I got to thinking... portable winch?

[Plumber101010]

I'm 65 and been at this for a long time. I'm not an expert but I get around when it comes to winching. I have a Warn m12000 I took off my truck but I'm now driving around in a Chevy cargo van. I don't care about looks just functionality. And they don't make any mounts for that type vehicle. I think there's a fortune to be made if somebody did, but for now I'm on my own. Least wise reasonably priced. I think I FINALLY found one place online that makes custom bumper style mounts, but I'm not into spending a few thousand dollars... I can't even find a front hitch so I can do a portable one.

However I do want to get unstuck if the situation arises, because though I may not have my truck, I have the heart still. So my locking rear axle with mud tires gets me out of most situations by itself.

Portable winch mounts are nothing new for the rear of the vehicle. But my thinking is why can't I just take this a step further? Why can't I just mount the winch to a portable winch mount and attach it with my straps to a tree and winch myself out that way? What's the difference? What am I missing?

Would seem easy for me to come up with something like a handtruck and a battery. I almost am thinking I don't even need a mount, I can just strap the winch itself to a tree! Ok ok, probably not but you get my point

But I've never seen anyone talk about this or give any builds or ideas or even see anything for sale for such an endeavour! Little tree winches yes, but not a big one. Why couldn't I just take a Winch plate and then take one of my straps and strap that entire thing to a tree and pull myself out?

It seems very doable! Keep in mind now, I don't have any options for a regular mount so I can't attach it to the front of my van! So if it's no Winch or make something that's portable, why not? What are the pitfalls?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

I've seen it done. The pitfall is keeping the winch from twisting & rotating as the wide drum and shallow layers invite a moment anytime the winch is off center. You could use a bridle configuration to the front or rear of your van to reduce this issue.

Beyond that, power cable management and length are also considerations.

 

[Kevin B.]

Just thinking out loud here - instead of a portable battery on a handcart, why not set up your "remote" winch on a bridle to the recovery points on the front or rear of the van? You'd need longer power leads than if it was installed on the van, but that might be an easier solution than trying to make something portable, and the vans alternator can help out while you're winching instead of praying there's enough juice in your portable. It would reduce overall weight and bulk too, you wouldn't need that extra battery.

The biggest drawback I see would be storage of the winch while it's not in use, but that's solvable with a little effort.

 

[Plumber101010]

Just thinking out loud here - instead of a portable battery on a handcart, why not set up your "remote" winch on a bridle to the recovery points on the front or rear of the van? You'd need longer power leads than if it was installed on the van, but that might be an easier solution than trying to make something portable, and the vans alternator can help out while you're winching instead of praying there's enough juice in your portable. It would reduce overall weight and bulk too, you wouldn't need that extra battery.

The biggest drawback I see would be storage of the winch while it's not in use, but that's solvable with a little effort.

Sorry but I am not following you, can you draw it out for me a little more simple? I mean I kind of understand what you're saying, but where am I mounting the winch to? That's where I'm losing it

 

[Kevin B.]

Sorry but I am not following you, can you draw it out for me a little more simple? I mean I kind of understand what you're saying, but where am I mounting the winch to? That's where I'm losing it

You have recovery points on the front and rear of the van, yeah? Mount the winch in a cradle, strap the cradle to the recovery points.

Your idea, if I'm understanding correctly:


How I would do it:

 

[Plumber101010]

Oh! Wow! Yes, good idea. Great idea actually! Thanks!

 

[Plumber101010]

Well wait, I don't really have recovery points that I'm aware of, I mean not like hooks that trucks have. I will have to check on that but I'm pretty sure that I do not