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jat4's avatar
jat4
Explorer
Nov 01, 2017

Winch questions, looking for advice

Hi everyone,
I've done several days of reading over every winch-related thread I could find here in the archives. Still have some questions and am looking for advice.

I've got a new truck and a pop-up camper on the way. So total weight will be 10,000+ pounds.

I've gotten stuck on hunting trips in the past with both an unloaded F150 and an unloaded diesel megacab. In every case had folks nearby who could pull me out with chains or tow straps, so never felt the need for a winch or even a come along.

Having the camper changes things a bit, plus more and more I am hunting alone and can't count on friends nearby if I run into problems. I'm still going to be in areas though where if I were to walk out to a main road sooner or later someone would drive by and likely help me out.

So a winch might be helpful although certainly not crucial. I know with the loaded vehicle weight I'm probably looking at a 15k or 16.5k for pulling power.

I'd consider a come along but can't seem to find anything stronger than a 5 ton cable puller--or am I missing something out there?

What are folks' thoughts? And would you go with a 12k compressor/winch setup or the straight 16.5k winch, assuming a winch is a good idea?

Really just scoping out the possibilities at the moment, and appreciate any and all responses ahead of time.
Jim