3 Reasons To Change Your Winch Over Winter

The performance of your Jeep’s winch can significantly decline during the cold winter months. Whether you’re towing farming equipment, camping gear, or engaging in off-road adventures, your winch plays a crucial role. Here are three compelling reasons to consider upgrading your winch this winter, along with recommendations for winches that are up to the task.

1. Winch Ropes Can Freeze

Modern winches use wire cables or synthetic ropes, which are susceptible to freezing in low temperatures, especially after exposure to snow or freezing rain. Using your winch while the cables are frozen can cause severe damage to the cranking mechanism, fairlead, and wires, compromising the winch's effectiveness and safety.

2. Salt & Grime Build-Up

In snowy areas, roads are often treated with salt, which can accumulate on your winch. This buildup not only wears down the ropes by increasing friction but can also corrode mechanical components, leading to potential failures. The harsh winter conditions make regular maintenance challenging, increasing the risk of long-term damage.

3. Exposure to Harsh Elements

Winches are typically exposed to the elements, making them vulnerable to cold weather, strong winds, and precipitation like hail, sleet, or ice. This exposure can significantly shorten the life of a winch not designed for such conditions.

Top Winches for Cold Weather Performance

To ensure reliability and performance during the winter, consider these specially designed winches:

• Smittybilt X20-10 Comp Gen2 Waterproof Winch: Ideal for heavy-duty use, this winch can tow up to 10,000 pounds and features an automatic brake and a lifetime warranty. Its protective black finish helps prevent rust and deterioration.

• WARN VR EVO 10 Winch: This waterproof, powder-coated winch is perfect for larger Jeeps. It offers the choice between synthetic ropes and wire cables and includes a remote for easy operation. It comes with a 7-year warranty on electrical components and a lifetime warranty on mechanical parts.

• ZEON 1S Winch by WARN: Known for its reliability, this winch features an automatic mechanical cone braking system and a robust 12-volt DC motor. It’s equipped with 100 feet of Spydura synthetic rope and is capable of pulling up to 10,000 pounds.

• WARN ZEON Platinum 10-S Winch: Specially tested to resist corrosion from salt, this winch is a top choice for winter driving on salt-treated roads. It features Spydura synthetic rope and includes a USB charger and adapter, along with a Hawse Fairlead.

• Pro Series Winch from Rough Country: This winch is both dustproof and waterproof, making it ideal for off-road activities in winter. It includes special coatings and mechanisms to protect against salt, mud, ice, and sand, and can tow up to 9,500 pounds.

Upgrading to a winter-capable winch will enhance your Jeep’s towing ability and durability during the colder months, ensuring you can continue your outdoor activities without interruption. Consider these options to maintain optimal performance and safety of your winching system through the winter season.