Exploring the wild with your off-road capable vehicle is a unique experience. Going over bumps and hills in the bush is nothing like doing the same in the city. Although 4x4 vehicles are suitable for this type of driving and can handle hurdles quite well they are not invincible. From time to time, you or your mate can get stuck on a muddy terrain or a tight corner on a mountain path.
This is where having a winch on your 4x4 can be a true lifesaver. Winches, electronic or hydraulic, can extract a vehicle or pull your own from a ditch or hole. With the right approach and proper recovery equipment, you can safely bring your vehicle out in the clear. But this also depends on the type of winch cable you're using.
Types of Winch Cables
Synthetic
If you want a flexible and light solution, synthetic cables are your best bet. They are considered to be safer too since they don't snap at once. Synthetic winch cables are also stronger and easier to handle than their metal counterparts. Despite being more susceptible to chemicals, heat, UV exposure, and abrasion, a synthetic 4x4 winch rope is still an overall better choice than a steel one. Synthetic winch cables might not be as tough as steel ones when it comes to withstanding the elements but they are far more convenient and considerably safer.
Steel
With steel winch ropes you can rest assured that you're getting a long-lasting and durable solution. They are also easy to maintain and are the perfect option on abrasive terrains. If your off-roading consists mainly of rocks, mud, and sand steel winch ropes are the better solution. Just be sure to wear hard-wearing gloves when using steel winch ropes as you can get some nasty blisters.Steel or any other metal winch cable looks more rugged and can endure in harsh conditions better than a synthetic one. But steel winch ropes aren't as safe to use which is why you need extra recovery gear. These include recovery blankets which help weigh down the cable. This prevents the chain from flying off once it breaks from excess tension.
What to Look For in a Winch Cable
Strength
One of the key features of every winch cable is its tensile strength. The higher the tensile strength of the cable the heavier the load it can handle. Just make sure that you get a winch rope cable that is able to bear the load of your vehicle and what's in it. You shouldn't rely on a 4000 kg winch cable to pull a 4500 kg heavy load. It's best that you pull loads that are at or under the tensile strength level of the cable.
Length
The length of a winch cable also plays a huge role in how well you'll be able to extract a bogged down vehicle. Usually, cables made for winching heavier and bigger vehicles are longer than those made for smaller and lighter vehicles. For example, if you have a heavy-duty pickup truck it's best to get a 4x4 winch rope that is around 30 meters long. For smaller vehicles such as ATVs, a 15-meter long cable is going to do just fine.
Compatibility
It's not just the length and strength of a winch rope that determines how well you'll be able to utilise it. The cable itself needs to be compatible with your vehicle. Since not all vehicles come with the same type of winch, you should make sure that the winch cable you're getting works with the winch your vehicle has.There's also a specific winch rope cable attachment that the winch on your vehicle has. This needs to be present on the cable you're getting in order for it to be used with the winch. No matter how tough or how long the cable is if it is not compatible with the winch you won't be able to use it.
Components
The stuff you get with your 4x4 winch rope matters too. The components included with the winch can be stuff like protective sleeves and safety hooks. A sleeve keeps the winch cable safe from heat, abrasion, and corrosion. This ensures a long lifespan. While a safety hook ensures the cable stays in place even when you put it to the test. These hooks are usually corrosion resistant too.
Conclusion
No matter the type and weight of your vehicle, there is a winch cable for it. If you can find a winch for your vehicle you can definitely find all the additional components that come with it. This goes for the winch cable too which should be one of the safer winching components you get. Strength and durability are important too but you don't want to experience the sheer strength of a flying cable. The damage and injuries that come from one are just not worth taking such a risk.
