| The ideal winch control setup includes a | | | | you use to operate your winch, keep your eye |
| combination of two controls: 1) interior and corded | | | | on the cable the entire time so that if it snaps, |
| or 2) interior and wireless. Here's an overview of | | | | you can get out of the way as quickly as possible. |
| the three types of winch controls for off road | | | | Corded Winch Remote Control |
| use. | | | | A corded winch remote gives you greater |
| Interior Winch Rocker | | | | flexibility in where you stand as you operate your |
| A handlebar rocker switch or in-cab switch lets | | | | winch. Most corded winch controls are 12 feet in |
| you control the winch and give the stuck vehicle | | | | length, so you can winch from a distance but still |
| some gas at the same time. This is especially | | | | keep an eye on the entire winching process, |
| helpful if you are trying to winch out by yourself. | | | | including your cable as it stacks on the drum. If |
| One of the added benefits of an interior winch | | | | you see the cable start to stack up on one side, |
| control if you have a closed cab is that you can | | | | you can stop the winching process and respool |
| stay warm and dry as you operate your winch. | | | | the cable correctly before it causes any damage. |
| Interior winch controls are convenient, but they | | | | The downside of a corded winch remote? You're |
| have their downside as well. From behind the | | | | restricted by the length of the cord. |
| wheel, you can't watch the cable as it stacks on | | | | Wireless Winch Remote Control |
| the drum. You won't be able to see if the cable is | | | | A wireless winch remote allows you to stand |
| piling up on one side or if it's rubbing on something. | | | | even further away from the cable for safety but |
| Another downside is safety. Sitting in line with the | | | | still keep an eye on the cable stacking and the |
| cable as you winch leaves you vulnerable. A | | | | winching process. Wireless also means you don't |
| snapped steel cable can cause serious injury and | | | | have to deal with a cord getting in your way. |
| even smash through your windshield. Don't | | | | Most wireless winch controls are compact and fit |
| assume your vehicle will protect you if your cable | | | | on your keychain, so you don't have to worry |
| breaks. | | | | about losing it. Wireless remotes depend on |
| Low-impact pulls place less strain on your cable, | | | | batteries, so bring extra batteries along when |
| making it safer to control the winch from inside | | | | you're out on the trail. |
| your vehicle. However, no matter which control | | | | |