You may feel overwhelmed when faced with the question of what size winch for jeep - a very popular off-road vehicle. If you are not a veteran off-roader, you can generalize about the size of the winch. Some winches are pretty helpful to pull light duty weight, but when the stake is pulling the vehicle out of mud or up a steep incline, it will require a larger size winch for the same vehicle.
Therefore, only knowing the right size of the winch may not help you end up with the right winch. You must know about a bunch of things before going for a winch finally. However, you have landed in the right place and we will let you learn how to determine the winch size for your jeep along with other related things.
Read on.
Jump To Contents
What Size Winch for Your Jeep?
Here size refers not to the dimensions of the winch unit; rather, the capability to pull weight is the focus in this case. The capacity of a winch may vary but the point here is which capacity will answer your problem. Now, that is a related query and it is related to the weight of your jeep. The general rule of thumb is that the size of the winch should be 1.5 times the weight of your jeep.
Suppose your jeep weighs 3000 lbs and so the capacity of your winch must be 1.5* 3000 lbs = 4500 lbs to the least. As for winch capacity, the more is better. However, this is simply a guideline but to answer to what size winch for jeep JK, We will fix the lowest limit to 8000 lbs.
As for the weight of the target winch, this is not something to give a damn about. Whatever the vehicle type is, it can bear any winch weight.
In fact, the normal weight of a winch should not go over the range of 70-120 lbs and any kind of vehicle can carry that weight on them.
Here, the main concern is the capacity of the winch and if it is a bit over the required capacity, it is not an issue but it must not be less than the suggested one.
However, there are other two factors to consider that are pretty related to the winch size. Stay connected to know about them.
What Line Speed And Pulling String for Your Jeep?
Yes, line speed and the type of pulling string play a crucial role in winch recovery. And they must keep in line with the winch size. As it turns out, you must ensure how fast your winch can release and take back the winch string. Winches with larger sizes will feature faster line speed and claim high-end investment.
As for the winch string, you have two options to pick from – steel cable and synthetic rope. Both types do have their upsides and downsides. Whereas a steel cable will enable you to work in any weather, the synthetic rope will create an issue if soaked with water.
Conversely, a synthetic rope poses no threat by storing energy and put you into no danger. But the snapping of a steel cable involves the risk of cutting the individual in two half. However, any rope will serve your purpose. You can learn the differences between them more clearly this article.
What Type of Motor Match Your Winch Size?
The motor determines the size of the winch it is backed by. Here you must be very choosy about the type of the motor. If you have light-duty tasks to deal with, you need a lower size winch. In that case, a permanent magnet motor will serve the purpose to your satisfaction and it will consume less battery draw.
On the other hand, there is series wound motor to stand boldly against heavy-duty pulling and recovery. Therefore, for a larger size winch, the best motor type should be the series wound kind claiming usually higher price.
Takeaway
If you have determined the size of the target winch successfully, you have half done the work. To complete the course, you must look into the motor type, winch string, and line speed. Thus, you can avoid unexpected situations while bound for an off-road journey.
Note: Want to get a jeep winch right now? Read our reviews of the best jeep winch that are dominating the market for years.
Read Related Posts: