Winch cover...out of the elements

[Marcie's Disco]

I currently have a Warn M8000 winch with the solenoid mounted remotely. I just spooled it up with 85ft of 3/8 Amsteel Blue. I would like to find a nice fitting cover to keep the UV exposure at bay. The winch sits atop an open tray built into the bumper (not enclosed like an ARB). I have looked at the offerings Warn sells for the M8000 but I don't think they will fit as tightly as I would like since my solenoid pack is mounted under hood. Has anyone found a cover they can recommend? I'd like to hear some options or even see a couple of photos posted. Thanks in advance.

 

[MCL_68]

If you are just trying to protect the synthetic line from UV exposure,this winchline cover may do the job for you.

O.R.T.T. Winchline cover

Here is an example.

 

[Marcie's Disco]

If you are just trying to protect the synthetic line from UV exposure,this winchline cover may do the job for you.

O.R.T.T. Winchline cover

Here is an example.

Thanks for the link Mark. That looks great for protecting the rope. Have you tried out one of these covers? What were your impressions?

 

[MCL_68]

I personally haven't tried one yet,but will purchase one soon. It's a small price to keep an expensive winchline protected.

A friend of mine purchased one for his Warn 9.5xp and loves it. He was also concerned about protecting his synthetic line from UV exposure.

 

[rezdiver]

a good way to protect the line is to go to a climbing outdoor shop and get a few feet of tubular webbing that slips over your line. get enough to fit over your line to cover the top wrap layer. this way you have UV protection and abrasion protection while using your line.

 

[Master-Pull]

We use 12 ft of that tubing on the start of all of our ropes to protect them from heat. Depending on the rope UV and element protection isn't a big deal, but some ropes will fade with exposure to sun. But since these ropes were developed for use on fishing vessels the fiber is incredibly UV resistant.

-Alex

 

[K2ZJ]

We use 12 ft of that tubing on the start of all of our ropes to protect them from heat. Depending on the rope UV and element protection isn't a big deal, but some ropes will fade with exposure to sun. But since these ropes were developed for use on fishing vessels the fiber is incredibly UV resistant.

-Alex

Great there he goes plugging his products again!



J/K, I had to do it before someone else did! :victory:

Cue forum Nazis in 3... 2... 1...

 

[jeeepguy]

I'm glad Alex chimes in and puts up valuable (and valid), real world info for us.

Thanks for the input and comments Alex... :beer:

 

[Marcie's Disco]

We use 12 ft of that tubing on the start of all of our ropes to protect them from heat. Depending on the rope UV and element protection isn't a big deal, but some ropes will fade with exposure to sun. But since these ropes were developed for use on fishing vessels the fiber is incredibly UV resistant.

-Alex

Thanks Alex. I appreciate the input. I am of course concerned with the longevity of the rope but would like to here more feedback about full covers.

 

[Master-Pull]

What rope are you running? I have seen a few guys bend up thin sheets of aluminum to keep mud off the rope and also protect it from the sun. If I was concerned about my rope I would go this route with quick removable fasteners in case I needed to check on the condition of the rope under the cover.

-Alex

 

[bluejeep]

my amsteel blue line came with 10' of abrasion guard, which completely covers the line when spooled up if I position it close to the hook. Works well to keep clean and anti-uv

:smiley_drive:

 

[Master-Pull]

That 10' guard was probably meant to be used as a heat protector for the first wrap of the drum.

-Alex

 

[bluejeep]

That 10' guard was probably meant to be used as a heat protector for the first wrap of the drum.

-Alex

Maybe so. but I'm running a MileMarker Hydro so no heat issues

 

[Master-Pull]

That works then, besides hydraulics and the 8274 I believe that most of the other winches require the heat guard.

-Alex

 

[JamesDowning]

That works then, besides hydraulics and the 8274 I believe that most of the other winches require the heat guard.

-Alex

Maybe I'm wrong, but isn't the heat guard only needed if you're winching out? As long as you're winching in (not against the brake), it doesn't create huge amounts of heat (sure the motor does, but the drum doesn't). So I always unlock the drum manually before running out line.

I haven't had trouble with mine by doing it that way; but then again... my winch has only made a handful of heavy pulls.