Winter Winching: Recovery Tips for the Snowbound

If snow runs are on the agenda, then take the time to ‘go prepared’ with these winter winching tips from WARN and Keystone Automotive.

Sure, getting stuck is half the fun but when the cavalry pulls out, who wants to be left behind? This is especially true when exploring varied landscapes with a 4×4 during the throes of winter. While basic recovery techniques apply across seasons and environments, experienced off-roaders agree that a heightened sense of general preparedness is wise when bitter cold or icy conditions raise safety concerns.

Gearing up for any trail adventure requires a little time, a lot of tactfulness, and a helpful off-road checklist. But having the right equipment on hand means nothing if you don’t know how to properly use it.

As lifelong 4×4 enthusiasts well-acquainted with wheeling through Mother Nature’s many moods, Andy Lilienthal, communications manager at WARN, and Dan Guyer, category manager at Keystone Automotive Operations, Inc. serve up some valuable advice for winching in winter.

Q: What advice do you have for assessing a winch before winter use?

Lilienthal: Before heading out onto the trail during the winter, test your winch by spooling it in and out to ensure it’s working properly. Inspect the line for any damage, and replace if necessary. On a steel cable, look for kinks, snarls, flat spots, or bits that have become frayed. Synthetic rope can appear frayed or sliced.

If it doesn’t look good, you can rewind the winch line to help prevent any future spooling problems when you’re in the cold and snow. Just ensure the rope – steel or synthetic – is neatly spooled onto the drum. This will prevent the various layers from slipping under others and potentially damaging the line under load.

Guyer: If the winch is not spooling properly, then a user will have to troubleshoot. Sometimes it’s a simple diagnosis and fix. Is the battery connection or winch controller corroded? Failure to operate also can be caused by a pinched winch controller. In addition, always make sure to thoroughly check thimbles, D-rings, soft shackles, and tree savers to ensure they’re in good, working order – otherwise you’re out of luck when you need them most.

Q: When is it time to call in the professionals?

Lilienthal: If you’re going to attempt repairs to the winch yourself, WARN offers exploded-view diagrams for each of its winches and a team of customer service experts that can help to troubleshoot problems. If challenges continue, or the insides are packed with mud or other contaminates, then you may want to have it serviced by a professional so it’s guaranteed ready-to-go when needed. WARN Industries has a network of authorized service centers where winches can have warranty work performed, or the winches can simply be serviced.

>>>What Should I Look for When Buying a Winch?

Q: Do you have any tips for properly maintaining a winch used throughout the wintertime?

Guyer: Overall, synthetic fibers are revered as ‘worlds safer’ than steel cable, but they require smart, consistent care and maintenance. For example, ice can build up on a synthetic rope when off-roading during winter. So, always keep the rope as clear and clean as possible to avoid wetness settling in – potentially causing abrasions and rendering a winch ineffective.

In general, it’s a good habit to clean synthetic ropes after every off-road trip because when we get lazy in maintenance, things don’t work as intended. Completely unspool, wash with gentle soap and water, then dry out before respooling.

Lilienthal: In particular, if you live in a salty environment, such as the middle- or eastern-part of the USA or Canada, be sure to always wash your winch free of salt to keep its finish in tip-top shape.

Q: Do you have any proven techniques for successful winching in winter conditions?

Lilienthal: Just like winching during other seasons, it’s always important to wear gloves and to carry proper rigging. When in the snow, you’ll often need to use accessories, such as snatch blocks or rope extensions, to perform successful recoveries. And don’t ever attach a winch rope or strap to a vehicle’s ball hitch — it can break off and cause serious injury.

If you’re looking for some additional insight on anchor points, rigging techniques, and even proper hand signals, WARN offers a guide to the fundamentals of basic winching. It’s very comprehensive and completely free. You can download a print-out HERE.

Q: Any tips about surveying the landscape before heading out in winter conditions?

Guyer: It’s less about surveying the landscape and more about using common sense. Go through your checklist, pack everything you need, never venture out alone, and make sure people know exactly where you’re going!

Anything that could normally go wrong is compounded when you’re talking about being out in the cold, snow, and ice. So, understand your environment but know your limitations – and always be prepared for the worst.

Looking for some quality destinations for winter wheeling? Get your 4×4 kicks on these off-road trails.