Wire or synthetic winch cable?

[benjy]

We're starting to get ready for wheeling this year, and the first thing on the "to do" list is figure out what we should do as far as winch cable goes. On our last trip of last year, our cable took quite a beating... The first question is if our current wire cable's integrity has been compromised. There are 2 kinks in the line.

The next question, is if we should replace that line, should we go with synthetic or normal wire cable, and why?

 

[chadschoon]

I like synthetic. you just have to watch for it draging on rocks and such. IVe broken one having to use it to fix my steering and it rubbed on the bumper an broke. But you can braid them again. Rockmonkey (braden) did a wright up on braiding the rope, I just havent fixed mine yet lol

 

[muddyjeep]

For safety I would go with rope.

 

[yellowbronco]

From the looks of the poll it looks like you're getting yourself a new winch rope!!

 

[RockMonkey]

Synthetic rope! I've used both (a lot) and will never go back to wire rope. My synthetic ropes have lasted many times longer than any wire rope I've ever had. When you break wire rope you can't really do anything about it. With synthetic rope you can tie it in a nasty knot and keep using it, and when you get some time you can splice it back together and it's as good (actually better than) new!

 

[Tacoma]

That cable is done. Get a new one at least...

... but I'd go with synthetic. Just keep it covered, UV kills. And yeah, I know winch rope holds up pretty well to sunlight, but it's better to keep it out of the sun if you can.

 

[I Lean]

Synthetic for sure.

 

[Milner]

For safety I would go with rope.

Ever watch Myth Busters?? It might hurt, but no removal of limbs etc....

FWIW I still have cable....But I am not cool

 

[Bart]

I think cable gets a bad rap from people using old fatigued and kinked sections. I've used cable a lot without any problems. That being said, if I were to buy new, I'd buy synthetic. I've used it a lot also and love it. It gives you peace of mind, but like has been said, needs to be cared for when dragging across rocks. Also, keep it covered and out of the sun.

For anyone that needs a something new, I just took the cable off the donor winch I have and it's free for the taking. I haven't inspected it closely though, but you're welcome to it. I will be buying rope.

 

[gijohn40]

I havent checked lately... so if you know pipe up.... I have a 12,000 lb winch and last I check the rope was not up to that strength yet... it was only to the 8000 lb limit.... has this changed?

 

[rondo]

John,
what bothers me is that i've seen you winch from your expedition and the cable always lays back perfectly on the drum like it was new from the factory. When i winched from my truck the cable always got crushed. haha
i now run rope on both my rigs and have no regrets. they are too easy to deal with.

 

[Meat_]

One thing I really don't like about synthetic rope is that the cables people take off and discard are never long enough for my 8274's

 

[Meat_]

I havent checked lately... so if you know pipe up.... I have a 12,000 lb winch and last I check the rope was not up to that strength yet... it was only to the 8000 lb limit.... has this changed?

I would want some rated to at least 24k on a 12k winch.....

 

[RockMonkey]

Here's the link to the splicing instructions thread that was mentioned earlier.

http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=24628

 

[yellowbronco]

FWIW I still have cable....But I am not cool

I have cable too, must be an EB thing.:greg:

 

[richpblaze]

No

I have cable too, must be an EB thing.:greg:

I think its a money thing.

 

[benjy]

Here's the link to the splicing instructions thread that was mentioned earlier.

http://www.rockymountainextreme.com/showthread.php?t=24628

That is a great write up! Definitely sold on synthetic, now I just have to decide what brand?

... but I'd go with synthetic. Just keep it covered, UV kills. And yeah, I know winch rope holds up pretty well to sunlight, but it's better to keep it out of the sun if you can.

Good to know! I already have a cover, but I only put it on the winter, guess it'll be staying on year round now

From the looks of the poll it looks like you're getting yourself a new winch rope!!

Yup, that's what it's looking like

 

[Meat_]

....That is a great write up! Definitely sold on synthetic, now I just have to decide what brand?....

Remember that you have to buy a new hawse

 

[benjy]

Remember that you have to buy a new hawse

I was thinking this one would work well

 

[Meat_]

I was thinking this one would work well