Winch on the front, or winch on the back?

[TheHeretic]

Which is best? Is it better to winch yourself forward, potentially into more trouble, or backwards, where you came from?

(I realise there are setups that can do both, just wondering what the concencus is)

[camel_landy]

Tirfor hand winch...

That way you can winch in any direction.

...it also means that the only modification you need to make to your truck is to make sure you've got decent recovery points.

M

[TheHeretic]

I used to use an old chain block in the states, (after I got stuck one day, miles from anywhere, in the snow, in a ditch). You could throw that on pretty much anywhere, and it was great.

[100SRV]

TheHeretic said:

Which is best? Is it better to winch yourself forward, potentially into more trouble, or backwards, where you came from?

(I realise there are setups that can do both, just wondering what the concencus is)

It depends upon whether the going gets easier beyond the point where you are presently stuck - time spend on reconnaissance is seldom wasted!

If I fitted a winch to my car I'd use a US style receiver so I can mount it front or rear and use same to stow the device internally. The problem is once you have a winch the associated paraphernalia to make it useful takes up room and payload - extension rope, ground anchor etc.

I firmly believe in common sense, (i.e. a good recce on foot of tricky bits) a hi-lift with pad, good shovel and some digging. That has solved 98% of my "stucks" in 20 years of green laning and off-roading.

[TheHeretic]

So, front or back?

I only ask because little bro has just had a winch fitted to his SJ on the front, and was just curious.

[camel_landy]

Unless I actually had a need, I wouldn't do either! If you're out with others, a winch recovery is very slow... A quick tug with a rope would be far quicker & easier. So, in that situation, you don't need one.

If you're solo, you'll want to get out via a known good route... Backwards. In that scenario, you'll want a winch but it'll need to be able to pull you backwards.

The only time I'd vehicle mount a winch, on the front, would be for the like of winch challenge events or if I needed it as part of my job.

M

[TheHeretic]

You see, I agree with both. A tug is quicker than anything, (nudge, nudge, wink, wink). I also think the best place for a winch is the back.

[bigblock]

Why don't I try and answer your actual question

My preference would be to fit a winch to the front of the vehicle because in theory that will allow you to overcome obstacles in front of you and continue on your chosen route.

[100SRV]

camel_landy said:

Unless I actually had a need, I wouldn't do either! If you're out with others, a winch recovery is very slow... A quick tug with a rope would be far quicker & easier. So, in that situation, you don't need one.

If you're solo, you'll want to get out via a known good route... Backwards. In that scenario, you'll want a winch but it'll need to be able to pull you backwards.

The only time I'd vehicle mount a winch, on the front, would be for the like of winch challenge events or if I needed it as part of my job.

M

What he said...winches look good but you need training and extra equipment in order to use them successfully and safely. Spend the money on some training, a hi-lift jack (also jacking points) and a shovel.

[mikeh501]

good luck mounting a winch on the back of most vehicles...

[TheHeretic]

mikeh501 said:

good luck mounting a winch on the back of most vehicles...

You mean like this



I don't see why it would cause an issue at all.

[camel_landy]

mikeh501 said:

good luck mounting a winch on the back of most vehicles...

Exactly... Which is why I suggest getting a hand winch.

It doesn't look as 'cool' as front mounted one but it is more versatile, cheaper and doesn't affect the handling of the car. OK, it is slow and takes a bit of effort to use but if you drive properly and are careful with your route choice, you'll rarely have to use it anyway.

M

[camel_landy]

TheHeretic said:

You mean like this



I don't see why it would cause an issue at all.

Nice mount...

Some vehicles take to having a rear winch better than others. The Defender can be a PITA as it requires quite a bit of work, where as that one looks as though it'll just bolt straight on. 8)

M

[TheHeretic]

Just weld the box on. job done!

[mikeh501]

TheHeretic said:

You mean like this



I don't see why it would cause an issue at all.

I bet that rear winch bumper assembly wasnt cheap.... you know exactly what i meant tho. for every rear mounted winch assembly there are 100 front mounted ones for sale.

also, trying to use a tirfor when your on your own is nigh on impossible. so much easier with a winch.

[mat13]

A few winch companys do a winch mount designed to be stowed in the boot and clip on to the tow ball when needed, one of those and a towball front and rear and your sorted.

Personally whenever im off out offroading i chuck the tirfor and a few tackle blocks into the back, if i have them i never seem to need them.

[camel_landy]

mikeh501 said:

...trying to use a tirfor when your on your own is nigh on impossible. so much easier with a winch.

The Tirfors are fine on their own... Did you mean using a hi-lift as a winch?

M

[TheHeretic]

On a side ore, have you seen the wheel winches? Anyone tried one? They look pretty funky!

[Caulkhead]

I've never had a winch, just a hi-lift jack, chain, strop and shackles which I use as a short pull winch.

It gives you a good workout when you get stuck and teaches you to be a better driver as you'll do anything not to get stuck!

[g7jtk]

You can get a winch mount that fits to the tow bar reciever and put one on the front then you fit the winch where you want it.