Winching Tips for Your ATV Winch and UTV Winch

I have put together a list of things I have learned over the years about proper winching techniques and accessories:
  1. Always inspect your winch and winch accessories before use. Remember the strength of the winch, cable and accessories is only as strong as the weakest component.
  2. Make sure you have a good strong battery, preferably the largest ATV battery available with the highest “Cold Cranking Amps” to provide the best initial pull of the winch.
  3. Try to use as much winch cable or rope as possible because the more cable that is off the drum the more pulling power the winch has. The use of a snatch block helps increase the pulling power of the winch. Remember whenever using a snatch block the speed of the pull is decreased while the pulling power is increased.
    • Always leave one layer, at least 5 wraps, of cable on the drum to secure the cable in place. The cable attachment to the drum is not designed to hold a full load with fewer than 5 wraps around the drum to secure the cable in place.
  4. Whenever possible have the stuck vehicles front tires pointed in the direction of the pull.
  5. With the engine running apply the throttle lightly to assist the battery during a pull.
  6. Never pull a heavy load with an ATV winch for more than 1-1/2 minutes at a time. Allow the ATV winch to cool between pulls and this also allows time for the battery to recharge.
  7. During a pull, if possible the stuck ATV should be driven in the direction of the pull using moderate throttle until unstuck, at which time the winch cable or rope should be disconnected.
  8. Whenever possible keep the winch cable or rope perpendicular to the drum of the winch during a pull and keep an eye on the drum to ensure the spooling of the cable or rope is even. Pulling at an angle causes the cable to spool unevenly on the drum which can lead to binding of the winch and damage to the gears.
  9. In the event a pull must be done with the cable at an angle to the drum, turn the front tires in the direction of the pull and pull in small amounts, keeping an eye on the drum and reposition the cable often to prevent uneven spooling.
  10. When pulling the winch cable or rope out for a pull always inspect the line for kinks, frays, and worn areas. Always wear gloves when handling a winch cable.
  11. When using the winch to pull out another ATV, secure the ATV with the winch to a tree or other object using the appropriate accessories before beginning the pull.
  12. When securing to a tree, always use a minimum 3″ wide tree saver strap with D-Ring shackles. To prevent severe damage to a tree never wrap the winch cable or rope around a tree. Protect our environment!
  13. If stuck in deep snow or mud, dig out around the tires and if possible find some rocks and/or branches to stick under the tires for traction during the pull.
  14. After a pull always try to re-spool the cable or rope even and tightly on the drum. Unravel the entire spool if necessary and draw the cable back in maintaining pressure on the cable to ensure a tight spool. This will help prevent a snarl in the cable on the drum.
  15. Never exceed the strength limits of your winch and cable.
  16. Never use a winch to tow another ATV, always use a tow or recovery strap rated for the load.

ATV Winch Image

ATV Winches

Winch Mount Image

Winch Mounts

Snatch Block Image

Winch Accessories
By following these simple winching tips and having the proper winch accessories you can enjoy your ATVing adventure. After all getting stuck is half the fun! Browse our large selection of ATV Winches,  ATV Winch Mounts and Winch Accessories. Let us help you Properly Equip Your ATV for ATV Camping.