10 Essential Winch Accessories Every Serious Off-Roader Needs
A good winch is just the beginning. We delve into the world of winch accessories and which ones you shouldn't go without.
As a seasoned off-roader who's spent many years traversing our Australian outback, I've learned that a winch is really only as good as its accessories. Whether you're bogged down in the muddy tracks of the Victorian High Country or facing a steep climb in the Flinders Ranges, having the right winch accessories can mean the difference between a quick recovery and a long, frustrating day in the bush.
While there's a seemingly endless array of gear to choose from when it comes to winch accessories, we've narrowed it down to what we believe are the top ten items that will make a difference the next time you find yourself stuck.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- Shackles and Hooks: The Foundation of Recovery
- Pulley Blocks and Snatch Blocks: Multiplying Your Winch's Power
- Tree Saver Straps: Protecting Nature While Recovering
- Winch Remote Controls: Enhancing Safety and Convenience
- Winch Covers and Dampeners: Protecting Your Investment
- Specialised Winching Gloves: Grip and Protection
- Winch Anchors and Mounting Accessories
- Recovery Kits and Rigging Setups
- Winch Maintenance Tools and Accessories
- Safety Equipment and Educational Resources
- Conclusion
1. Shackles and Hooks: The Foundation of Recovery
When it comes to winching, shackles and hooks are your best mates. I always keep a variety of good quality bow and D-shackles in my recovery kit. They're the unsung heroes of any winching operation, and allow you to connect your winch line to recovery points or other accessories. While I used to prefer the hard shackles, soft shackles have definitely become my preferred choice. Lighter, easier to handle and often times stronger than their steel counterparts.
For recovery hooks, we swear by a good clevis hook. It's versatile and can handle the tough Aussie conditions. But remember, always use rated recovery gear. Those cheap Bunnings store shackles and hooks might save you a few bucks, but they're not worth the risk when you're stuck in the middle of nowhere.
The Warn Clevis Recovery Hook. Rated 18,000lb.
Properly rated shackles and hooks are worth their weight in gold. While the cheaper alternatives might feel and look like they'll do the job, the engineering that goes into a rated shackle or hook is vital, and the peace of mind knowing your equipment can handle the load will be one less thing to worry about in an already stressful situation.
2. Pulley Blocks and Snatch Blocks: Multiplying Your Winch's Power
If there's one accessory that, collectively, has saved our skin more times than we can count, and that's a good snatch block. These beauties can double your winch's pulling power and change the direction of your pull. Essential when you're dealing with the steep angles of places like the Vic High Country.
I remember once, while exploring near the Murray River, my mate's ute got bogged at an awkward angle. Without a snatch block we'd have been stuffed. But with it, we were able to redirect the winch line around a sturdy gum tree and pull him out smooth as silk.
3. Tree Saver Straps: Protecting Nature While Recovering
As responsible off-roaders, it's our responsibility to look after our beautiful Aussie bush. That's where tree saver straps come in handy. These wide, flat straps distribute the load and protect tree bark when you're using a tree as an anchor point.
I never hit the tracks without at least two of these in my kit. They're not just for trees either - I've used them on rocks and even other vehicles in a pinch. Plus, they're a requirement in many 4WD parks across Australia, so you'll want to have them on hand.
4. Winch Remote Controls: Enhancing Safety and Convenience
A good winch remote is worth its weight in gold. I prefer wireless remotes for the freedom of movement they offer. Being able to stand clear of the tension zone while operating your winch is a massive safety bonus.
Aside from spare batteries for the wireless remote, I always pack a backup wired remote too. Technology can be a bit dodgy in the bush, and you don't want to be caught out if your wireless remote decides to chuck a wobbly when you need it most.
Runva Handheld Wired Premium Edition Winch Remote
Most wired remotes come at a minimum 3 meters in length, which is a decent length to operate from and stay in the safe zone of the vehicle.
5. Winch Covers and Dampeners: Protecting Your Investment
The Australian climate can be harsh on your gear. A good winch cover is essential to protect your winch from the elements, especially if you're touring up north where the red dust gets into literally everything.
Winch dampeners, or cable dampeners, are another crucial safety item. They absorb the energy in the cable if it snaps, potentially preventing serious injury. I've seen a cable snap once, and believe me, you don't want to be anywhere near that without a dampener in place.
A dampener is a relatively cheap item that is often overlooked, but we really can't overemphasise the importance of having one ready to throw over your line once it's setup. If the line does snap, the dampener takes the rope to the ground and ensures there's no snap back. The force on a winch cable when performing a vehicle recovery is no joke, and neither is the speed at which that rope will come back at you if it snaps.
Below is a video showing how quickly things can go wrong when not using a dampener. Get one, and use it.
6. Specialised Winching Gloves: Grip and Protection
A good pair of winching gloves is something you'll appreciate when you're handling cables in the scorching Aussie sun or the freezing cold of an alpine night recovery. I prefer leather gloves with Kevlar reinforcement for extra protection against cable frays.
Warn Synthetic Leather Winch Gloves with Kevlar Reinforcement
Remember, your hands are your most important tools out on the tracks. Protect them properly, and they'll look after you when you need them most.
7. Winch Anchors and Mounting Accessories
Sometimes, you'll find yourself in a situation where there's no convenient anchor point for your winch. That's where a good ground anchor comes in handy. I keep a screw-in ground anchor in my kit for those times when I'm in soft sand or loose soil.
For mounting, don't skimp on quality spacers and bolts. A properly mounted winch is a reliable winch, and in the harsh conditions we often face in the Aussie bush, you want your winch to be as reliable as possible.
We've recently had a customer install their winch and instead of using the supplied (rated) mounting bolts, they decided to use their own, and suffice to say, the winch literally ripped in half. Don't do it! Make sure you always use the supplied mounting hardware. Or, if for whatever reason you need to find another solution, make sure the replacement bolts you use are the correct size, and rated to the winch specifications. It goes without saying that not all bolts are made equal.
8. Recovery Kits and Rigging Setup Practice
A comprehensive recovery kit is a must-have for any serious off-roader. Mine includes various straps, shackles, blocks, and a good shovel. Understanding different rigging setups is just as important as having the gear. I've spent many hours practicing different techniques, and it's paid off more than once out on the tracks.
One setup I'd recommend every off-roader learn is a double-line pull using a snatch block. It's a ripper technique for when you need extra pulling power. It not only gives you a deeper understanding of your winch’s capabilities, but also shows you how to increase your pulling power in difficult situations.
I’ve honestly found it invaluable when tackling extreme recoveries where a single line just won’t cut it, like when you're seriously bogged or pulling at tricky angles. It really teaches you the importance of technique over brute force, and mastering this skill will boost both your confidence and safety out on the tracks.
9. Winch Maintenance Tools and Accessories
Your winch is only as good as the care you give it. I'm probably over-cautious but I like to carry a basic maintenance kit in my vehicle. This includes a spare winch rope, some decent grease, and the tools needed to service my winch in the field if need be.
Generally speaking though, regular maintenance is key to keeping your winch in top condition. After every trip, I give my winch a once-over, checking for wear and tear, and giving it a good clean. It might seem like a hassle, but it's a lot better than having your winch fail when you're in a sticky situation.
We're busy working on a maintenance guide at the moment, but until that's up there's plenty of Youtube videos that show the steps to a good winch service. It's well worth the time.
10. Safety Equipment and Educational Resources
Last but certainly not least, don't forget about safety gear and education. A good first aid kit is essential, and I always carry a fire extinguisher too. As for education, I can't stress enough how important it is to understand the proper use of your winch and accessories.
We've found the 4WD training courses offered by various clubs around Australia to be invaluable. They teach you not just how to use your gear, but also how to assess situations and make smart decisions in the bush.
Find one near you and invest in a good course. Those skills and understanding will be with you for life, and could potentially end up saving you, your family or friends on a future trip.
11. Conclusion
In conclusion, having these essential winch accessories in your kit will set you up for safe and successful recoveries in even the toughest Aussie conditions. Remember, it's not just about having the gear, but knowing how to use it properly. So kit up, get some training, and we'll see you out on the tracks!
As always, if you'd like to discuss your next trip and whether you have everything you need, feel free to give us a ring, or flick us an email (contact us here). We'd be happy to have a chat.
