tuko Posted October 15, 2012 Author Share Posted October 15, 2012 With winter closely approaching I'm wondering how do others protect their synthetic winch lines during the winter months? We've already had frost coupled with all the rain lately, I'm worried that the ice on or in the winch line will break it down. Therefore I'm looking for solutions that'll protect the winch line. Todd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuko Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 With winter closely approaching I'm wondering how do others protect their synthetic winch lines during the winter months? We've already had frost coupled with all the rain lately, I'm worried that the ice on or in the winch line will break it down. Therefore I'm looking for solutions that'll protect the winch line. Todd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zardos Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Take it off and store it in a dry place until need Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted October 15, 2012 Share Posted October 15, 2012 Take it off? Synthetic is easy to handle, easy to spool on to the drum when you need it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
q-rover Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I bought a winch cover from Goodwinch. Very good as it covers the whole winch and over the front of the bumper (fairlead). The only part exposed to the elements is the hook. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SPendrey Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 You can get 'bags' which cover over the winch and wire/rope... but fitting one well can be a pain if the winch is recessed inside a bumper (like mine). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Maverik Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Should be fine without, what you should be concerned with are oil/chemical contamination and to a certain extend UV exposure. I doubt (but prepared to be proven wrong) that temperature and water will effect it. Yes if you can avoid getting it salty that helps, but we've been using fibre ropes on winches for subsea recovery operations, and one of the methods that slightly decreases the lifespan is the salt crystals being abrasive in the rope itself when its dried out. - but you;re talking repetative bending cycles over 10 or so sheaves (its a capstan type winch - with heave compensation). you;re not going to be seeing a duty cyle anythin glike that on a recovery winch rope... Mav Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuko Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 I do have a winch cover, but with the winch placement it doesn't fit. The suggestion of taking it off, sounds the best so far. Todd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tuko Posted October 16, 2012 Author Share Posted October 16, 2012 Sorry Guys, some how while posting with my cell phone yesterday I made a double post. Don't have the slightest how this happened, but can one of the moderators combine the two threads please. Cheers, Todd. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davie Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 got one of those winch covers too after winch was serviced and repaired by goodwinch and with a lil careful positioning the hook is covered too. wish had bought one earlier. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CwazyWabbit Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Annoying thing about taking it off is that they are supposed to be spooled on under load aren't they? Or is that not the case? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zim Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Better to spool them on under load. Or else the wraps tighten on the outside sliding down between the others and getting stuck. Doesn't take long to spool in a rope under tension though. My ropes come off after every weekend to get washed. (currently drying ready for next event). G Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mickeyw Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 I think covers are a mixed blessing. Although you can keep the winch away from the winter salt, as well as give UV protection, it will be damp under there, which will make any unpainted bits go red :-) For synthetic I'd say remove it if you don't need it on. I'm one of the heathens apparently, as I prefer to use wire (I don't do comps etc). However last winter's salt rotted my cable, but at £20 for a replacement.... I keep a spare or two in the garage anyway. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SteveG Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 You just don't spool on neatly, unlike wire. That way rope doesn't get pinched and over wrap. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Happyoldgit Posted October 16, 2012 Share Posted October 16, 2012 Sorry Guys, some how while posting with my cell phone yesterday I made a double post. Don't have the slightest how this happened, but can one of the moderators combine the two threads please. Cheers, Todd. Done Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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