ARB winch Extension Vs. additional synthetic line

[Sirocco]

Afternoon guys,

Been thinking of getting a winch extension sorted for my Warn M8000 but not sure which route to go down.

I always thought It would be better to get a 30m synthetic line with thimble'd ends then if my primary winch line snaps, I can use this one in its place.

But ARB and others make 'winch extension' straps which I quite like, only 20m but probably long enough.

Is there any advantage to these? can they double up as rigging straps or be used to recover vehicles? I already have their tree saver, a 10m long strap and a 3m long strap.

I like the idea of another synth line for security whilst overland, can be put through a pulley to if required.

synth line extension here will come in around £130, ARB strap for £90

what do you guys think?

G

 

[michaelgroves]

I prefer the idea of a proper extension of synthetic rope. It gives you more options when rigging, as it will go through snatchblocks, as you point out. But take both

Straps/ropes suitable for winching won't be suitable for towing due to the total lack of stretch.

 

[Sirocco]

I prefer the idea of a proper extension of synthetic rope. It gives you more options when rigging, as it will go through snatchblocks, as you point out. But take both

Straps/ropes suitable for winching won't be suitable for towing due to the total lack of stretch.

Cannot afford both Michael! :Wow1:

your 2nd point is interesting, I have always wanted to know the cross over capabilities.

So 2nd length of 10mm Bowrope is the way forward then :coffeedrink:

surprised no one else has chimed in on this as I couldnt find anything in the search.

Cheers,

G

 

[michaelgroves]

Cannot afford both Michael! :Wow1:

Fair enough - I can sympathise!

your 2nd point is interesting, I have always wanted to know the cross over capabilities.

Yes, basically, there is no cross-over. For towing, an element of stretch is essential, as there will always be some shock loading, no matter how smoothly you try to make the tow. (If you are doing snatch recovery, then of course it's all about stretch, so you need a third type of rope/strap). If you use synthetic winch rope (or wire rope) to tow, you will probably break something, as there is almost no give whatsoever.

On the other hand, when you are winching, stretch is completely undesirable, because it has no positive benefit, and yet hugely increases the energy stored in the rope, and therefore the chances of damage or injury if something breaks.

 

[Master-Pull]

If you use synthetic winch rope (or wire rope) to tow, you will probably break something, as there is almost no give whatsoever.

Synthetic rope has very minimal creep or stretch in it, even less then steel cable. But synthetics don't like to be shock loaded, and can be severely damaged if they are used to tow a vehicle.

-Alex

 

[tdesanto]

I bought the ARB winch extension, but now I wish I had purchased a synthetic line extension instead. The main reason? The synthetic rope extension can be daisy-chained to take up extra slack when using the extension with a hi-lift for winching. Sure, I use my bumper-mounted winch most of the time. But, there's always that time that I'll need to use the hi-lift to winch sidways or in reverse. That's where the synthetic rope extension would have the extra benefit of serving me in both scenarios. The ARB, not so much.

 

[Sirocco]

Synthetic rope has very minimal creep or stretch in it, even less then steel cable. But synthetics don't like to be shock loaded, and can be severely damaged if they are used to tow a vehicle.

-Alex

I would never use a winch line to tow anyway, I was thinking more of the other way around. (strap to winch and/or tow) but it seems this is not a good idea anyway.

thanks for all your input, will purchase a line from Dave Bowyer at some point

G

 

[SAR_Squid79]

I can tell you from experience that there is a definite need for both. True winch rope extensions, and a winching straps each have their place in your recovery kit. I was recently involved in a recovery that called for the simultaneous use of both:





Notice the winch rope extension going through the pulley block, and the winch strap (that has no stretch) on the front of the truck.

 

[Sirocco]

SAR - surely using a regular riging strap (ie. ARB green) would be just as suitable in place of the winch extension in your above situation (ok if you really needed the 20m over the 5m it would be an advantage) wether you use a tree, rock or stationary vehicle a rigging stap is the same.

*just my observation.

G

 

[michaelgroves]

SAR - surely using a regular riging strap (ie. ARB green) would be just as suitable in place of the winch extension in your above situation (ok if you really needed the 20m over the 5m it would be an advantage) wether you use a tree, rock or stationary vehicle a rigging stap is the same.

*just my observation.

G

I agree. You do need a harness, but sometimes an extra long one is a disadvantage. I'd still opt for a rope extension there, rather than a looooong harness/strap.

 

[SAR_Squid79]

SAR - surely using a regular riging strap (ie. ARB green) would be just as suitable in place of the winch extension in your above situation (ok if you really needed the 20m over the 5m it would be an advantage) wether you use a tree, rock or stationary vehicle a rigging stap is the same.

*just my observation.

G

I was already using my tree strap to anchor my Tacoma to another Tacoma. Otherwise, I would have just winched myself to the Ford...

 

[Sirocco]

I did not spot that, fair point.

my point being though was that the winch strap in your photo is essentially being used as a rigging strap. In that case I assume you needed all the length you could get to extract the vehicle.

The fact you used a purple/could have used green is neither here nor there.

G

 

[michaelgroves]

I can tell you from experience that there is a definite need for both. True winch rope extensions, and a winching straps each have their place in your recovery kit. I was recently involved in a recovery that called for the simultaneous use of both:





Notice the winch rope extension going through the pulley block, and the winch strap (that has no stretch) on the front of the truck.

Is that winch extension rope doubled back around that shackle-pin? I can't see clearly, but if so, it's not good for the rope!

 

[dzzz]

The winch extension is also being overly compressed by the tight turns around the shackle and possibly the bull bar. I don't see the point of the extension in this setup unless the tow line is very sort. In that case the winch truck could be moved back with the extension passing through the snatch block (and not doubled).
Without a proper harness I'd probably be pulling from one point.

 

[Metcalf]

The 'book' says that Amstell is suppose to have a minimum bending radius of 8X dia to keep full strength. I tried finding a table for strength loss but couldn't find anything.

I have used amsteel at 1X diameter...basically over itself. 3/8" amsteel blue is rated for something like 19000lbs in ideal use. I don't get too nervous breaking the rules one and a while for rigging if needed. Using a singlet knot (?) to make a 'chain' of rope works pretty good for dialing in length on an extension in a pinch...like with a hi-lift.