How to Use an Off-Road Winch

By an eHow Contributor

Having a off-road winch when you are in a pinch can be a blessing. Imagine you are deep in the woods and you get stuck in the mud. You have no leverage and no way to get another vehicle to help get unstuck. A winch is a great tool and it comes highly recommended by off roaders around the world.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

How to use an off-road winch

1. You need to asses the situation. Go to the front of your vehicle where your winch is mounted. Locate the closest tree that is not dead. Make sure that you find a tree that is large enough to take a little abuse without it breaking. 
2. Locate the power button and turn the power on.
3. Locate the forward and reverse lever on the side of the winch. Move the switch forward to let as much slack out as you need to reach the tree that you picked out.
4. Wrap the cable around the base of the tree and attach the "hook" end back onto the cable. Make sure it is tight. This will give you the most leverage possible. Secure the cable by pulling the cable tight as you hit the reverse switch and start "reeling" in the excess cable that you let out.
5. Once you have the cable tight and in the reverse position, jump in the driver seat and give it some gas. You will feel the winch working but you will need to help it by applying power to the wheels. Keep it moving but don't keep trying if the winch is stressing too badly. The last thing that you need in this situation is for your only help to break down on you.

Tips & Warnings

• Be very careful when you are attempting this. The cable can and will snap if too much power is being applied to it. This can easy kill or injure someone.
• Stand back! Watch to make sure that the cable is not being strained too tight.