The ideal winch control setup includes a combination of two
controls: 1) interior and corded or 2) interior and wireless. Here's
an overview of the three types of winch controls for off road use.
Interior
Winch Rocker
A handlebar rocker switch or in-cab switch lets you control the winch
and give the stuck vehicle some gas at the same time. This is
especially helpful if you are trying to winch out by yourself. One of
the added benefits of an interior winch control if you have a closed
cab is that you can stay warm and dry as you operate your winch.
Interior winch controls are convenient, but they have their downside
as well. From behind the wheel, you can't watch the cable as it stacks
on the drum. You won't be able to see if the cable is piling up on one
side or if it's rubbing on something.
Another downside is safety. Sitting in line with the cable as you
winch leaves you vulnerable. A snapped steel cable can cause serious
injury and even smash through your windshield. Don't assume your
vehicle will protect you if your cable breaks.
Low-impact pulls place less strain on your cable, making it safer to
control the winch from inside your vehicle. However, no matter which
control you use to operate your winch, keep your eye on the cable the
entire time so that if it snaps, you can get out of the way as quickly
as possible.
Corded Winch Remote Control
A corded winch remote gives you greater flexibility in where you stand
as you operate your winch. Most corded winch controls are 12 feet in
length, so you can winch from a distance but still keep an eye on the
entire winching process, including your cable as it stacks on the
drum. If you see the cable start to stack up on one side, you can stop
the winching process and respool the cable correctly before it causes
any damage. The downside of a corded winch remote? You're restricted
by the length of the cord.
Wireless Winch Remote Control
A wireless winch remote allows you to stand even further away from the
cable for safety but still keep an eye on the cable stacking and the
winching process. Wireless also means you don't have to deal with a
cord getting in your way. Most wireless winch controls are compact and
fit on your keychain, so you don't have to worry about losing it.
Wireless remotes depend on batteries, so bring extra batteries along
when you're out on the trail.
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About
Jesse Taylor
-
Jesse Taylor is an SEO blogger and copywriter for
PROMARK OFFROAD (formerly Gorilla Winches), a leader in the offroad
industry. We specialize in ATV, truck, and Jeep winches and offroad
accessories for ATV, UTV, truck, 4x4, and Jeep owners.
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The following sections will hopefully help provide some answers and
insight to common questions and considerations.