Ask The Expert- Winching system ends

[BigDogTrain]

We purchased a warn winch with a synthetic rope.

2 questions:

Should we worry about this rope getting sun all the time. I know they have a 150 degree rating. Is that only when in use?

Second, the hook it came with seems so.... crappy. it does not fit right and is just so.... 1990.... suggestions.

 

[Todd Ockert]

I am not sure what the professional will tell you, but here is my experience with the synthetic rope.

I had synthetic on one of my older winches for ~ 5 years and no issues, and trusted it.
I live in the Central Valley of Cali, and it gets hot here.
The UV rays did not seem to hurt the line either.

As for hooks, I will agree with you that the standard hook seems weak.
They do have a working load, and should come rated for the winch.
I would highly recommend getting the Factor55 end though for a closed loop system.
Pictures of it here and on the winch.



Todd

 

[Cloaked Willys]

I am not sure what the professional will tell you, but here is my experience with the synthetic rope.

I had synthetic on one of my older winches for ~ 5 years and no issues, and trusted it.
I live in the Central Valley of Cali, and it gets hot here.
The UV rays did not seem to hurt the line either.

As for hooks, I will agree with you that the standard hook seems weak.
They do have a working load, and should come rated for the winch.
I would highly recommend getting the Factor55 end though for a closed loop system.
Pictures of it here and on the winch.
View attachment 182
View attachment 183

Todd

Todd, Is right on point. The synthetic rope has come a long way and holds up a lot better to UV then they used to in the early days. Factor55 links are a great upgrade and are what we run on our shop jeeps.

 

[Todd Ockert]

We had to use our winch and Factor 55 closed winching system this weekend at Pismo.
It took two of us winching a 4 door JKU up a sand hill. Something was wrong with the engine and no power, so it was a dead pull.
Our Warn equipment worked flawlessly.

Todd

 

[timatoe]

I use the Safety Thimble from Viking Offroad, it's not as cool looking as the Factor 55 one, but works great. I've got blue synthetic line, I just stick a blue shop rag over the spool just to keep it covered. I have a neoprene winch cover but it seems to restrict airflow too much.

 

[Todd Ockert]

I use the Safety Thimble from Viking Offroad, it's not as cool looking as the Factor 55 one, but works great.

That is a good one as well. Any of those that give you a closed winching system is better than the regular hook.

The first synthetic winch line I bought, had a safety thimble on it as well, and I got it from Master Pull.

I've got blue synthetic line, I just stick a blue shop rag over the spool just to keep it covered. I have a neoprene winch cover but it seems to restrict airflow too much.

Is this to protect the line from the heat of the drum?

I forgot to put the abrasion cover on my cable when I installed it.
The new Warn Zeons have a different way of attaching the rope now that they say is much stronger.
But it is a pain to fit the rope through the fitting to put the plug into it.

Todd

 

[timatoe]

....... Is this to protect the line from the heat of the drum? .........

No, I just lay it over it so it's not in the sun all the time.