A few years ago I sent a winch to a friend that I owed so he could install it on his trailer. I didn’t hear anything about it for a few weeks and then asked him if he had gotten it. He said he had, but hadn’t installed it because it had some cheap nylon rope on it instead of a steel cable. I laughed and told him to get into the modern era because a synthetic winch rope is an upgrade, and a big one at that! Once he looked it up and realized the advantages, he was sold but it took a little time.
If you are new to the world of synthetic winch ropes, know that these things weigh a fraction of the comparable steel cable, have no tiny broken strands to cut into your hands, and don’t have all that stored energy to release when the hook snaps or comes off the rig. They are safer, and pretty much better in every way. Yes, they can be cut if you don’t watch them on sharp objects, but that’s pretty easy to avoid and we love ours.
One thing that most of the winch companies, and the companies selling synthetic winch cable upgrades will tell you is that you should wind it out and give it a stretch before using it. Fred Williams is going to explain why and show you how to do this on your winch in the video below. Check it out, and upgrade your winch cable for your trailer if you haven’t already.
Video Description:
Did you know that there are lots of reasons why your winch rope might be due for replacement? Abrasion, abuse, UV degradation, or just old age. I normally don’t worry about that stuff, but figured it might be time to upgrade the old 10,000 pound Warn on my Chevy. Plus I thought I should show you how I pre-tension the winch rope, as it’s a good idea for a long lasting recovery component.
