Electric winch question

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42GPW
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Electric winch question

Post by 42GPW » Sun Feb 03, 2019 5:40 pm

Without out going crazy overkill on a winch, i.e. pulling weight, and cost. Whats an economical size and brand?
(For a 2,120lb CJ2A)
Matt R
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by W. Winget » Sun Feb 03, 2019 6:29 pm

Harbor Freight sells a 2500 Lb model for ATVs for $69.95
https://www.harborfreight.com/2500-lbs- ... 61840.html
You will need a 12 volt system....

If I were to do it, I would rig it onto a steel plate then chain it to the front or rear as needed (with set of jumper cables carried) so it's only out of the bag when I went 4 wheeling. That 2500 model is about the whole size of your starter with the cable reel included in that size, i.e. small..and lighter than a jeep starter. They make a 5k size as well but then your adding more weight. A simple hook on a pulley (Snatch Block) will double the pulling strength of that 2500 winch but shorten your cable by 1/2 length (reach). Simple enough to add more strength by carrying one for around $20.

V/R W Winget

PS: More reliable in my view, a high Lift jack with straps and chains set, this is virtually indestructible and no hassle of connections, etc. you can pull, push, and use it to do other things around the property.WAW
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42GPW
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by 42GPW » Sun Feb 03, 2019 6:39 pm

Ok. So the 2500 will be enough for my jeep? And i do already have a snatch block and a high lift. Im getting old, and manuvering a high lift isnt where i want to be anymore.lol. thanks for your help.

Matt R
1947 cj2a
1956 dj-3a dispatcher
1946 t3c
U.S Army (11C3P2B) 1989-2006
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2ID Korea
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42GPW
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by 42GPW » Sun Feb 03, 2019 6:41 pm

Also im running a 12volt system.

Matt R
1947 cj2a
1956 dj-3a dispatcher
1946 t3c
U.S Army (11C3P2B) 1989-2006
82nd Abn, 1st Gulf War Vet
101st Abn oif/oef Vet
2ID Korea
40th Inf
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by robymn » Tue Nov 19, 2019 6:16 pm

Any update? What winch did you get? I saw some nice options at 4wo| atv parts, though I'm curious also if atv winches are good enough for early CJ's.

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Re: Electric winch question

Post by parker007 » Tue Nov 19, 2019 7:40 pm

atv winch usually use plastic gears. i strip them before and that with a atv weight 680 pounds. i have used electric winches a lot and you get what you pay for! warn or ramsey the best followed by milemarker. harber freight winches are cheap but will work in emergency you need entry level auto winch like a 4k, remember 4k which only pull rolling load up a incline not lift 4k. remember a snatch block always your friend.

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Re: Electric winch question

Post by 42GPW » Wed Nov 20, 2019 2:37 am

Well i have a warn 2500lb. Im going to mount that. Im not really the type to go get into a stickey position. And due to funds, its going to have to work for now.

Matt R
1947 cj2a
1956 dj-3a dispatcher
1946 t3c
U.S Army (11C3P2B) 1989-2006
82nd Abn, 1st Gulf War Vet
101st Abn oif/oef Vet
2ID Korea
40th Inf
45th Inf

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Re: Electric winch question

Post by Rus Curtis » Wed Nov 20, 2019 6:29 am

I had not seen this post until now. Research seems to be the most important. Simply typing your question into Google would have given you all the info you needed - and then some.

Most indicate two things: Ratings are based on an empty spool. As you add layers (wrappings) the pull capacity is reduced. This is a strain on the winch and your battery. The other thing is a simple factor applied to the GVW to arrive at a surplus to give you a working "pad" for getting unstuck. As you probably know, buried in mud is exponentially more difficult to extract than a couple of wheels that have lost traction on a dry surface.

Search for videos of winching accidents to see how bad/dangerous it can get.

Since you have already settled on a winch, search mechanical advantage using pulleys. Adding pulleys will multiply your pulling capacity (reduce work load on winch).

Since I'm not an expert on winches, what I share is what I've researched to educate me on the same needs.

Hope this helps.
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by W. Winget » Wed Nov 20, 2019 7:30 am

Wear gloves and never power on closer than a foot from the drum while holding the cable...
Had a guy at NTC eat half his hand when he pulled it in with the cable...no one was around to back it out and it took massive effort for him to extract himself and then drive for help...ugh...
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by eclipse » Wed Nov 20, 2019 3:27 pm

My little winch (Braden LU-4) is 7,500 lb LIFT. It has 150' of 1\2" cable. I still always use snatch blocks and rigging to ease the strain. Pulling someone out of mud always requires anchoring my truck as 6,200lbs will still just skid on locked wheels when pulling.
My 2,500lb PULL winch is worthless for pulling out a stuck vehicle. I use it to move things around in the yard.
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by roughneck20 » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:40 am

while i know very little about winches my original plan was to get an original winch and use that but i then opted to use this with a remote https://www.harborfreight.com/automotiv ... 68144.html as its rating exceeds the gross weight of the jeep
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by W. Winget » Thu Nov 21, 2019 6:52 am

Minor point (Having a HUMVEE Warn winch on my old Bronco II)
If you electric winch, keep your motor running at high idle...your battery really isn't designed for heavy drain loads of a winch and you can kill one fairly quickly by sucking the life out of it. After winching, let the vehicle charge up before turning the vehicle off, just like you had a dead battery or you may find she won't start again without a jump....

I noticed the engine almost die on my Bronco II after a minute, when hitting the power switch on a 12V converted, 12K rated, Humvee winch I mounted (overkill for her, but great safety ratio and free...) :D

That's why industrial and military rigs usually go with a PTO or Hydraulic winch as they run when the engine runs as long as there is fuel, and off roaders that "know" run two batteries and a high amp alternator.
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Re: Electric winch question

Post by robymn » Tue Nov 26, 2019 4:16 pm

42GPW wrote:
Wed Nov 20, 2019 2:37 am
Well i have a warn 2500lb. Im going to mount that. Im not really the type to go get into a stickey position. And due to funds, its going to have to work for now.

Matt R
Thanks for replying. My buddy is selling his used Engo elec winch. It is a 9000lb winch so weight can be a problem.


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