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It's pretty common to see people using their trucks, SUVs and Jeeps to traverse the trails offroad. Inevitably though, accidents happen and trucks get stuck. The easiest way to get a downed vehicle out of a pickle is with a winch, but how do you decide what kind of truck winch you need? Don't worry, we've got your back.
Instructions
Step 1
Determine where you want the winch mounted. You can mount a winch on the front and the back, and you may want one of each. Consider what uses you're going to have for this winch. If you take the vehicle off road and you're new to the process, start with one on the front. If you have a bit more experience on the trails and may be pulling out stuck friends, consider a front and rear winch. The general rule of thumb is that it's better to have more options than fewer.
Step 2
Determine the weight of the vehicle you'll be attaching the truck winch to. You can either weigh the truck on a truckstop scale or look at the tag on the inside of the door jamb that has the vehicle weight printed on it.
Step 3
Multiply the weight of your vehicle by four to determine the number you'll use to start shopping for winches. This is the minimum amount you want your winch to pull. Winches come in different ratings, so let's say your jeep weighs 2,500 pounds. You'll want to look at winches in the 10,000-pound capacity, but you may have to go up to 12,000 pounds or more, depending on the brand of winch you're purchasing. When a vehicle is stuck in deep mud, sometimes it can take several times the weight of your vehicle to pull it out. By purchasing more truck winch than you need, you'll always be covered in case of emergency.
Step 4
Search for the accessories you would like with your winch. Some include air compressors, which are convenient for filling tires or powering tools. Others have a removable remote switch. Consider your options and compare them with your budget to see what works best.