ProMark Offroad Blog
Corded Winch Remote Safety Tips
Winching Tip of the Week: Only connect the corded remote to the winch when you are ready to operate the winch. Disconnect the remote immediately after use.
Always unplug the corded winch remote
when not in use.
Inspect the lead for cracks, frayed wires, and loose connections before using the remote. A damaged control lead may cause the winch to operate erratically. When you are done operating the winch, store the corded remote in a clean, dry area where it will be protected from damage.
To keep the remote control lead from getting damaged during use, keep it clear of all moving winch parts, including the drum and fairlead, cable, and any rigging. Don’t pinch the lead in the door if you are operating the winch from inside your vehicle. Always pass the lead through an open window.
Tips and Tricks for Winch Remotes
Winch remotes are a safe and convenient way to control your winch. Here are a few tips and tricks for using your winch remote.
Wireless Winch Remote
Store the remote in a clean, dry, protected place. Some wireless winch remotes come with a keychain. That way you are less likely to lose the remote and the remote will stay clean and dry along with your keys.
If your wireless remote doesn’t come with a keychain, you may want to add one. You can also modify your corded or wireless winch remote with a magnet for convenience. Just stick the remote on the hood while you rig up for the pull. A magnet keeps the remote out of the way but handy when you need it. It also keeps the remote from dangling in mud or water.
Another way to keep the winch remote handy is to run it over the hood and hang it over the door mirror (for a truck) or handlebars (for an ATV). Don’t let the remote control cord dangle in front of the winch, as it could get caught in the cable or moving parts.
If you operate the winch from inside the vehicle, simply pass the remote over the hood and through the side window to avoid pinching the cord in the door.
If you have a corded remote, always disconnect the cord from the winch when the remote is not being used. Don’t connect the remote until after you spool out the cable by hand and the clutch is in the engaged position.
Winch Controls for ATV and Recovery Winches
Find the best winch control for your ATV or recovery winch.
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 Switch
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 to prevent 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 winch remotes depend on batteries, so bring extra batteries along when you’re out on the trail.
