ATV Winches, ATV Winch Mounts and ATV Winch Accessories
 If you're serious about ATV camping, then having a ATV winch and the proper winch accessories is a necessity. Every since I was little I have always tried to make my stuff better. Whether it was my bicycle, motorcycle, car, truck, or ATV, I had to modify it in some way to make it better, faster, more rugged and durable than stock. In doing this I then always had to test my creations to find its limitations and since most of my toys were for offroad that usually meant driving it until it wouldn't go any further or in other words, until it was stuck! Having done this several times in all types of situations I became very familiar with the advantages of having and using a winch.
ATV Winches, UTV Winches and ATV/UTV Winch Mounts
An ATV winch is probably one of the most useful accessories to have on your utility 4x4 ATV, since a utility 4x4 ATV can take you to some very extreme places especially if you are ATV camping. When selecting an ATV winch, make sure you select one with the capacity to pull the weight of your ATV plus the weight of your camping gear and yourself. Also make sure you get the proper winch mount for your selected ATV winch and ATV. Browse our selection of ATV winches, UTV winches, ATV winch mounts and winch accessories to find what you need. Confused about which is better, winch cable or winch rope? Go to our Winch Cable vs. Winch Rope page.
Having a ATV winch does not guarantee to get you out of a stuck situation. You must also have the proper winch accessories, knowledge of proper winch usage and a couple of friends with cameras to ensure you make the best of a stuck situation. A good pair of gloves, recovery strap, snatch block, d-ring shackles, shovel, and a tree saver strap are just some of the winch accessories you will need to carry in your rack bags.
ATV/UTV Winching Tips
I have put together a list of things I have learned over the years about proper winching techniques and accessories:
- 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.
- Try to use as much winch cable or rope as possible because the more cable that is off the drum (always leave a least one layer of cable on 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.
- Whenever possible have the stuck vehicles front tires pointed in the direction of the pull.
- With the engine running apply the throttle lightly to assist the battery during a pull.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
- 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.
- 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.
- Never exceed the strength limits of your winch and cable.
- Never use a winch to tow another ATV, always use a tow or recovery strap rated for the load.
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! Click on any of the ATV winches and/or ATV winch accessories on this page for more information. For Winch Mounts CLICK HERE. Let us help you Properly Equip Your ATV for ATV Camping.
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