How many run a Winch on the truck

[Davyalabama]

Woods of Alabama, Ms., Fl., Ga., Tn., I've run a winch on a truck since I bought my first in 1992, 9,000 lbs. was a lot back then, that warn has been on three trucks and still works. I've used it more for pulling out my huge Scag mower from being stuck in gumbo mud while cutting grass than anything. It has saved a bunch of friends's bacon over the years. I have a hi-lift, chains, rope, etc. for the back. Luckily/fortunately, I haven't had my trucks stuck to need it. It can happen. Do make sure you don't depend on it, you will get stuck yourself where there isn't a tree or anything to tie to and you'll be all alone when it happens.

Make sure you keep 2x6's (cut short to go under tires), a bushaxe or a double bladed axe (yeah love this old beauty), a shovel and a small (handheld) sledge hammer in every vehicle.

I've used the winch on the sxs more for pulling large trees out of roadways I didn't want to cut with a bushaxe. If I do it, you know it's a large pine/oak, I'm known around camp for that bushaxe and double bladed axe, keep it sharp, it works wonders, keep a stone and/or Smith's axe sharpener in each vehicle (a good file works if you've been too negligent). I also use the winch to strap it to a trailer for longer hauls.

 

[Yoder]

I want to start a company to 3D print fake truck accessories. I figure a winch, snorkel intake and one of those super cool roof racks. I could sell them in a 3 pack for Tacoma owners that never take their trucks off the road.

 

[tony]

I want to start a company to 3D print fake truck accessories. I figure a winch, snorkel intake and one of those super cool roof racks. I could sell them in a 3 pack for Tacoma owners that never take their trucks off the road.

I’d invest in this

Of course it’s a Tacoma so no winch us necessary off road

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I want to start a company to 3D print fake truck accessories. I figure a winch, snorkel intake and one of those super cool roof racks. I could sell them in a 3 pack for Tacoma owners that never take their trucks off the road.

A couple of nerdy Jeep and Land Cruiser guys I know have “Official TRD Rescue Squad” stickers on their vehicles.

Made me chuckle.

 

[mtnbound]

A couple of nerdy Jeep and Land Cruiser guys I know have “Official TRD Rescue Squad” stickers on their vehicles.

Made me chuckle.

I’ve pulled more jeeps out than any other vehicle. I especially like the rigs running 38” street tires in the backcountry. I don’t normally see any Tacos off the pavement so those traction boards must work.


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[Jason Snyder]

I was leaning heavily towards adding a winch to my Tundra when I bought it. Factor in the cost of a bumper/mount system, the winch, accessories, etc, coupled with loss of payload and I decided to hold off.

If I lived in the SW I would view it much differently, but for my current uses a shovel, chains, traction boards, and an air compressor work great for getting me just about anywhere I should be going by myself.

That said I’m not rock crawling or crossing technical washes. I’m driving terrible two tracks that are likely covered in snow and drifted.

 

[mxgsfmdpx]

I’ve pulled more jeeps out than any other vehicle. I especially like the rigs running 38” street tires in the backcountry. I don’t normally see any Tacos off the pavement so those traction boards must work.


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Lately for us it’s been those “off-road” Subarus that get yanked out of the way.

 

[Weldor]

They all have there place. I use the winch on my ram more then the other two, If I slide off the road on the way to my cabin no need for AAA at $600 bucks to come pull you out if they will ( they don't like dirt roads and charge exrta) Mountain ice is a pain in the a__. Plus you'll be waiting in freezing weather for spell if they show up. Self rescue works the best . Plus most of the time your cell is not going to work. As far as cost Jeep jk winch bumper (ebay) $360 ,Smittybuilt 9000 sale $799 done. Ram hidden pan mount $500 Habor freight 12k with rope $299, Can am came with it.

 

[mtnbound]

Lately for us it’s been those “off-road” Subarus that get yanked out of the way.

I don't even stop for those types; it's called natural selection.

 

[Dogone]

Spent many years driving trucks with winches. Only used one twice. Both times was alone , way out in the boonies and really was stuck. That was in a 15 year period. Used a tow rope hundreds of times. Tire chains work well but a pain to install.

 

[Wrench]

I’ve pulled more jeeps out than any other vehicle. I especially like the rigs running 38” street tires in the backcountry. I don’t normally see any Tacos off the pavement so those traction boards must work.


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I got a set of those boards when I bought the lift for my 80 series cruiser. I swore to never let them be seen by other heterosexual males....but I did get in a jam where it may have saved me from taking the hook.

 

[displacedtexan]

This is the second truck I've had with a winch, I'll never have another one that doesn't get one quickly after purchase.

I use them a good bit.

Never have to get myself unstuck though.

 

[Amos Keeto]

Yeah, got a winch, but it's set up to operate my gin poles for picking stuff up.

I'm 74 years "young"! I've got a hi-lift jack, 30 foot of chain, a come-a-long and a tow strap.
When I was a (ahem!) young man, jacking a 3/4 ton 4WD out if a mud hole was no biggie.
But I was too tight to buy a winch...AND...I tried not to go anywhere I might get stuck! LOL!

 

[willtim]

2013 F350 with a Warn M12000 mounted in a Trail Ready bumper. Saved my ass many times.

 

[HuntHarder]

Lately for us it’s been those “off-road” Subarus that get yanked out of the way.

I have heard this is an actual problem down south of Tucson.

 

[RDF1]

I ran a 10k front and 10k rear winch on my Tahoe. Also had 700' of winch ropes in a 36" rifle box on the roof rack with snatch blocks, soft shackles, and d rings.
the winches and winch ropes come in handy all the time.
I used them so much i made a switch panel on the dash to control both from inside so i didnt have to run the remotes thru the windows and such.

Best thing besides the switch panel was LED lights close to the winch drum to be able to see the clutch engagement lever and make sure the rope was rolling up correctly

 

[PathFinder]

For the OP, it is going to depend on how and where he hunts and drives. If the truck is mostly stock and he isn't going to be pushing it hard the odds of needing a winch are low for one hunt.
They are a lifesaver, and can be installed with very low weight and cost penalties if done right. A winch can add 100lbs or less installed and be done for well under 1k.
Prior to putting winches on trucks I would dig out 20 or more times per season. That was mostly lion hunting in the winter but occasionally on big game hunts too. Winches open up the option to use them on purpose to get somewhere difficult or risky as well. For me a winch is a requirement, but for the OP I'd say just drive conservatively and focus on hunting.

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