Winches: update -- problem solved, thanks to you!

[profdant139]

(Update -- see last entry in this thread.)

(I figured this has to be the right forum -- boondockers are the most likely to get stuck and need a winch, right? If not, Dear Moderator, please move this to the right place.)

So my winch is toast -- never mind why. Let's just call it operator error and leave it at that, in the interests of domestic harmony.

Here is the problem -- we have to use the winch to get the trailer up and down the driveway. We absolutely have to park it head-in against a wall, and there is no way to use the truck to get it there. So I anchor the winch with a short chain running to a heavy bolt, and the winch (which is mounted on a thick board resting on the ground) pulls the trailer up the driveway. Light trailer, short driveway, not too steep.

Usually, this is not a problem. But sometimes (like yesterday) the winch cable bunches up on one side. Yesterday it got so bunched up that the cable hopped out of the drum and jammed itself onto the axle, hopelessly wedged in place. No way to remove the plate covering the end of the drum. Un-fixable, as far as I can tell, and the rope is now very badly frayed.

So that is my first question -- how does one make sure that the cable spools evenly, back and forth across the drum, rather than getting bunched up? There is no way to move the cable by hand as it comes in. And the trailer is always off to one side as it comes up the driveway, forcing the cable over to that side of the drum. You'd think that the winch would pivot from side to side, in response to the sideways pressure of the cable, but it does not. The "fairlead" is no help, either. It does not guide the cable onto the drum, as far as I can see.

The second question is whether there is a better alternative than the steel cable that comes with the winch. The cable frays, and the wires cut right through my heavy duty gloves. I have read about synthetic cable -- is that a good idea, or is it just a gimmick?

Your advice will be greatly appreciated, as always.

[bka0721]

For those of you that would like to see how the OP came to his resolution; Clicky Here

b

[profdant139]

The link is on the DIY forum, and it worked for me and some other folks. Here it is again -- and Dear Moderator, if you need to delete this post due to the rules on double posts, please do so -- no hard feelings:

Multidirectional Winch Mount

[jefe_4x4]

Dan,
Could not find the link. Maybe in lost and found?
jefe

[bka0721]

A follow up would not be a double post.

Hopefully you put a clicky link in your new post, back to this one, as you could here to get future visitors to your update.

b

[profdant139]

Update -- thanks to many of you and your great suggestions, we solved the problem -- I have just posted a link over on the DIY forum. (I am not posting the link here, because there are rules against double posts.)

[profdant139]

Thanks -- I never would have thought of the counter-sinking.

[Oldtymeflyr]

Drill the hole in the concrete just very little larger than the steel bolt. It should go in fairly easily until you reach the soil beneath the slab, count on 3to 4 inches, then when you pull on the bolt sidewise, it should not pull out if you have done things correctly. I then counter sink the hole in the concrete too keep it from chipping at the surface.

Good luck.

[profdant139]

Oldetyme, what do you mean about a "jam fit" for the bolt? I was planning to sink a threaded socket into my driveway, and then use a bolt screwed into that socket whenever I wanted to fasten my winch down to the concrete. A jam fit sounds like it would be easier to slip it in or out -- is this just a hole drilled into the concrete that is slightly wider than the bolt?

[Jframpey]

I can testify to the ruggedness of the synthetic ropes... I just retired from firefighting. We took delivery of a new rescue truck 2 years ago. Included was a portable 8000 lb winch with synthetic rope. I've used it numerous times... Much easier to handle- break strength much higher than the stall point of the winch, so no worries. No rust, no splinters. We did unspool, wash and allow to dry after use. And... Much lighter!

[Oldtymeflyr]

I use a winch to move our TC dolley.
First is your winch mounted to a "board." I would switch that out to a piece of flat steel then securely attach the chain to the steel, I would use all steel for the winch assembly. Our winch is attached to the 6" concrete floor with a grade 8, 5/8" steel bolt 10 inches long, its a jam fit and its not coming out with any side pressure on the bolt.

As far as whether the winch is able to be reused, unless it is physically damaged, that is burned up or the gears are stripped it can be unwound and start over.

I use 3/16 inch steel cable and keep it from kinking too badly by going slow and sometimes, with the winch stopped I will grab the cable, wearing gloves and manhandle it into position. It works surprising well and has for 5 years.

You may just need to start over with a new cable and be careful with it and don't let it kink. My cable wants to lay flat on the winch drum and when that wrap of the drum is full, start the next warp and that is where there can be trouble, just go slow and make the cable do what it needs to do and you will be okay.

You will have the same problem you now have with the new miracle ropes. They will bunch up as well. Some boat winches use a flat strap, that will work but abrasion is an issue.

Good luck.

[profdant139]

Yeah, there are my two problems -- the pull was off to the side, and I did not tell the winch operator to watch out for bunching, and I did not provide her with any device (like a stick) to move the cable back and forth.

Actually, that's three problems.

Anyway, I managed to get the cable off the spindle and the drum -- lots of fun with needle-nose vice grips and screwdrivers and steel splinters in my hand, cutting right through my heaviest gloves. Now, time to replace the cable -- it is trashed.

[PRodacy]

The pull on your winch is quite low - no reason to worry about either a steel or synthetic line breaking unless the winch is way too small. On my Jeep I can spool evenly by just pushing on the cable a bit while its coming in. Use a piece of wood and push 4 or 5 feet in front of the fairlead. Usually spools evenly except at the ends or when the pull is off to the side.

[profdant139]

Trailer Tug looks great -- but it is more than $2,000! Is that right, or is there a cheaper alternative??

[Camorhino]

Redsky, that would take all the fun out of all of us Rube Goldberg engineers.......;) 🙂