ProMark Offroad Blog
New! Recovery Winch Accessory Kit from ProMark Offroad
Recovery Winch Accessory Kit from ProMark: Tree strap, chain, snatch block, shackle, gloves, and carry bag
Even if you never get stuck, somebody will. Be a hero with the new Recovery Winch Accessory Kit from ProMark Offroad! This kit comes with a 20,000 lb snatch block, a 16-foot grade 7 chain with hooks, a 3/4″ 4-ton D-shackle, a 26-ton tree strap, a pair of winching gloves, and a carry bag to keep all your gear in one place.
With the right tools, you can get more power and versatility out of your winch. Rig up a double line pull with the snatch block. Redirect an angle pull for less strain on the winch. Hook up to a tree or another vehicle with the tree strap or chain. These are just a few of the ways you can use your recovery winch to get out of the toughest of stucks.
No two winching situations are the same, but you can be prepared for whatever challenge the trail brings with this recovery winch accessory kit from ProMark Offroad!
Kit Includes:
(1) 20K Snatch Block
(1) 16′ Grade 7 Chain with Hooks
(1) 3/4″ 4-Ton D Shackle
(1) 26-Ton Tree Strap
(1) Pair Heavy Duty Leather Gloves
(1) Weatherproof Nylon Carry Bag
Get this recovery winch kit for only $129.99 plus FREE shipping to the lower 48 states!
Winch Covers for ATV and Truck Winches
This recovery winch cover is made of waterproof, neoprene material.
Winch covers are good for several reasons, including the following:
- They keep your winch clean. The cleaner you can keep your winch, the less often you will need to wash and maintain it, and the better it will work over the long haul.
- They keep your winch dry. A cover protects your winch from rain, snow, and moisture and keeps metal parts from rusting.
- They protect your winch from damaging UV rays. The fibers in your rope or cable will weaken with constant exposure to the sun. A cover protects those fibers, making your rope last longer.
- They keep out dirt, sand, mud, and debris. These elements can work their way into the mechanical parts and affect the operation of your winch.
The best type of winch cover material is neoprene. It is fully waterproof (also used in wetsuits) and fits snugly in place.
Basic Offroad Recovery Kit
If you wheel out in the backcountry, you know how important it is to be prepared in case things go wrong. And when it comes to offroad recovery, there are certain items you just don’t want to leave at home!
We’ve put together a basic list of offroad recovery and winching tools to help you prepare for any recovery situation you might face. Some of these items are essential to the winching process, and others are just a matter of convenience. Feel free to add your own items to the list.
- Gloves – Protect your hands during the winching process with a pair of heavy duty leather gloves.
- Hook Strap – Keep your fingers from getting pinched in the winch hook by using the hook strap to spool out the cable.
- Snatch Block – Double up the winch line with a snatch block for really tough pulls.
- Clevis / D-shackles – Attach the winch hook to the anchor point with a clevis or D-shackle.
- Choker Chain – Use the choker chain to hook up to sharp objects or other vehicles. (Note: Not for use on trees, since a choker chain could damage or kill the tree.)
- Tree Strap – Use the tree strap to hook up to trees or other natural objects as an anchor point.
- Heavy Blanket or Coat – Throw a heavy blanket over the winch cable to zap the momentum of the cable in case it breaks.
- Recovery Strap – Use the recovery strap for quick and easy snatch pulls. (Note: Do not use the recovery strap in combination with your winch.)
- Batteries – Throw in extra batteries for the winch remote, just in case your batteries die out on the trail.
- Accessory Bag or Case – Keep all these winching accessories handy when you need them by storing them all together in one place.
- Shovel – One of these might come in handy during a tough recovery.
- Toolbox – Throw some pliers, a wrench, a screwdriver, and other basic tools into your accessory kit for repairs and quick fixes.
- Backup Parts – If you have room, it’s a good idea to throw in an extra winch cable or cable extension, an extra tree strap, and an extra clevis shackle and snatch block, along with any other extra parts you think might come in handy.
20,000 lb Snatch Block for Offroad Recovery
How to Install Rubber Line Stopper on Winch Cable
Winch Line Stopper for Steel Cable
Some guys lube down the cable and stopper and try to force the loop through the opening. Depending on how big the loop is and how big the opening is, this method could split the stopper or damage the cable. Even if you’re able to force the loop through the stopper, it takes just as much—or more—time and effort as it does to do things the right way.
So how do you get the rubber stopper over the cable? The right way to get the stopper onto the cable is to unwind the cable (yup, all the way), remove the metal bolt or pin that attaches the cable to the drum (don’t lose the pin!), and slip the stopper onto the end of the cable that attaches to the drum. Make sure the flat side of the stopper is facing towards the fairlead. The beveled side of the stopper should be facing outward, towards the winch hook.
After you snake the stopper through the cable, reattach the end of the cable to the drum, using the metal bolt or pin, and wind the cable back onto the drum in neat, even layers.
It may seem like a lot more work to unwind the entire cable, but in the long run, doing things the right way is simpler and easier than trying to force the cable loop through the stopper. It could also save you the trouble of getting a new stopper or cable if your “shortcut” backfires.
How to Dig a Deadman Ground Anchor, Part 2
Tie stakes or axles together with a tree strap for a homemade ground anchor.
The stakes must be deep enough and the ground dense enough to sustain the force of the pull or the winch will yank the anchor right out and all your work will be for nothing. This can also create a potentially dangerous situation if the buried anchor pulls free and rockets toward you or your vehicle.
After driving in the stakes, connect them with a chain or tree strap, and attach the winch hook to the strap as close to the ground as possible. If you have trouble pulling the stakes back out, try winching them out by pulling at the same angle as the anchor.
As you can see, digging a dead man takes time and hard work and is not going to be your first option, but when it comes down to walking back for help or making your own winch anchor, now you have the option of getting out on your own without the embarrassment of calling in the rescue squad.
For more tips, see Part 1 of How to Dig a Deadman Ground Anchor.
How to Dig a Deadman Ground Anchor, Part 1
Maybe you’ve been there before. You’ve been riding hard for the last couple hours, conquering boulders, mud, and tight spots until suddenly you find yourself good and stuck, and no amount of pushing, pulling, or cursing will make your vehicle budge. You’ve got a winch. The problem is there’s not a rock, tree, or stump in sight and no buddy around to pull you out. How are you going to find an anchor point to winch out? Roll up your sleeves and get ready to move some dirt. It’s time to dig a dead man.
Digging your own anchor is a last resort, but when you find yourself in a desperate situation, miles from civilization, it may be your only option. Here’s how you can make your own ground anchor if the situation calls for it.
If you’re adequately prepared for times like this, most likely you have a shovel stashed in your ATV or truck. Pull it out and start digging. The depth of the hole will depend somewhat on the size and weight of your vehicle and just how good you’re stuck. The deeper the hole, the sturdier your anchor will be. At minimum, it should be deep enough to fully cover an object the size of your spare tire and rim.
Dig the hole directly in line with the stuck vehicle, if possible, and far enough away from your quad or truck to spool out a decent length of winch cable for a maximum power pull. Spool out the cable ahead of time to measure the distance if you’re unsure where to start digging. Taking the time to plan out where your dead man needs to be is better than making the hole too close or too far away from your vehicle and then having to dig a new one.
A broad, weighty object makes the sturdiest dead man winch anchor, such as a log, large rock, or spare tire. If you carry a spare, you have a heavy, solid object on hand without scrounging around for a log or other large object. The size of the tire corresponds to the size of your vehicle and, if buried deep enough, should hold fast as you winch out.
Attach a chain or tree strap to the anchor and bury the log or tire deep in the hole, angled away from your vehicle for greater resistance during the pull. Fill in the open areas with dirt and pack it down solid. Hook up your winch to the chain or strap and you’re ready to start the recovery. After you winch out your vehicle, make sure to retrieve your makeshift anchor and fill in the hole. Leave as little trace of your digging as possible.
For alternative methods of burying a ground anchor, see Part 2 of How to Dig a Deadman Ground Anchor.
ATV Covers Protect Your Quad
Protect your ATV, UTV, or side x side from damage caused by exposure to the elements.
Polaris ATV Cover
ATV covers are specially coated or sealed to repel water. A water-repellent coating allows water vapor to escape, whereas a waterproof seal can trap moisture, which can damage your vehicle. The breathable water-repellent coating prevents mildew naturally by allowing extra moisture to evaporate.
Another quality feature of quad covers is a venting system that allows free airflow and prevents the cover from lofting in strong winds. An elastic hem and grommets with tie downs also ensure that the cover stays snugly in place and make your ATV cover trailerable.
An ATV or UTV cover serves a double purpose by concealing your ride from prying eyes and discouraging the possibility of a stolen vehicle or stolen parts. A camo ATV cover will further disguise your vehicle, without cramping your style.
Another option to consider in protecting damage to your ATV is a winch cover. Winch covers prolong the life of your winch by keeping dirt, mud, and water out of your winch. A clean and dry winch will operate more smoothly and for a longer lifespan than a winch that is constantly exposed to mud, water, and other damaging elements out on the trail.
___________
Gorilla Winches [now ProMark Offroad] offers universal ATV covers and UTV covers as well as model-specific covers for Suzuki, Polaris, Yamaha, Arctic Cat, Kawasaki, Honda, and Can-Am/Bombardier.
First-Time Winch Buyer’s Guide
We’ve put together a checklist for first-time winch buyers.
The Basics:
Winch (Find out more about choosing a winch here.)
Most likely your winch will come loaded with cable already spooled on the drum. It should also include a contactor, thumb switch, spring hook and pull strap, wiring, and all necessary hardware. Some winches come with a fairlead. Some don’t. If your winch has steel cable, you’ll need a roller fairlead. For synthetic cable, you’ll need a hawse fairlead. Your winch may also come with a few bonus features (remote control, rubber winch stopper, etc.).
There are two basic types of mount plates: 1) Universal and 2) Custom / ATV Specific. Which type of mount you choose depends on how much you like to customize on your own. If you don’t mind drilling a few holes, a universal mount can save you a few dollars. A universal mount may fit as is, but it’s not guaranteed. If you want a mount that fits your quad without any modifications, choose a mount that’s specifically designed for your ATV or truck model.
Basic Winching Accessories:
Gloves, Snatch Block, Tree Strap, Clevis
If you plan to use anything besides a straight, single-line pull, you’re going to need a few winch accessories to help you out. Gloves are essential. They protect your hands from barbs and rope burns, among other things. If you ever need to straighten out an angle pull or double up the line, a snatch block, tree strap, and clevis will come in handy. A long tree strap can also double as a tow strap. If you buy a winch accessory kit, it even comes with a bag to keep all your tools in one place.
Extras:
Using a winch cover is one of the easiest ways to protect your winch and reduce the need for cleaning and maintenance.
A remote winch control helps you stay safe while winching and gives yourself more options for winching out. It’s also ideal for winching out alone.
A winch stopper keeps your cable hook from tangling up in the winch housing as you respool.
If you have synthetic rope on your winch, a cable extension can help you out in desolate terrain when your closest anchor point is just out of reach.
