Likely a stupid question...

What lb test rope should I be using with a 9K-10K rated winch? Obviously I want to be at/above the pulling capability, but how much above?

I ask because of the seemingly high price of synthetic rope. I just don't feel like spending a couple hundred to get 25K rope when all I need is $100 18.5K to cover every situation.

Also my spool holds 95' @ 5/16's, so I have to deductively conclude it will hold less length @ 3/8's right? lol

 

Does your winch already come equip with synthetic rope? I read on here, and other sites, that winches that come with synthetic rope originally, have a different drum, one that transfers the heat better or something. I'm not a hundred percent sure of any of this, just stuff I've read on the net, yes...I need to get a life...lol., but you may want to call your winch manufacturer and find out firsthand.

They will probably be a better source for rope strength, too. I called Superwinch the other day with a laundry list of questions...and they answered them all. Very helpful folks.

Brian

 

Also be aware that I've seen some sny ropes have a shelf life due to UV exposure and need to be replaced every X years to prevent premature failure.

 

I use 9mm Marlow line. Has worked great over the years. If your drum isn't designed for synthetic, make sure to put down a thermal barrier between the drum and the first wraps of synthetic

 

I get this, but can you please offer specific examples of appropriate thermal barriers?

 

Read this: Steel vs. Synthetic: Which Winch Line Do You Trust? | DrivingLine

I've chosen to stick with steel on the Jeep as there frankly is too much work associated with synthetic to save a few pounds. I've already got enough work to keep me busy with the friggin Disco.

 

Okay, not to sidetrack this topic to much...but...if you could buy a Superwinch TS9500SR (synthetic rope) or the TS11000 (steel rope/cable). Would you go with the lesser strength, but synthetic...or stronger, but cable.

Thanks,

Brian.

 

You can YouTube to see the thermal barriers mln01... Most ropes actually come with 3-4 meters of barrier on them.

Thanks for all the input guys. I called my winch manufacturer to get the details. I can do it with my current model, but the rope needs stretched and such.

I think I'll wait for a little while before I make the change

 

I used 2 full drum wraps of sleeved rope, have never had an issue. Same rope for the last 2-3 years. Worked perfectly this past weekend.


Steel is better if you're in an area that you're going to be dragging it on rocks etc. I'll never go back to steel.

 

Synthetic is really nice. When I replaced mine, I just bought the same rope from the manufacturer of my winch (in my case, Quadratec 3/8". I can't remember the rating, 15 or 18k most likely. It was a 9500 rated winch.

Typically, you are horsepower limited on your winch rating, not the cable-limited. When in doubt, see what Ramsey puts on their winch of the same rating as yours. They are a reputable company and I'd be happy to have my winch at least equal to theirs.

The best thing about Synthetic is re-using the line in the event of a failure. My winch line slipped off of a ****** block during a recovery and burned/smashed a section of the rope. I bought a repair-kit from Viking off-road and cut off the damaged portion and sewed some "thimbles" (eye-loops) into the ends and made 3 different recovery ropes/winch extensions of 20-30 feet a piece. Installing the new rope was easy too (if not a tad pricey).

I'm not sure if you can reuse steel cable if it breaks, or if you would even want too because of the weight. Synthetic is really nice. Yes, UV can be a concern, but I put a winch cover over the drum and keep the vehicle in the garage when not in use, so it should last for years.