 Chevy Silverado and 1993 YJ.....and of course never used it except to pull out one stump. But I didn't have to carry it around, either. It was great, though because I didn't have to carry it around all the time. It mostly sat in the garage except on off-roading trips. I had a receiver on my YJ on both the front and rear. So it was ready to go either way.

I'll continue this inner debate for a long time before deciding. And usually, on the toughest trails, I'm surrounded by other Jeeps that have winches. Maybe I'll rely on them and just carry my Hi-Lift Jack that they can use if needed. Oh, and my battery powered chain saw that I'll also probably never need. LOL!

 

[Chaos Theory]

Can you provide a link on how to add the isolation or switched function through the Aux switch? I mounted a winch yesterday, and the winch had no instruction or hardware for this. thanks!

I didn't do the install, but was apparently required with the TrailFX kit and presumably had instructions. Hooked it to Aux 4.

 

[fourfa]

One of these: https://www.warn.com/power-interrupt-kit-62132

Throw away the switch that comes with it. Wire one of your AUX lines to the trigger input.

Probably cheaper at other sources of your choice. It's an Ametek SAS-4214, but similar solenoids are available lots of places.

 

[Dickster]

You might as well get one now...... you broke the seal and your going to wish you had one in the near future.

 

[WILDHOBO]

Definitely thinking more for utility than looks. Now the lift and larger tires, that’s mostly for looks based on how I use it. ?

The way I look at it, you should have one if you wheel alone ever. Things happen on easy trails as well. If you think it’s going to be a rare occurrence, buy a less expensive one and test it every once and a while. If someone plans to need it relatively often, don’t skimp on quality. You’ll want it to work when you need it, and not fail due to quality control. As far as fire risk, the cables shouldn’t be energized at the front of the vehicle. A solenoid connected to an aux switch or any switch should be mounted right next to the battery. That way your risk of fire from an impact is the same as a direct hit to the battery itself.

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