When it comes to those 4×4 recovery essentials, the winch should certainly be up there in your list of must-have self-rescue supplies. As you’ll quickly discover however, choosing the best winch for your 4×4 or pickup truck is just the beginning!
The winch rope is a key component of an electric winch and its mechanical counterpart. It wraps around the drum, passing through the fairlead as it spools in or out to get your vehicle to safety once more. Like every part of your winch setup, your winch rope needs a little TLC to stand the test of time, and keep delivering the safety standards you deserve.
So, what lifespan can you expect from your winch rope, how does this differ between winch rope types, and what can you do to make this vital winch accessory last even longer?
The lifespan of the winch rope
How long a winch rope lasts depends on a long list of factors, which extend beyond the type of winch rope you choose.
The quality of your winch rope, how often it’s used, the weight of your vehicle and its cargo, and the nature of the terrain that’s got your vehicle stuck will all influence how much strain a winch rope is put under and just how short that lifespan is.
Steel or synthetic – which lasts longest?
In the debate on synthetic winch rope vs steel cable, the latter certainly has its flaws. The steel winch rope may be UV-resistant, less expensive and more durable when used on rough and rocky surfaces, but it’s heavy, potentially dangerous and not so gentle on the hands. It’s also easily compromised by damage like rust.
Yet despite this, certain characteristics of synthetic winch ropes make them more prone to frequent replacement as Offroading explains:
“Another thing is its tendency to contain water, once it gets soaked or drenched. It’s because it’ll eventually feel heavy that could add up to your 4×4’s weight. Take note, it could completely freeze as well, during extremely cold conditions. Because of these, you might need to replace a synthetic rope frequently (which could cost you more) unlike a wire cable. But you can definitely repair it easily, if it breaks, by using the correct braiding method.”
Signs that say it’s time for replacement
For steel wire cables, look out for rust, burrs and splinters when unspooling. As well as being a danger when handling your winch cable, these are prime signs that it’s time to trade in your old winch cable for a shiny new one.
While unaffected by problems like rust, synthetic winch ropes also have their tell-tale signs. Fraying and kinks are often the first signs of damage. Once you spot these, don’t delay your winch rope replacement for too long.
Making your winch rope last – our top tips
Conducting regular maintenance will help your winch rope last even longer, whatever challenges you face when adventuring off-road. It’s recommended that you unspool and check your winch rope every 4 to 6 weeks. Make sure the winch rope and wider winch are free from contaminants by removing any dirt or debris with a clean cloth.
The secret to making it last is buying a great quality winch rope in the first place. Not all winch ropes were created equal after all. We’d always recommend choosing a premium synthetic rope from our collection for the best results. They’re 15 times stronger than steel winch cables, easier to handle, and safer too!
Shop our winch accessories, including our premium synthetic winch ropes, today.
