1. Dampen the winch cable. During winching, it's a good idea to lay a coat, blanket or even tie a bag to the wire cable to dampen it in case of failure. If it fails and you don't do this, the wire rope could potentially become a high-speed whip - crack!
2. Off the hook. When feeding the winch cable (whether its wire or synthetic) back into the winch, never hold the hook (clasp). Warn includes a Warn-signature red hook strap with all its winches. Hold the hook strap when feeding the cable. If your winch doesn't have one, get one! Warn sells replacements.
3. Add a rock guard sleeve. If your winch cable isn't protected from sharp objects, add a sleeve. This small open-ended rope "sock" looks like a gray Chinese finger trap, but is a wise addition. In the event you must winch over rough, jagged rocks or other obstacles with sharp edges, the sleeve protects the cable from fraying and damage. If the cable is frayed, replace it.
4. Wear gloves when winching. This rings especially true when working with a traditional wire cable. If there is a barb or fray anywhere on the cable, you'll know it as soon as your finger get jabbed and the blood flows. Winching gloves, which Warn also sells, will prevent this accident waiting to happen.
5. Go wireless. Whether it's cell phones, computers or winches, wireless systems are all the rage. A wireless winch operates within a 50-foot radius of your vehicle and improves your recovery options. It has an automatic shut off mechanism and fits in a holster on the handlebars.
6. Go with a roller fairlead when using a snowplow. Because of their frequent lifting and lowering of a plow blade, a winch cable always seems to be moving in and out of the winch. With a standard Hawse fairlead, the cable can be subject to damage, especially if the fairlead already has damage or grooves. A roller fairlead has a large center drum and two side drums to protect the winch rope/cable during plowing.
7. Purchase an accessory pack. Warn offers a winching kit that it says "doubles your pulling power." The kit includes two shackles, snatch block, two tree trunk protectors and a Cordura nylon carrying case. This kit also simplifies individual winching, in case you need to use a tree to get your quad unstuck.
8. Choker chain. Not for your dog, silly, but rather for your quad. If you love to rock crawl, a choker chain is an essential tool. This device lets a sturdy, sharp rock be used as an anchor.
9. Cover that winch. A winch cover, much like and ATV or boat cover, protects the investment that's underneath it. Keep dust, sand, ice and other debris off your winch by adding a cover. Warn's neoprene winch cover resists water and cracking.
10. Go with the Multi-Mount. Warn's versatile winch carrier can be moved from the front or back of an ATV or even your dad's quad to ensure you get out of trouble. The carrier fits inside model-specific front and rear mounts and attaches using a 50-amp Quick-Connect wiring kit.
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