A must-have accessory for anyone going off-road, for work or for pleasure, is a winch. Designed to pull and lift your vehicle out of a difficult situation, a winch is generally powered by an electric motor that is linked to either your vehicle’s battery or power steering pump, and typically bolted to the front of your vehicle. It is commonly used in vehicle recovery but can also be used to remove items that are blocking your route.

When choosing a winch for your 4×4, there are a few performance factors and components you should consider.

Rope options

Most winches have the option to use synthetic rope or steel cable and which you use depends on your preference. A synthetic rope is more expensive than a steel cable in general, but it is lighter and 45% stronger by weight. It does not rust like a steel cable, and you can fit more length on the winch spool. However, synthetic rope is prone to wear and tear when dragged through mud or over sharp rocks, and it is also susceptible to UV damage.

Steel cables are less expensive and known for their durability. When there is mud and rocks, you can use them without experiencing any issues, but they are hard on your hands and should be used with heavy gloves for protection. They are also heavier than synthetic ropes and prone to rust.

Components

When not in use, your rope is wound around a winch drum. This is made of fabricated steel and is intended to support a specific load capacity. It is usually connected to a motor that can turn it in either direction to adjust the tension of the rope or cable, feeding the cable out or retracting it inward. The winch spool rotates the drum that then winds the cable.

The gear train or gear system is the part of the winch that gears down the motor and turns the winch. The lower the gear ratio, the faster the winch. There are three common gearing systems, planetary gear, worm gear, and spur gear. Most 4×4 winches use a compact three-stage planetary gear arrangement to convert the high speed of a 12V electric motor into a low speed rotation of the linked drum.

The winch motor powers the drum so it can pull in the rope. Winches are typically available in 12-volt or 24-volt models. A winch can be low mount, when the motor is mounted in line with the drum, or high mount when the motor is mounted above the drum.

The winch control box contains all the wires as well as a small electrical board that powers the motor. Depending on the winch, this box is typically mounted on the winch or within the engine bay, with cables connecting to the winch motor and vehicle battery.

Additional considerations

Going off-road generally means lots of mud, dust, and other debris will be flying around. Most 4×4 winches come with an IP rating so you know how water and dust-tight the winch is. The IP, or Ingress Protection, is an international standard for rating enclosures for their ability to offer protection from both objects and liquids entering the motor. The first number relates to dust protection, and the second refers to liquids. So, an IP rating of IP68 means the winch is dust-tight and waterproof up to three metres.

A winch capacity rating, generally shown in pounds, lets you know how much weight your winch can pull. It can also be referred to as tensile strength – the maximum amount of stress that a material can withstand while being stretched or pulled before breaking. It is critical to remember that the capacity rating of the winch you select should always be greater than the gross weight of your vehicle, including all gear and accessories. It’s best to choose a 4×4 winch that can pull up to 1.5 – 2 times the gross mass of your vehicle.

Autoworld 4×4 stocks Ironman 4×4, Hamer 4×4, and Runva winches. Let’s look at some of their features:

Ironman 4×4

Designed and developed at Ironman 4×4 Australia, the Ironman 4×4 12V Monster Winch is a great addition to any 4×4. There are two options: the 9,500lb or 12,000lb version with a choice between steel or synthetic cable. The 9,500lb winch uses a 5.5hp (4.1kw) series wound motor and comes with 28 metres of 8.3mm steel cable or synthetic rope. The 12,000lb winch has a 6hp (4.5kw) series wound motor and 28 metres of 9.4mm steel cable or synthetic rope. It weighs about 29kg.

Water damage is not a concern with an Ironman Monster Winch because the components have been thoroughly sealed. The engine is completely sealed, and changes in temperature and pressure are compensated for by a remote breather hose that can be fitted to the highest point of the engine bay, away from any water. A filter on the top of the hose prevents dust and water from entering. Sealed waterproof bearings are also installed at both ends for increased stability and reduced friction. It receives an IP rating of 69, which is the highest rating one can receive. The Monster series is resistant to high temperatures and water pressure.

The Ironman 4×4 allows you to free spool rope off the drum without having to engage the winch. The drum is fitted with an automatic camp lock to hold it in place once winching has stopped.

You can operate a Monster Winch by means of a cable plugged into the control box or with a wireless remote that works up to 30 metres away. Remotes are individually programmed for each winch and operate with a small dongle inserted into the control box.

Ironman monster winches have a standard bolt mounting pattern which allows them to be fitted to most bars and vehicles – 254mm x 114.3mm.

Hamer 4×4

Having been around since 1994, Hamer 4×4 has over 20 years of experience in the manufacturing and sale of 4×4 accessories. They are known for their quality OEM and aftermarket parts, all designed with functionality in mind.

The Hamer Rouge Winch is an electric winch equipped with a drum and fairlead specifically designed for synthetic winch rope. The framework is made from high-quality steel and weighs approximately 27kg. The winch has a capacity rating, or tensile strength, of up to 12,000lb.

A Hamer 4×4 winch comes with a wireless remote control which can operate up to 100 metres away.

Runva

Runva is a Chinese-owned company that has been manufacturing electric winches since 1997. They produce electric and hydraulic winches in capacities from 2,000lb through to 13,000lb, catering to ATVs and UTVs through to electric hoists and hydraulic winches for tow trucks. The Runva Electric 4×4 Winch range has pulling capacities from 5,000lb through to 17,500lb.

Runva produces a multitude of winches of varying specs. They all have a tough framework, and the mounting bolt pattern does vary depending on the model. There is an option of a 12V or 24V series bound motor, as well as a choice between a steel cable or a synthetic rope.

The EWS Series is specifically designed for competition with a high-durability planetary reducer. Planetary gear reducers are tiny components designed to maximise torque transmission. The EWB Series is a dependable winch with an innovative brake, high efficiency transmission, and a reduction in noise.

Both the EWB and EWS Series receive an IP rating of IP67, meaning they provide complete protection against dust and airborne particles and protection against water and liquids, up to and including immersion in up to one meter of water. Note that the solenoid is waterproof, however the wireless receiver for the remote is only water resistant. It is located underneath the control box cover and if it is likely to get submerged in water or mud you should disconnect it or remount it.

The EWV and EWA Series feature a patented ratchet-pawl brake inside the gearbox to keep the drum from heating up, as well as an optional hall protection to prevent overload damage.

It is recommended that you run your winch cable/rope in and out at least once every 4 – 6 weeks and check all connections on the motor are clean and tight to ensure optimal performance. If you don’t do this, you could void your warranty.

Your winch is supplied with a 2in1 control box mounting bracket system (for mounting the control box on top of the winch) as well as a winch bar angled mounting bracket. Once your winch is fitted and wired, you can power your winch either with the plug-in handheld remote or the wireless remote. The Runva wireless remote allows you to operate your winch from up to 50 feet away without cables or switches.

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With so many options to choose from, you may find yourself unsure of where to start. Drop us a line if you would like to find out which winch is best suited to your vehicle.