Winch cover or not?
- Thread starter Thumper4fun
- Start date
Generally speaking, whether advertised as "waterproof" or not most winches are already waterproof. At least fresh water won't hurt them though salt water is another story. Dirt or mud won't hurt them either, within reason, but if you have a synthetic rope, a cover could be beneficial.
First, mud getting into the strands of a synthetic rope could eventually weaken them through abrasion. And while good quality synthetic ropes are treated against UV exposure, using a cover would protect it from UV exposure more if your Jeep sits outside in the sun.
First, mud getting into the strands of a synthetic rope could eventually weaken them through abrasion. And while good quality synthetic ropes are treated against UV exposure, using a cover would protect it from UV exposure more if your Jeep sits outside in the sun.
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Even with steel cable it's a good idea to wash them out occasionally. Doubly so with synthetic. Crud in the lay is abrasive, and will ruin a good cable. (Says the guy who doesn't run a winch) I'd wash the running rigging on my sailboat twice a year or so.
You’ve got most of the info you need in @Jerry Bransford post above. Since your TJ is a garage queen, but it sounds like you get in the mud, you might get a cover to keep mud off the rope. It can work its way into the rope and break it down. Climbers, rapelers and the like know all about rope maintenance and care and similar principles apply.
Nimbley
TJ Enthusiast
I’ve been thinking about a cover just to protect the line. The sun and heat here destroy things and I’ve been worried about the line decomposing. I know I have to replace the winch strap on my boat about every 7-8 years.
Sumbrella works great and is easy to work with, the OP lives in a garage so it would be a waste of time.
Maybe it's not 100% waterproof, but living in the Willamette Valley in Oregon, I can assure you it's seen more rain than most places in the country get, and it's damn near close!
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B06XSQ5LGM/?tag=wranglerorg-20
Either way, it does the job nicely and seems to keep my winch dry even on the most wettest of days.
Probably just as dry as an umbrella would keep you dry if you jumped in a pool, I bet it does great for UV, but my steel cable soaks up the rays just fine. I bet your cover looks nice though.
I cover mine. Synthetic Rope so I want to keep the UV off it. I bought this one...
https://www.bartact.com/products/winch-cover-for-warn-zeon-10-and-12?variant=33180743632
Says for the Zeon...but I have a Smittybuilt winch and it fits just fine.
https://www.bartact.com/products/winch-cover-for-warn-zeon-10-and-12?variant=33180743632
Says for the Zeon...but I have a Smittybuilt winch and it fits just fine.
If you are going to cover the rope, also do the end where the clevis is...that is probably the most fragile part of the rope...
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