rusmotor

A while ago someone posted a video of VW Iltis military
vehicle winching itself using an unusual wheel winch.
Here is the video:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=uJOeEaba__c

Turns out these are spools bolted to wheels.
Seems like a good idea - using engine power to winch oneself.
It is sure the most powerful winch you can get and
it is cheap too. Should work with toyota bolt pattern.
Anyone used those? Or has any ideas about their efficiency?

Tacoclimber

I dunno, it looks like it could put a lot of strain on the rear axle... I don't think I'd do it. But, in a desperate situation, I suppose it's better than nothing...

lr9788

I agree, wouldnt the added tension on one side of the axle cause alot of problems with creating a bind/twisting it?

mastacox

It wouldn't be any worse than just driving around, since the axle won't have any more moment applied to it than normal. I'd be more worried about accidentally driving over the rope with the front wheel.

Still, kind of an interesting idea I've never seen before.

WATRD

I was once stuck in the snow very badly in my Jeep. Yes, we were alone

My passenger was much more experienced back then than I was and when it became apparent that several hours of digging hadn't made a dent and a storm was moving in, he had a solution.

We deflated my spare tire and debeaded/removed the tire from the rim using prybars, branches and a machete. We then mounted the bare rim on the rear axle in place of one of the tires, tied a climbing rope I had in the back around a tree, attached the other end to the rim and put it in reverse.

It created a rut where the bare rim was that we had to keep clearing, but we made slow and steady progress backward to a point where we could remount the tire/rim we had taken off and escape, just head of a white out. We would have been there days.

The rim was fine and we put the tire back on it at home. But even it it had been ruined by the operation, it would have been worth it many times over.

Tacoclimber

Well, I trust Rob's experience and knowledge. I suppose it's a good tool to have if nothing else works.

WATRD

I wouldn't substitute it for the 9500 lb winch that is now in my front bumper and the Hi-Lift Jack that is in the bed, but it's a good trick to know when you need it.

I don't think the wheel attachments should be thought of as a viable solution, but more of a backup plan instead. There's two many variables and too much to go wrong.

Tacoclimber

Lets see... got the Hi lift... got the recovery straps... got the recovery shackles... just need the ARB and a winch!

One of these days, one of these days.

I definitely would only even think of trying the wheel winch idea if I had no other options...

rusmotor

Wow, Rob, this is real off road savvy - removing tire and using wheel as a spool!
Good to keep in mind as a last resort solution.

As for strain on axles, I agree with Brian in that this winch would not put
any more strain on them, than regular driving. What I am not sure about myself
is if the rope would clear not only the front wheels, but the rear tires of both sides. It seems that it would rub against one of the rear tires.
But I suppose as an emergency solution it is not a bad item to have.

slosurfer

I guessing that you would have to have a locked rear axle to use this.

WATRD

It was a lot of work, but MUCH better than being stranded in those conditions. I never looked at that guy quite the same after that. With tricks like that, I always figured he would be a good one to have around when the balloons went up. I learned a lot from him.

WATRD

My Jeep was unlocked then, but it didn't present as much problem as you might expect. We were able to use the e-brake to stop the wheel spin on the other side when it stopped spooling rope in. I seem to recall having to wedge a shovel handle through the wheel at one point, but I am a bit fuzzy in that part of the memory.

But, you are correct... a locker would certainly make the job quicker and easier.

Tacoclimber

I would think that if you were to use this technique, you would definitely want a high tensile rope that would handle the strain. Perhaps wrapping it a few times around the rim so that it sort of "locks" on itself. Hmmm... What kind of rope or line would you want to use for something like this?

WATRD

I would suspect that synthetic winch rope would be ideal, but if you have that, you... well...

I happened to have a long length of the non-stretch climbing rope, "static" line? Is that what it's called? I haven't climbed in years, but I was climbing back then.

Elkaholic

Id bet one of these would work, perhaps #6 or 7

http://www.popularmechanics.com/home...t/1274626.html

Edit: Number 6 is extremely cheap and a very high tensile strength, that'd be my choice

NPE701

If I remember correctly, one of the Russian army trucks was designed with the hubs to be used for winching. I am not sure how it works, but they do have diff locks on both axles.

MtnToys

Wheel winching is a fairly common practice on tractors. Depending on the situation I think it would work fine. If you?re really marred up, there is a definite possibility of bending the housing or axle shaft. The force placed on the axle would be even greater if you bolted the drum to the outside of the wheel. I don?t think you should rely on a mini truck SF axle to winch you out. If its your only option then go for it.

jakindle

i have done it on my buddies dually just wrapped it between the dual wheel and winch it out backwards kinda like this



http://www.pirate4x4.com/tech/billav...ery%20ch22.pdf

rusmotor

Very nice! A lot of useful information and ideas on recovery and field repairs!
Thanks, Jackindle!

drew303

how do you release tension on the rope once its spooled up?

Drop the clutch in reverse so the wheels spin and the truck doesnt? lol