What size winch for a jeep? Here’s how to decide which one to buy

Pull capacity 

To be perfectly accurate with the pulling capacity of the jeep, the common rule of thumb for knowing the winch size must be acquired beforehand. Every winch has a pull capacity of 1.5 times the vehicle’s overall weight. 

Calculating this overall weight of the vehicle is also not a big deal because The Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is already mentioned on the jeep door jamb or the jeep or the hood of the jeep and definitely in the owner’s manual. The GVWR is actually the approximate weight of the vehicle if loaded, assumed by the manufacturer.

Electric or hydraulic

Ample options are available in the market if one thinks of winch types. Choosing the correct one among them is essential because that would determine the performance of the vehicle. One of them is the electric winch.

People go for longevity and low maintenance. Electric winches are perfect examples of such types. The battery of the vehicle powers electric recovery winches. It also gets powered up by another battery which is independent of the vehicle’s battery. For this type of winch, one should either go for a permanent magnet motor or a series wound motor

• Permanent magnet motor

These types of motors are extremely affordable. Moreover, its amperage draw is at rock bottom, which is why it can be easily used for lightly weighted or moderately weighted-duty winches. Talking about the mechanical parts, its stator is made up of powerful magnets, and the rotor is made up of a copper loop.

• Series wound motor

In terms of all the criteria, they are superior to that of the permanent magnet motor. They give better durability with more power, and they are well-grounded. But as we know, extra benefits come with money, so they are definitely costlier than permanent magnet motors[2]. Talking about the mechanism, they have coil usage, so power consumption is also more in this case.

Hydraulic winch

These can be the best recommendation if the vehicle runs over an off-road area, as it can give a full 100%duty terminal there with proper constant running and giving no negative outcomes. It can turn out to be the best if used for commercial purposes as well. 

One of the cons here is that it is far more expensive than any of the electric winches. If we talk about its mechanism, it is fixed with the engine part of the vehicle with the help of a hydraulic pump that gives energy supply to the hydraulic motor[3].

So, there cannot be any perfect recommended winch for someone; rather, it depends on personal criteria in the need section that would determine which one they should buy.

Types of cable to be used

• Steel cable

Steel itself comes with other supplementary words like strength and longevity. Due to all these pros and low cost, steel was never a new choice for someone; instead, it has been used for ages regarding the winch line. It is generally used by wrapping it around new factory gears.

Carelessness with steel cable can be fatal as it acquires a very strong power supply. It can be dangerous enough to put one into two halves. Not only these but steel also has a very strong chance of getting rusted heavily, which can put one up for repair, but it is difficult to repair at the same time.

• Synthetic cables

Synthetic cables can be another choice. It is definitely much safer compared to steel cable as it contains bare minimum kinetic energy[4], which is never enough to give someone deadly injuries. Not only this but cleaning, repairing and its light weight are very big advantages for the users. In terms of mechanism also, it can easily sail in water without getting crushed or damaged. But the expense and less durability when exposed to heat can be why people should give a second thought before buying synthetic cables.

Waterproof

When you are on an off-road trip, it is quite common to drive through wet areas. So, choosing a waterproof winch is a necessity. In the absence of waterproof quality, the winch would be highly prone to damage. 

Thus, the investment that you make will go entirely into vain. In addition, even if you are not planning to go off-roading, you would still require waterproof winches. Choosing watches that are optimally resistant to moisture is a highly necessary criterion that you just consider when you make your investment in buying jeep winches and choose one for your jeep. 

Ensure that the winch you choose must not get easily damp with short exposure to moisture. Otherwise, it will readily damage the entire winch and hamper or even the functioning of the winch. Thus, opt for the best quality waterproof winches to ensure optimum functioning of the same, and therefore, it will ensure an impeccable functioning of your jeep as well. 

Warranty

Warranty for jeep winches is actually having different rules and regulations for different countries, even if by one difference. Only if the USA is considered, as the jeep factory OEM steel bumper is essentially provided by the manufacturer for installing the jeep winches, so the putting up of the winch is not something that is of concern, but definitely, if it is properly installed and does not void any rules. 

One significant way of installing it is in the front panel. Companies make “flip-up brackets “to which the plate can be attached. When the plate is down, the plate tends to uncover the line or hook, but if up, the winch can definitely be used.

Warranty is an immensely useful factor to consider when you buy a winch for your jeep. When you have a warranty period for your jeep, you can take it for servicing or get it repaired at low costs. You might even avail of servicing or repairing the jeeps free of cost. Why let go of such a beneficial opportunity when you can easily grapes and make the best use of it?