How many run a Winch on the truck

[Luked]

Looking at doing a 2nd Season hunt in CO this coming year and looks like ill be going solo.
So I am trying to get some ideas on things I need to di a bit different with gear etc.
And that also is including the truck as well. I have been going through a list of things I want to put in the truck for the just in case thing like a Jump Pack, Tire Chains etc.
The other thing I got to thinking about was putting a winch on the front of the truck.
Might not ever need it. But if I would need it sure would be nice to have.
I have a Come-A-Long but not a huge fan of those either.

So how many run a winch. And how often do you use it?
Would you put one on your next rig?

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

Get a winch. It’s a must have on both my Jeep and pickup where I scout, shoot, and hunt.

 

[Weldor]

What he said, they are way cheaper than a offroad tow.

 

[bajeep93]

If you are going to do it. Stick to the buy once cry once. I have had the same warn winch on this jeep for almost 20 years. It has never let me down.

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[TXCO]

Anyone use a receiver hitch winch that can be mounted on the front or back? Thats what Ive always wanted to do.


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[TXCO]

Anyone use a receiver hitch winch that can be mounted on the front or back? Thats what Ive always wanted to do.


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[180ls1]

How often have you needed the come-a-long and is $5K much money to you?

I am not a fan of adding weight and complexity without it being needed.

 

[Nickofthewoods]

I have one on my Jeep and maybe use it once or twice a year but usually it's for moving things around the property not recovery.

If you get one look at a good ground anchor as well. Most people just assume there will always be a tree or boulder nearby to winch from.

 

[bajeep93]

Anyone use a receiver hitch winch that can be mounted on the front or back? Thats what Ive always wanted to do.


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I feel like this is a great idea. Until you’re moving around that hundred pound hunk of junk everywhere. Where do you store it? You don’t want it hanging off of your truck all the time.
This seams like it would just turn into a pain in the ass.


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[mtnbound]

Looking at doing a 2nd Season hunt in CO this coming year and looks like ill be going solo.
So I am trying to get some ideas on things I need to di a bit different with gear etc.
And that also is including the truck as well. I have been going through a list of things I want to put in the truck for the just in case thing like a Jump Pack, Tire Chains etc.
The other thing I got to thinking about was putting a winch on the front of the truck.
Might not ever need it. But if I would need it sure would be nice to have.
I have a Come-A-Long but not a huge fan of those either.

So how many run a winch. And how often do you use it?
Would you put one on your next rig?

I put a winch on every truck I have owned. If you spend enough time in the woods you will find it very useful. Just make sure you also carry multiple tree straps, shackles(soft shackles), snatch block or pulley etc..and have good pull points on your rig.


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[fuzzymarindave]

Anyone use a receiver hitch winch that can be mounted on the front or back? Thats what Ive always wanted to do.


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This has worked for me, although I have never had to use the winch because I'v not had to do a recovery yet. Downsides are 1) need to remember to bring the winch; and, 2) recovery will be a more lengthy process. My rig is not an off road rig but rather a truck camper that I take off-road so the goal it to not get stuck and I'll turn around if going gets too sketchy. Front receiver is custom fabbed to fit between the frame rails and sit high up without changing approach angle. The aftermarket items sit too low for me. I use it all the time for bike racks and cargo trays. Truck camper does not articulate well so a rear axle ARB locking differential lets me get traction even when one wheel is lifted; this has been a big improvement, plus it allows me to have open differential when on icy highways which I believe is safer.

 

[wyosteve]

I'd go the receiver hitch route. I've had to go back as many times as I've needed to go forward.

 

[Sneaker]

I don’t know if I’m a more conservative driver or what but I’ve been hunting the west for 20 years in 4x4s and never needed a winch or come along. I don’t rock crawl while hunting so maybe that’s it? Haha I bring recovery ropes and shackles and have been able to yank a few people out of situations though. I guess if they had had a winch, they could have gotten themselves unstuck in theory and that’s the beauty of having one?

 

[wapitibob]

3rd generation logging family and the only winches we owned were on cats and skidders. Still don't own a winch, or tire chains. If snow is likely, buy some chains from les schwab on the way out, return for a refund if you don't use them. Winches tend to be a confidence booster for people that have no business trying to go that last mile.

 

[cnelk]

35+ years of elk hunting and never needed a winch.

Chains yes, but not a winch.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

They also double as an excellent way to pull down dead trees/large branches for firewood for large/long base camp hunts.

 

[HuntHarder]

I have never been in a spot where a winch would help me. I put one on my SxS, because I thought it would be handy. I have only used it a couple times, just to say I have used it. Never even considered one on a pickup personally.

 

[180ls1]

35+ years of elk hunting and never needed a winch.

Chains yes, but not a winch.

This.

If its not getting used, you're wasting money, lowering payload, adding weight, and making everything about your truck "worse."

I see lots of overloaded (Tacomas especially) that don't need 1/2 of the stuff they carry around. All it does is reduce the trucks ability to do what its supposed to do.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I don’t know if I’m a more conservative driver or what but I’ve been hunting the west for 20 years in 4x4s and never needed a winch or come along. I don’t rock crawl while hunting so maybe that’s it? Haha I bring recovery ropes and shackles and have been able to yank a few people out of situations though. I guess if they had had a winch, they could have gotten themselves unstuck in theory and that’s the beauty of having one?

Yeah if you don’t go on trails or “rock crawl” to get to spots, or hunt in very muddy/floating bog type terrain where chains are worthless than there is minimal need. Or rained out sand washes or canyon bottoms here in AZ where you are NOT getting out without a winch.

I think most guys who “don’t recommend” don’t spend any time on anything but forest service type roads and aren’t on any sort of off road “trail” of any difficulty.

I’ve used my winch probably 100+ times in 2024 alone.

 

[2buffalo]

I used mine several times this year colorado second season including moving a blow down after a storm and winched my way into an area I wanted to get to. I didn't need it on the way out but I never would have made it in without it.