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

15k winch will put quite weight on your truck. I think lot of owners overthink/overdue the issue. I bought Harbor Freight 8k winch like 15 years ago and used it for pulling 10k tractors and forklifts up the ramps. Having 100' of cable I usually double it with block. To top it, with dual batteries I could load the heavy equipment without worry of engine starting. Sure people who put their life on the cable might want to spend big money for higher quality winch, but heck, I got my $300 worth from my winch more than 10 years ago.

I am not looking for one anymore, but when I was considering it, I was thinking of one of those movable types in the 15K# range, I believe Warn made one. The idea of not having a permanent one on the front was twofold: -I would install a front receiver to use in a traditional front pulling application as well as being able to use it in the rear. =the second advantage of this would be to keep it off the truck when not in use, thus keeping it cleaner and in better shape not being exposed constantly to the elements

I carry a Lewis Winch (made in Canada). Takes a chainsaw powerhead. Because I always carry a chainsaw anyway, the chainsaw does double duty, as a chainsaw and as the winch power. Bigger the chainsaw powerhead the more winching power you have. be apprised, they aren't cheap but then good stuff isn't as a rule.Thing I like about it is, you can winch from either end, front or back and even pull sideways if necessary. Front mounted winch is just that. On the front. The Lewis can be used anywhere.Once you get over the sticker shock, it's all good.I have a HF winch on my quad however and it's been flawless but noisy. Took it apart and actually put in some real grease, not the spaghetti sauce it comes with.A Lewis will set you back close to a grand without the chainsaw powerhead but, it's light and you can sow it about anywhere. It's really a logging winch for skidding timber in inacessable spots, but a winch is a winch.

I carry a small compressor too, not that I've ever needed it but you never know. I'm a good Scout, always prepared.

10k should be fine. Snatch block will double the power if needed.I have a MileMarker hydraulic.

Winch questions, looking for advice | Good Sam Community

35 Replies

time2roll
Nomad
Nov 01, 2017
10k should be fine. Snatch block will double the power if needed.
I have a MileMarker hydraulic.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Nov 01, 2017
I carry a small compressor too, not that I've ever needed it but you never know. I'm a good Scout, always prepared.
SidecarFlip
Explorer III
Nov 01, 2017
I carry a Lewis Winch (made in Canada). Takes a chainsaw powerhead. Because I always carry a chainsaw anyway, the chainsaw does double duty, as a chainsaw and as the winch power. Bigger the chainsaw powerhead the more winching power you have. be apprised, they aren't cheap but then good stuff isn't as a rule.

Thing I like about it is, you can winch from either end, front or back and even pull sideways if necessary. Front mounted winch is just that. On the front. The Lewis can be used anywhere.

Once you get over the sticker shock, it's all good.

I have a HF winch on my quad however and it's been flawless but noisy. Took it apart and actually put in some real grease, not the spaghetti sauce it comes with.

A Lewis will set you back close to a grand without the chainsaw powerhead but, it's light and you can sow it about anywhere. It's really a logging winch for skidding timber in inacessable spots, but a winch is a winch.
d3500ram
Explorer III
Nov 01, 2017
I am not looking for one anymore, but when I was considering it, I was thinking of one of those movable types in the 15K# range, I believe Warn made one. The idea of not having a permanent one on the front was twofold:

-I would install a front receiver to use in a traditional front pulling application as well as being able to use it in the rear.
=the second advantage of this would be to keep it off the truck when not in use, thus keeping it cleaner and in better shape not being exposed constantly to the elements
Kayteg1
Explorer II
Nov 01, 2017
15k winch will put quite weight on your truck.
I think lot of owners overthink/overdue the issue.
I bought Harbor Freight 8k winch like 15 years ago and used it for pulling 10k tractors and forklifts up the ramps.
Having 100' of cable I usually double it with block.
To top it, with dual batteries I could load the heavy equipment without worry of engine starting.
Sure people who put their life on the cable might want to spend big money for higher quality winch, but heck, I got my $300 worth from my winch more than 10 years ago.

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Winch questions, looking for advice

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