| An electric winch is a powerful recovery tool. | | | | pull. |
| Used correctly, it provides massive amounts of | | | | The length of cable you spool out also affects the |
| power to pull out your ATV or truck. With the | | | | power of the pull. All electric winches are rated |
| right tools and rigging, you can pull up to two or | | | | based on only one full wrap left on the drum. The |
| even three times the maximum rating of your | | | | less line you reel out, the less power you'll get. For |
| winch. The key to maximum power is knowing | | | | a maximum power pull, unwind enough cable to |
| how to use your recovery equipment to its full | | | | leave only one layer on the drum. If your anchor |
| potential. With these recovery tips, you'll be | | | | point is too close to spool out enough rope, double |
| winching your way out of even the toughest | | | | the line with a snatch block. |
| spots just like the pros. | | | | Another trick to squeeze the most power out of |
| For starters, let's focus on rigging up a single line | | | | your winch is to gas the stuck vehicle. A rolling |
| pull. Whenever possible, choose an anchor point | | | | load fuels the momentum of the pull and eases |
| directly in line with the stuck vehicle. A straight line | | | | the strain on your winch. Before starting the |
| pull is more efficient than an indirect pull. If the | | | | recovery, dig out around the tires or build a rock |
| only option is to winch at an angle, use a snatch | | | | ramp to give the stuck vehicle some traction as it |
| block to guide the cable directly into the winch and | | | | begins to move. |
| prevent it from stacking up on one side of the | | | | As your winch works harder, it generates more |
| drum. Attach the cable as low as possible on the | | | | heat. In order to prevent overheating the motor, |
| anchor point for the best leverage. The base of a | | | | take breaks if you're pulling over a long distance |
| tree, stump, or rock is generally the strongest | | | | and let the motor cool before starting again. |
| point. | | | | Winching places a heavy load on your electrical |
| If you want to double the power of your winch, | | | | system, so keep your engine running to prevent |
| or if the anchor point is too close to let out | | | | a complete drain. In some cases, a stock battery |
| enough cable for a strong pull, use a snatch block | | | | may not provide enough juice to power a |
| to double the line. Using a snatch block will double | | | | maximum pull. Some wheelers swap the stock |
| your load capacity and will allow you to spool out | | | | battery for a heavy duty one, or they install a |
| more cable to reach the maximum rating of your | | | | second battery solely for recovery. |
| winch. For even more power, you can rig up a | | | | Your winch has incredible potential if you know |
| triple line pull. However, use caution with double | | | | how to get the most power out of it. With these |
| and triple lines. As the strength of the pull | | | | advanced winching techniques, you'll have a few |
| increases, so does the amount of stress placed | | | | more tricks up your sleeve when the pulling gets |
| on each rigging point. Make sure your anchor point | | | | tough. |
| is rock solid and can withstand the force of the | | | | |