Alright so im looking to invest in a winch, but I see they are like 8k lb to 15k lbs but when I got stuck deep in mud, I used one of the 20k lb tow straps, http://www.summitracing.com/parts/SMT-CC220 , and it snapped! So i want to know, these winchs arent going to break on me will they? Also I will be getting the synthetic ropes

 

No.

 

the reason it snapped is its a tow strap not really used for hard pulls . A 4 inch strap would serve much better for hard stuff .A winch is great but just because you have one dont think a strap is still not needed.i have a super yanker rope 1 1/4 inch like 50 ,000 lbs serves me well but also a snaller one for the easy stuff will be getting a winch after bumper build for the really bad stuff http://www.masterpull.com/cpage.cfm?cpid=425

 

On the winch you want 1 and a half your vehicle weight. So 8k to 95k should work fine. Anything can break at any givin time. It comes down to is it used right and maintain regular. on straps there are a bunch of cheap ones that do say 20k on them but they do not stand up. A good quality strap and make sure it does not have cuts or frays as this will weaken it. Also make sure all attaching points are good so it does not cut straps ot kink cables.

 

a few of my friends run these winchs and work very well for them and not a bad price either

 

Alright thanks, its just im scared to spend 500$ on a winch and then in snap on me for a something stupid, the tow strap was brand new rated at 20k and barely pulled hard and snapped like nothing....I have no exp. with winchs so thats why i figured you all would know best. Thanks!!

 

****** straps are not at most auto parts stores heres afewhttp://www.google.com/search?q=4+inc...&tbm=shop&aq=f

 

best forum reply ever.... hahaha

 

Ive got a smitty built 8,000lb. it was cheep and i havent broken a thing with it yet (execpt a couple of trees) Its all about how you use your winch/tow straps that will define how they will last. I went and got a rugged ridge 30,000lb tow strap, a hi-lift, and the winch. havent found a thing that i cant get out of yet. btw, the winch has regular steel cable. remeber, not all 10, 20, or 30K straps are made the same.

 

The smitty strap is made in china and is very stiff. I have seen a bunch of these break some for no apparant reason some for being cut or snagged on something (wrapped around axles and such). I have the procomp and also the ARB ones they are more expensive but have more give and are still cheaper than a new windshield or vehicle damage or worse yet a person injured. There are some things you should not go cheap on.

 

you don't want a strap that is too big either. it won't give you the proper stretch to help you out of a stuck.
i carry two 2"x30' and two 3"x20' recovery straps with kevlar reinforced loops. you can get a rub sleeve that slips over the strap to help with sharp objects, but are hard to find. they can be had from a tow truck company.

also, you should only use your winch for self recovery when a running ****** cannot be performed.
and i only use my straps for my own jeep. not to pull anyone elses jeep, they should provide their own strap. and i only use my strap for one pull. they need time to recover themselves so they don't get damaged.

my recovery gear is far too expensive to use for others. there has been the odd exception like when i'm up a hill and have to pull someone up around a bend using ****** blocks.