Winching Questions

swapped89 · 12-19-2008, 01:42 PM

I just installed my new WARN 8000 and have a question. Should i leave the motor running while winching, the book said not to. but i think it would help keep from draining the battery.

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Bru · 12-19-2008, 01:46 PM

what type of battery are you running? well you will drain it with any good pull you do. leave the motor running. my 2cents.

swapped89 · 12-19-2008, 01:49 PM

my battery is a lesschwab battery only 650 cold cranking amps. just the minimum rating for my winch

GSGALLANT · 12-19-2008, 05:35 PM

I always leave my truck running when winching and I am running my winch off an auxiliary optima blue top battery. With the truck running, you are able to help the winch along by having the truck in drive while you're winching (depending on the situation you're in). The battery voltage will also be slightly higher (15% or so) with the truck running, which will cut down the amps that the winch draws.

tc · 12-19-2008, 05:42 PM

x2 GSGALLANT

I would call Warn and ask "WTH are you thinking saying engine off when winching"?

Rockram · 12-20-2008, 06:32 AM

I have a Warn 8274-50 on my Jeep and always leave it running when winching.

Johannes · 12-24-2008, 12:49 AM

They don't want you to do something dumb while winching, like use the winch as a tow strap too...it's a liability issue, they're just protecting their hides.

Question though, Warn seems to be the industry leader and standard in winches, but it looks like there's a lot of winches to choose from these days. Anyone used another brand (besides Ramsey, I like them too) and have anything to say?

EvaMonky · 12-24-2008, 03:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johannes

They don't want you to do something dumb while winching, like use the winch as a tow strap too...it's a liability issue, they're just protecting their hides.

x2

Plus if the engine is running, people might put an Auto in Park and not Neutral.... Not good while it's getting pulled along with a Winch.

But I guess someone could do that while it's off too lol.

Maybe it's because on older Vechicles, running the motor while whinching might cause the Electrical System to overheat? Spark? I mean you choose your potential disaster.

In the end it's all about lawyers.

tc · 12-24-2008, 10:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EvaMonky

Plus if the engine is running, people might put an Auto in Park and not Neutral.... Not good while it's getting pulled along with a Winch.

But I guess someone could do that while it's off too lol.

I think it would be MORE common if the engine was off. It's gets to be quite an ingrained habit to make sure it's in park before turning off the engine (because otherwise, you can't get the key out)

Like I said, I can see NO reason to turn it off and TONS of reasons to keep it running...

fireman1559 · 12-24-2008, 10:15 AM

i love my dayton its a good winch i always leave my truck running while i pull if you turn your truck off to winch someone will be pulling you out of where ever you are and trust me tow truck drivers hate when you get there trucks dirty

TOYOTA 1 · 12-24-2008, 10:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc

Like I said, I can see NO reason to turn it off and TONS of reasons to keep it running...

^x2..

Johannes · 12-24-2008, 10:36 AM

So to go along with this, I have a Warn 800 on my Runner and it's kind of beat up, and been exposed to the elements for a long time. I picked up the truck a couple of months ago and it's been used before (the line is crap, fraying in places).

Anyone ever changed a winch line? Cant be that hard right?

Anyone have a Warn 800 Remote lying around that they'd want to get rid of?

tc · 12-24-2008, 10:39 AM

It's easy - take the opportunity to go with synthetic - you'll wonder how anyone still uses wire rope!

Johannes · 12-24-2008, 11:09 AM

Wait, I've seen those on Ebay, but like climbing rope, doesn't it degrade when exposed to sunlight?

crackerjack · 12-24-2008, 11:44 AM

I let my engine run, besides better voltage I think it helps to pull cooler air over winch motor.

tc · 12-24-2008, 05:57 PM

No - they are UV stabilized. Check out winchline.com or amsteel

Johannes · 12-24-2008, 07:44 PM

Sweet, that's pretty awesome. Thanks for the info. I guess my only concern is what they already warned, sharp edges on bumpers and trees.

TrikeKid · 12-25-2008, 04:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johannes

Sweet, that's pretty awesome. Thanks for the info. I guess my only concern is what they already warned, sharp edges on bumpers and trees.

Tree savers are cheap, there is no reason to be putting bare winch line around a tree in a recovery situation. They can also be used to wrap around a bumper if you're like me and have friends that don't have any tow points on their rigs.

sa51 · 12-25-2008, 05:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TrikeKid

Tree savers are cheap, there is no reason to be putting bare winch line around a tree in a recovery situation. They can also be used to wrap around a bumper if you're like me and have friends that don't have any tow points on their rigs.

agreed, i cant stand when people wrap their cables around bumpers or trees. damages the tree and kinks the line.

tc · 12-25-2008, 09:31 PM

In many cases, it will kill the tree. If you cut through the bark on a significant portion of the circumfrence, the tree will die. I think it's called ringing the tree.

glenyoshida · 12-26-2008, 12:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by swapped89

I just installed my new WARN 8000 and have a question. Should i leave the motor running while winching, the book said not to. but i think it would help keep from draining the battery.

I think you may have misread it. If you do find that it does say to turn off your vehicle while winching I'm not to proud to admit I'm wrong. When you winch under a heavy load you can drain a battery dead in less than 15 minutes. A winch under a heavy load will pull the battery voltage low and therefore make the alternator work hard. There is a low risk of burning your alternator out but it's small and uncommon. You also make the alternator work hard if it has to recharge a dead battery so you are not saving the alternator by winching with the engine off. Regular car batteries like to stay topped off. So if you do decide to run your winch with the engine off you are also shortening the life of your battery more than if the vehicle is running. Even the optima yellow tops prematurely lose life when you drain the battery low.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johannes

So to go along with this, I have a Warn 800 on my Runner and it's kind of beat up, and been exposed to the elements for a long time. I picked up the truck a couple of months ago and it's been used before (the line is crap, fraying in places).

Anyone ever changed a winch line? Cant be that hard right?

It's not hard steel or otherwise. Synthetic is much easier to handle. Splicing is not complicated although I'd recommend practicing it a few times before relying on it. Neatness counts on the splice. Remember to condition your steel line by making sure there is a small load on the line when spooling it for the first time. Remember to get a rock guard for your synthetic if you go that route.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Johannes

Wait, I've seen those on Ebay, but like climbing rope, doesn't it degrade when exposed to sunlight?

Sure can. It's important to make sure it's been treated for UV resistance. Technora for example loses 50% of it's strength in 1.5 months if it's untreated. Even treated they lose 50% strength when exposed to the sun for 3 months. So whether you go with technora (Tech 12) or Amsteel Blue you should cover your lines. This includes the area of exposed rope around your thimble/hook.

Amsteel Blue is the most popular but it can lose half it's line strength if the drum gets warm at 160 F° and the drums commonly do get that warm. Technora loses half it's strength at 450 F°. Something else to consider is that although you tend to get little cuts on your hand with steel it doesn't mind rocks like synthetics do. I prefer synthetics because it's easier to handle but it does take more care and paying attention than steel.

stagger_lee · 12-26-2008, 12:22 AM

sa51 · 12-26-2008, 12:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tc

In many cases, it will kill the tree. If you cut through the bark on a significant portion of the circumfrence, the tree will die. I think it's called ringing the tree.

that is correct.

85TurboRunner · 12-26-2008, 01:10 AM

At the moment I have no choice. There is a short somewhere in my system and whenever i use the winch my engine dies. But having the engine running while winching seems like a better idea to me.

tc · 12-26-2008, 08:31 AM

Sounds like you need to figure it out before ever using the winch again... kinda hard to get off the trail with your entire electrical system burned down!

12-19-2008, 01:46 PM	#2 (permalink)
Bru Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 28	what type of battery are you running? well you will drain it with any good pull you do. leave the motor running. my 2cents. __________________ Bru IYAAYAS!!! 83 P/U, 5" lift, 35" tires, locked and welded, and it will never be done www.BigHorn4x4Club.com www.U4WDA.org

12-19-2008, 01:49 PM	#3 (permalink)
swapped89 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: B-TOWN, Oregon Posts: 564	my battery is a lesschwab battery only 650 cold cranking amps. just the minimum rating for my winch __________________ SAS 89,trussed, bobbed, Trail Gear front & rear 5''. 3.0 V6 cold air k&N, 40 ser. flowmaster, 5speed, HP ARB font diff, Marlin Crawler inner's and marfields. 5.29 yukons, Detroit rear, 35''x13.5 toyo's. Steadily growing body damage. Two way alarm, TG rock defense bumper, Warn 8000, TG crossmember,geard rive t-case w/marlin XD 4.7s. TG Sliders, some day dual cases and a cage

12-19-2008, 05:35 PM	#4 (permalink)
GSGALLANT Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: New Brunswick, Canada Posts: 1,759	I always leave my truck running when winching and I am running my winch off an auxiliary optima blue top battery. With the truck running, you are able to help the winch along by having the truck in drive while you're winching (depending on the situation you're in). The battery voltage will also be slightly higher (15% or so) with the truck running, which will cut down the amps that the winch draws. __________________ 2002 4Runner, Auto-A340F, 3.4L, 4.30 Gears TJM T15 Front Bumper & Warn M8000, 4xInnovation sliders, Sonoran Steel 1.2 Lift, Toytec LCA Skids, Tundra Brake Upgrade (231mm), Extended rear diff breather, Deckplate Mod, Andymod, Dual batt setup with Optima blue top aux battery, Hardwired 1000W inverter, Aux fuse box, Full time power to 12V plugs, Yaesu FT7800R Radio, "4-air" system for airing up/down tires. 2004 Camry LE - stock (and will stay that way) 1993 4Runner has been sold

12-19-2008, 05:42 PM	#5 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,363	x2 GSGALLANT I would call Warn and ask "WTH are you thinking saying engine off when winching"? __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

12-24-2008, 12:49 AM	#7 (permalink)
Johannes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Corvallis, OREGON Posts: 200	They don't want you to do something dumb while winching, like use the winch as a tow strap too...it's a liability issue, they're just protecting their hides. Question though, Warn seems to be the industry leader and standard in winches, but it looks like there's a lot of winches to choose from these days. Anyone used another brand (besides Ramsey, I like them too) and have anything to say? __________________ Own: 1985 Toyota 4Runner Owned: 1995 Toyota Pickup 4x4

12-20-2008, 06:32 AM	#6 (permalink)
Rockram Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Iowa Posts: 4	I have a Warn 8274-50 on my Jeep and always leave it running when winching.

12-24-2008, 10:15 AM	#10 (permalink)
fireman1559 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: new market Alabama Posts: 387	i love my dayton its a good winch i always leave my truck running while i pull if you turn your truck off to winch someone will be pulling you out of where ever you are and trust me tow truck drivers hate when you get there trucks dirty __________________ 1990 model SR5 3.0 automatic 3in bodylift 4in rough country liftkit. mods soon to come:new trans and transfer case, 35 or 36s, 5.29s and a lockrite, manual locking hubs

12-24-2008, 10:36 AM	#12 (permalink)
Johannes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Corvallis, OREGON Posts: 200	So to go along with this, I have a Warn 800 on my Runner and it's kind of beat up, and been exposed to the elements for a long time. I picked up the truck a couple of months ago and it's been used before (the line is crap, fraying in places). Anyone ever changed a winch line? Cant be that hard right? Anyone have a Warn 800 Remote lying around that they'd want to get rid of? __________________ Own: 1985 Toyota 4Runner Owned: 1995 Toyota Pickup 4x4

12-24-2008, 10:39 AM	#13 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,363	It's easy - take the opportunity to go with synthetic - you'll wonder how anyone still uses wire rope! __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

12-24-2008, 11:09 AM	#14 (permalink)
Johannes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Corvallis, OREGON Posts: 200	Wait, I've seen those on Ebay, but like climbing rope, doesn't it degrade when exposed to sunlight? __________________ Own: 1985 Toyota 4Runner Owned: 1995 Toyota Pickup 4x4

12-24-2008, 11:44 AM	#15 (permalink)
crackerjack Contributing Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: cookeville tn. Posts: 616	I let my engine run, besides better voltage I think it helps to pull cooler air over winch motor. __________________ 33x12.5x15 pro-comp front/Swampers back , L.C Eng. cam,pistons,header, Crane multi spark ignition, Zoom Carbon clutch,etc. 8.5 Ramsey winch,4:88 gears open front, spool back. Vs2 backup camera, Lowrance GPS, Sirius Sat Radio, Tacoma bucket seats, tube doors, AllPro sliders and rear bumper Budbuilt crossmember....Thanks Yota Tech links to most this stuff

12-24-2008, 05:57 PM	#16 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,363	No - they are UV stabilized. Check out winchline.com or amsteel __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

12-24-2008, 07:44 PM	#17 (permalink)
Johannes Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Corvallis, OREGON Posts: 200	Sweet, that's pretty awesome. Thanks for the info. I guess my only concern is what they already warned, sharp edges on bumpers and trees. __________________ Own: 1985 Toyota 4Runner Owned: 1995 Toyota Pickup 4x4

12-25-2008, 09:31 PM	#20 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,363	In many cases, it will kill the tree. If you cut through the bark on a significant portion of the circumfrence, the tree will die. I think it's called ringing the tree. __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

12-26-2008, 01:10 AM	#24 (permalink)
85TurboRunner Registered User Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Vancouver WA Posts: 1,063	At the moment I have no choice. There is a short somewhere in my system and whenever i use the winch my engine dies. But having the engine running while winching seems like a better idea to me. __________________ 1985 4runner 22re 5spd.

12-26-2008, 08:31 AM	#25 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,363	Sounds like you need to figure it out before ever using the winch again... kinda hard to get off the trail with your entire electrical system burned down! __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

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