²Tow hooks:Secured properly to your vehicle's frame, tow hooks
provide an attachment point for wire hooks, straps and chains.
²Tree trunk protector:Typically made of tough, high-quality nylon a
tree trunk protector provides an attachment point for the winch rope
to a wide variety of anchor points and objects, as well as protect living
trees.
²Heavy blanket:In certain situations you may decide to throw a
heavy blanket or similar object over the wire rope. A heavy blanket
such as a quilted mover's blanket can absorb energy should the wire
rope break. Place it on the wire rope midway between the winch and
the anchor point. Do this before the wire rope is put under tension.
Do not approach or move the blanket once tension is applied. Do not
allow it to get pulled into the fairlead. If necessary to move or remove
the blanket, slack the tension on the wire rope first.
²Recovery strap:Used to ªsnatchº out a stuck vehicle. Never use a
recovery strap in a winching operation. The recovery strap is designed
to stretch; because of this, it stores energy and could react like a
rubber band should your rigging fail.
Never attach a recovery strap to the winch hook to the increase
the length of a pull. Never attempt to tow a vehicle with the
recovery strap attached directly to the winch hook. Never use ªbungieº
straps that develop tremendous and potentially dangerous amounts of
force when stretched.
²Shovels and hand tools (i.e., axe or off-road jack):These come
in handy when additional assistance is needed during winching
activities.
²Backup parts:Extra items such as an extra clevis/D-shackle or a
remote control unit should be carried in case of emergency. For
severe and/or continuous winch use, you may want to consider
including an extra wire rope and winch hook.
²Toolbox items:Always bring along hand wrenches, screwdrivers,
pliers and tools to change wire rope.
²Jumper cables:It's always a good idea to carry jumper cables in case
your battery becomes drained during a winching operation. Also, a
dual battery system and a battery isolator kit can be installed to
prevent draining the electrical source during winching operation.
A fully charged conventional automotive battery with a minimum of 650
cold cranking amp is recommended to obtain peak performance from
your winch. Make sure all electrical connections are clean and tight.
Driver Controls
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