So this past weekend, I ended up sliding into a deep mudhole the the SxS tore up (easy rated trail I was assisting the leader with but SxS's severely tore up the trail/mud hole). We used her winch (Badlands Apex 12k Synthetic) to get me unstuck. While using the wireless remote to extend the line, the line would start to retract even with the out button pushed. This caused the sock around the rope to bunch up and get the line stuck in there somehow.

We pulled the line out getting it unstuck from itself, but in the process it grabbed her glove (we both were pulling out on the winch thimble) and smashed her fingers between the thimble and the hawse fairlead.

I know Badlands/Harbor Freight is junk, keep hands clear, safety first, etc, etc. I'm looking more of a why the winch did this; retract while the extend button is pressed after a few feet of extending. We haven't used the wired remote yet to see if its a wireless remote issue (picking up a erroneous signal) as it just happened Saturday. Has anyone seen this issue with winches or have any tips (other than to replace it because Harbor Freight is Chinese Juck, etc, etc.)

I'm personally looking at the Rough Country (still made in China, I know) 12k Synthetic if anyone know anything about those they'd like to share. I'd love a Warn or Smittybilt, but I'm not out overy weekend to warrant the cost.

 

Something that can happen with any winch is that the line will bite down through the layers below it on the spool and even with the spool turning in the same direction the whole time it will suddenly start pulling back into the winch. Much more of a problem if you don't spool your line tightly.

 

The badland winches are not that bad.

What AKwheeler said. My first through was the lines pinched and pulling back in.

If the controller or winch electronics have water in them, it could be causing it to short out. I would open them up if you think thats the case and see if you can see a pinched wire or anything.