There are exceptions but for those chasing mud at some point a winch will normally become a requirement.

What spec winch do I need?

Again the variables are massive depending upon your intended end usage, vehicle weight, size constraints and budget.

However as a rule for club trucks through to more serious off-roaders it is possible to purchase a good quality winch that will match all of your requirements from basic through to quite heavy recreational winching.

One will normally find for instance that the difference between a larger 12,000lb winch and smaller 9,000lb winch is simply that the manufacturer has chosen to install a smaller motor on the same or very similar winch model.

The same goes for a sensible winch ratio for your use. We use 4WD low-range in our vehicles off road for a reason. The same applies to winches. If you purchase a very fast ratio winch it is going to struggle under high load more than a slower ratio winch.

This is generally a decision to be considered at the time of purchase when discussing your vehicle’s weight and the activity you put it to.

Winches are generally used for recovery but obviously can also be used for steep track sections that make driving dangerous and even for removing fallen trees and other obstacles from your path.

Many 4x4ers will have a winch and maybe rarely use it, however, if you are stuck, it’s getting dark and there is no-one else to help you, it could be the best investment you have ever made in recovery gear.
 
To read the full story in the November 2015 issue of NZ4WD go to Zinio.com (on sale October 19) or purchase your own hard copy at the Adrenalin store.