Winch cable for fullsize trucks.... synthetic vs steel...does it matter?

[hidesertwheelin]

This truck will only be a camping/hunting rig, and I live in the high desert of So Cal, so I won't me moving many trees or anything. A friend has a used synthetic rope he is selling for $125. I think I'm gonna go that way. Thanks everyone.

 

[100acrehuphalump]

This has been a wealth of helpful information. Thanks Y'all!

 

[MikeCG]

Main differences (that I have been able to determine at least.)

- Metal can rust (coat with protectant)
- Synthetic can get bridal over time due to exposer to the sun (cover it).
- Synthetic is lighter
- Synthetic is normally more flexible
- I believe Synthetic chafes easier (use rollers and straps)
- metal tends to be slightly cheaper.

that said however, I'm no expert. That's just information that I've gleamed over while researching the subject myself.

 

[aldenfost]

Yes, metal can rust, that's why there are ropes with protectant. I've had a waterproof Smittybilt winch on for almost 2 years. I think it's better to get winches that are coated already, mine's got a matte black coating. I got them here http://4wheelonline.com/jeep/Smittybilt-XRC-12000k_Winch_Gen2.243833.0

 

[underdrive]

Don't just use protectants, cover your entire winch if possible. There are PVC covers available, but even a simple plate that deflects rain water away from it goes a long ways (it can also make a nice platform for stepping on while working on the back of the engine for example). Humidity aside, "heavy" water like from raindrops (or dunking the winch in creek) is your biggest enemy as it likes to collect in places where it takes a while to evaporate, if you can minimize exposure to that both the cable and the entire winch will live a longer and happier life.