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Old 06-24-2019, 10:19 AM   #1
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Winch size

Hey Guys
thinking about finally pulling the trigger but trying to decide on size. I have 03 e350 with the 7.3. Its not full camper build but about half way. Trying to not spend a ton but want a solid winch that will pull me out of jam if needed. The van is no light weight jeep as you guys know. Do you really need a 12 or 16k winch. Def want to go with a warn. Whats your experiences with what you have?

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Old 06-24-2019, 11:23 AM   #2
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12k is fine IMO. Carry a snatch block just in case its not, then you can do a 2-1 pull.

I've pulled myself out easily with my Warn 12k, once with 13,000 pounds of trailer hooked up.
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Old 06-24-2019, 11:24 AM   #3
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The general rule is to have a winch that is 1.5 times the weight of the vehicle. I think that for most 7.3 vans this will put you in the 14-16k winch range. However, if you can use a pulley block and bring the line back to the vehicle, you reduce the load by a factor 2.


It all comes down to how often you think you will need it, how stuck you are, how much "pre-winching" work you do to reduce resistance before starting the winch, and if you can bring back the line to the van (get an extension line for your winch). Doing the "pre-winching assessment and preparation work", using the winch appropriately and "helping" it with the accelerator and slow wheel spin while winching can mean you can get by with a 12k winch. Always treat winches with respect, use appropriately rated shackles and pulley blocks. If something breaks while winching it can kill.



We have a 14k winch with synthetic rope from Superwinch in the Aluminess bumper.
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Old 06-24-2019, 02:40 PM   #4
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PS: Note that you only get the "full capacity" of the winch when you unwind it to the last layer of rope on the drum. Leaving more layers than that means the winch cannot operate at full capacity. Bear that in mind with winch selection, and using the winch in the field; when using the winch, try to unwind it until the last layer. But don't unwind all the way, leave some rope on the drum, perhaps the width of you hand.
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Old 06-25-2019, 08:17 AM   #5
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I’ve got a warn 12K power plant with the built in air compressor on my ‘03 7.3 and have used it successfully to pull myself and others out no problem, including a flat bed tow truck stuck in the mud. I’ve gone over to synthetic line as well
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Old 06-25-2019, 12:18 PM   #6
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We have a 12k on our rig and it's worked fine for us and the few "bro trucks" we've had to get unstuck when they venture off the pavement.
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Old 06-30-2019, 10:39 AM   #7
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12k. Had the 9k on my Van for 21 years.. Never ever let me down. Just replaced it with a 12k that uses Nylon instead of Steel !.. Love it. BTW I sold my old one to the Guys at Ujoint .

P.S.

"
Winch Capacity, Part 1:

Hopefully by now, off road and 4x4 enthusiasts have all but eliminated the rookie misconception that the necessary winch capacity is directly proportional to a vehicle’s weight. But in case there is still any confusion regarding this matter, let’s put it bluntly. Plain and simple, your winch capacity should be 1.5 times your gross vehicle weight. In other words, take your vehicle’s weight, multiply it by 1.5, and that resulting number should be your minimum winch capacity. For instance, a vehicle that weighs 5,000 lbs would require a winch with a minimum capacity of 7,500 lbs. Winch Capacity, Part 2:

When shopping for an electric winch, it’s easy to get confused by all the ratings, specs, and other technical information; in particular, winch capacity. Fact is, even if an electric winch is rated 10,000 lbs, it won’t always pull at 10,000 lbs. The way the ratings systems works is that each winch is given a designated capacity based upon its pulling strength with one layer of winch cable. In other words, an electric winch has the most pulling power when 1-2 complete layers of winch cable are wound around the winch drum due to a lower gear ratio. As a winch continues to wrap more layers of cable around the drum the pulling power decreases. This ties into our next point …"

https://www.4wheelparts.com/a/electric-winch
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Old 06-30-2019, 05:30 PM   #8
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Bigger Is Better

Quote:
Originally Posted by surferdave View Post
Hey Guys
thinking about finally pulling the trigger but trying to decide on size. I have 03 e350 with the 7.3. Its not full camper build but about half way. Trying to not spend a ton but want a solid winch that will pull me out of jam if needed. The van is no light weight jeep as you guys know. Do you really need a 12 or 16k winch. Def want to go with a warn. Whats your experiences with what you have?
Go for the biggest you can fit into the installation location I have a 12,000# and have at times wished it had higher capacity.
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Old 06-30-2019, 08:24 PM   #9
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12k Warn pulled my almost 11k SMB lots of times. I agree with the 1.5 times vehicle weight idea except on SMBs. I think a 12k winch is plenty for about anything.
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Old 07-01-2019, 08:14 AM   #10
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OK I'm very interested in the "SYNTHETIC" line.
This is the 1st I have heard....It has to be better to work with than cable.
Where do I learn more?
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