A winch is not only a piece of equipment to attach to the front of your vehicle. It can also be a lifesaver, especially when your car gets stuck in the mud.
This small contraption can generate enough power to pull your vehicle. If you use this recovery tool the right way, you can get its maximum potential. Understanding how to double winch pulling power, it’s better to learn first the basics of the recovery process.
To maximize the capability of at least 2,500 lb winch, you can make an assembly to double its pulling power. This way, nothing can stop you from tackling any terrain. To make a capable rig, you need to have the right tools and techniques. In this blog post, we have focused on those tips.
Contents
Learning the Basics of How to Double Winch Pulling Power
Components of a winch
A winch assembly comprises a motor powered by the vehicle’s battery. The winch motor winds the wire rope in or out on needs. You’ll notice a loop at the end of the wire rope to receive a hook.
The winch might have an automatic braking system and a clutch to work cohesively to engage or disengage the spool.
You will notice in some electric winches that they have a control box to connect the wires and remote control for convenience.
These are the basic components to help interact with each of them. When you are aware of their functioning, you’ll be capable of manipulating them when in use. Learn the basics of a few things for installations here.
Concept of Pulling Angles
When you take out a vehicle from a mound of dirt, you need to consider which angle you would pull it from. An example may give you a clear picture of the situation.
Suppose there are 2 points. One refers to your stuck vehicle, and the other to your anchor. An anchor might be a tree or any other vehicle that will pull your stuck car out.
Studies show if your anchor directly aligns with the load, it will double the pulling power. If your anchor is perpendicular, i.e. at a 90-degree angle, the pulling force will be only 1:1. It happens when your vehicle is in a tight situation where there isn’t much space to apply a direct anchor.
But when you decrease the 90-degree angle close to the direct line of the load, the pulling power gets increased.
Concept of Line Techniques
The easiest setup is the single-line pull. However, two more techniques are out there to apply.
- Single Line – The single line setup is one straight line from the winch to the load.
- Double Line – The double line setup increases the pulling power because it uses more layers of rope. It may need to use a snatch block.
- Triple Line – The triple line setup is similar to the last one. It utilizes 2 snatch blocks and 2 rigging points.
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Putting The Rigs Together – Step By Step
To assemble a rig with more power, you need to prepare the following things:
- Winch
- Snatch blocks
- Bow shackles
- 2 Rated recovery points
- Winch extension straps
- Hook straps
- Gloves
- Basic toolbox (wrench, cutters, wire rope, winch hook, pliers, screwdrivers, etc.)
Step 1: Identify an Anchor Point and Set the Strap
If you choose to anchor around a tree, make sure it is an immovable point. You, then, need to set the strap or wire ropes firmly around the tree. And then attach a shackle to secure it in place.
In case the anchor is another vehicle, make sure it is stable. To keep the vehicle firm and immotile while pulling the rig, you can push a brick, a stone, or a stump so that the vehicle can’t move.
Step 2: Reel out Your Winch Line
Reach out to your winch line and spool it to bring it near your anchor. Normally, the winch allows this without the need to operate the motor.
Make sure the remote control is off; otherwise, it may cause a dangerous accident if someone triggers it. You need to have enough lines to be able to pull it off.
Step 3: Attach Your Snatch Block
It’s now time to attach the snatch block. Regardless of whether you will have a single line or double, you will need a snatch block.
Open the snatch block and place the winch line. Next to the which, secure the snatch block to the tree shackle and close it.
Step 4: Connect Winch Hook to the Load
When you attach your winch to a snatch block, you will notice the snatch block will come around in a U-position. It is the exact point where you need to hook the end of your winch to your load.
To visualize this better, imagine the letter Y. The top V refers to the winch line going around a snatch block. The tail of the Y will be a line connected to the tree.
This is the basic setup you can use for anchoring and pulling loaded vehicles. You can, of course, go for an alternative rigging technique as well.
Step 5: Secure Your Recovery Points
When you connect your winch hook to the load, you need to connect it to a recovery point. Typically, this is near the front bumper of your vehicle.
If you have 2 recovery points, you can use just one of them on a single line. You can also use both of them on a double line. However, what you have to do is to secure the hook so that it doesn’t slip.
Step 6: Start the Engine and Start Winching
Double-check your lines and points, and then turn on the motor. When it gets started winching, you need to create tension slowly; otherwise, the abrupt movement can cut your line.
The snatch block will slow down your pulling time, and it will also double the pulling power.
Tips: Abrupt driving habits may cause damage or slows down your vehicle’s performance.
Practice Operating Your Equipment
Now that we have discussed how to double your pulling power, you need to be ready for when the time comes. Nobody wants to arrive in a situation where they do not know what to do. That’s why it is always best to check the integrity of your equipment now and then.
You can ensure it only when you put your planned rig to the test. It confirms that everything is reliable in the process. Moreover, testing will give you confidence in the method.
So, for a better experience, try hauling in different scenarios.
It will not only improve your chances of success but will also ensure your safety during the operation.
Conclusion
The combination of winch tools and techniques may vary in different situations. It’s important to understand the fundamentals of setting it up, have the right tools, and be prepared for the crisis moment.
Before starting for rocky, muddy terrains, double-check whether you have a winch on your vehicle. Otherwise, it might be the reason for being a fool.