Club 80-90 Forums

A suggestion I've seen is that current owners of a steel rope store it inside an old motorcycle tyre and maybe use it when doing a long winch out, say lowering down a steep slope on the brake, which isn't normally advised as... the brake isn't rated for continuous use, and the drum might overheat as well. So if its done at all, it should be done in stages and with a heat resistant rope around the drum.

blanked

"The only occasions when winches have been used at Syncronauts events so far have been when someone's done something REALLY stupid. I would hope the number of idiotic incidents caused by stupidity that require heavy duty recovery would go down rather than up as we hold more events. "

Doo Hangs head in shame!!!! I must be stupid as well as loads of other faults according to the goth daughter

In some cases a winch is the only way of recovery.Not due to the severity of the hole u are in but location dictating that no other vehicle can recover u safley.But at an event like the syncro events in the past there are far to many spectators (very curious people) far to close to the action.If winching is nesesary in the future there needs to be a clear cut protocoll(f knows how u spell that one)on bystanders and recovery crew(2 or 3 at most)Quite often can be self recovery.
Personaly if i am using a winch i dont want anybody in the area if it can be helped.

You spelt protocol right, Russel

I agree totally that sometimes a winch out is the only way to recover a vehicle.

i like playing in the mud.....................

once again thomas has his facts wrong,the syncro i use for greenlaning hasnt got a winch fitted,but the jeep used for challenges and local events has,thomas dont start preaching about winches to me theres nothing you can tell me thats new,ive used winches commercially for 20 years for pulling timber,extracting unimogs from swamps and off road use,and have recently updated my profesional winch user certificate,a winch on 4x4,s has its place and if used safely is very usefull and in some cases your guarantee home,as for rotting on the drum well that falls into maintenance,and like all recovery gear needs to be cleaned,checked,stored correctly or discarded if its left to rot then its neglect same as wire rope should be unwound and wound on again neatly,cj.

My comment about "plasma for the occasional user" was directed from a safety point of view.. ie safer for those that dont use it very often.. it offers a big bonus to those of us that have little experience winching..

"Rot".. well, thats down to making sure its maintained in a proper manner!?

You won't find that 'Plasma' stuff rotting anywhere, its' pretty well UV stable, certainly better than most ropes, sea-water proof (just about floats as well in fresh water, and like ski ropes, polyethylene based).

We had 2,000' of cheap blue 6mm polypropylene on an exposed winch drum in the back of a truck for about 2 years, got used and abused and didn't rot (synthetic). We did make a light/waterproof cover for it eventually, but it's main mode of failure was internal fretting, as cheap twisted propes do.

You can wash 100' of rope in a bucket of soapy water quite easily, and then back through fresh water before re-stowing. 2,000' is a different matter, especially when it wants to curl up, which this braided or plaited stuff won't.

When you think polyethylene , think Tupperware (making a comeback I hear).

OK.. cool, sounds like the stuff to use then... if I ever buy a winch... or get the syncro going

Tupperware... funny you should say that.. saw a new reps car all graffic'e up with tupperware in my local town.. thought to myself "oh, must be making a comeback!!"

But not 'Plasmaware' as far as I know, but a lot of new products to put in your cupboard next to gran's original Tupperware

Euan used to sell Tupperware for a living.........shhhhhhh......don't tell anyone......