When all else fails and you get bogged, using your 4×4 winch may be your only option left, but there are a few things you need to remember to make it easier and safer. Electric 4WD winches have been around for a while and are one of them most useful bits of gear you can fit to your 4WD. Here’s a few things you need to know before using your 12,000lb winch for the first time.

4×4 Winches draw big current, and your 4WD’s electrical system will be working hard. Something to remember is that when voltage goes down, current goes up, so your nice 4WDwinch battery will be working overtime. Current generates heat so the longer you continually use your 4×4 winch the more likely you are to cook it. For these reasons, use a minimum rule of thumb of 30/30. Winch for 30 seconds, then let it rest for at least another 30 seconds before continuing.

A good way too reduce the load on your 4WD winch is by going to a double or triple line pull. A single line pull goes out to an anchor point, a double then goes back to the front of the 4WD, while a triple then extends out to another anchor. Tree trunk protectors must be used, along with a rated d-shackles and snatch blocks. Each time an additional length of cable is run out, line speed will drop as will the current used, each proportional to the number of lengths.

The beauty of nature is that it changes around every bend, so when you need to use your 12,000lb winch, that ideal anchor point may still be out of reach. To get extra length you could opt for a winch extension strap, which unlike a snatch strap that has an elastic feature, these straps do not. They work best with a constant load and they may be what you need to get that extra length.

If you don’t have a winch extension strap or you are using another 4WD as an anchor point, or doing the 4×4 winch recovery for you, then you will need to anchor it correctly. If two 4WD’s with an identical weight were used, then the 4WD with the least amount of assistance from gravity and the least amount of traction will ultimately fight a losing battle. To overcome these distinct disadvantages, you can secure the rear of the recovering 4WD or substitute anchor point to its own anchor point behind it. Again, a suitably rated tree trunk protector is used, but the rear of the second 4WD is connected to the tree trunk protector via a drag chain.

Your electric 4×4 winch should be mounted in a winch compatible bullbar, all of the connection points or hooks used must be rated and suited to the task, and you should never compromise on safety. Some accidents can never be undone, but they can be avoided.

Safety is your number one consideration when it comes to using your 4WD winch, and the first thing you should think about after you have made the decision to perform a winch recovery. Check these before you head out, not when you are already stuck. When it comes to using a 12,000lb winch out in the bush, safety is the name of the game and it should always be of the highest priority.

In the event of a breakage steel winch cable is best repaired by a certified company, though synthetic rope can be trimmed and platted to get it going again. As synthetic rope has a rating proportional to its diameter, so is the amount of platting required to match it. As one end is passed through the synthetic winch rope, as it can expands and opens up the threads when the length is compressed, and the total length and number of times it does this will give it its strength as the rope is pulled taught and binds the rope to create a strong joint.

The best part about fitting a 12,000lb winch to your 4WD is that it gives you the assurance you need to tackle tough low range 4WD tracks. You’ll be safe in the knowledge that should you get stuck, your electric low mount 4×4 winch is there to get you unbogged without much effort. Whether you’re just starting out 4WDing and want to fit a 4×4 winch for recoveries or you’re an experienced 4WDer, if you learn how to use your 4×4 winch you’ll be ready to tackle any track!