How to Winch Backwards

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Last Updated on June 30, 2021

The winch is an important part of our life, especially while off-roading. Whenever you are planning for off-roading, you should take a winch with you. You never know what is waiting for you. Your vehicle may get stuck anywhere at any time. That time, a winch will help you out.

However, the situation can be different. In some cases, you may need to operate your winch backward. So, it’s better not to leave any option. That’s why you should learn how to winch backward.

In this article, I will be talking about the methods and detailed steps for operating winch backward. So, let’s get started.

In general, there are two methods for winching backward. Among them, the first one is quite simple. On the other hand, you may find the next one is a bit complicated. We will discuss both of the methods. You can go for anyone that makes you feel comfortable.

You can also check:

How to Winch Backward

How to Winch Backwards

Method-1: Winching Directly

The first method in my list is winching directly.

Step-1:

Your first step in this method should be finding an anchoring point. Make sure that your selected anchoring point is stable so that it can handle your vehicle’s weight to make your vehicle out.

Step-2:

After finding the anchoring point, now you have to disengage your winch lever for releasing the winch cable. The lever is situated on the outside of your winch. You will see a label along with the lever written “free spool” and “disengage”. You have to make the lever in the disengage option. After turning the lever, you will get permission to pull your winch cable manually.

Step-3:

Your next task is to pull the winching cable out. So, simply pull your winch cable out. You should not pull too much for avoiding slack. Try to pull the exact amount you need as you need.

Step-4:

After pulling the winch cable, now you have to run the winch cable down to your vehicle. So, grab the winch cable and pass it under the vehicle. Give it a check if there is anything under your vehicle that can damage your vehicle. If you find anything, then you have to remove it for your vehicle’s safety purpose.

Step-5:

After that, your next task is turning the lever to engage. You will find a label on your winch named “engage”. You need to turn your lever to engage. As a result, it will prevent your winch cable to come out anymore.

Step-6:

The final step. In this step, you have to winch your vehicle to the anchoring point. Use the winch remote to winch your vehicle backward. When you will do this, your winch cable will be pulled slowly unto your winch and hence the cable will get tighten.

These are the steps for winching directly. You need to follow the process carefully. However, there are some drawbacks to this method. At first, you will see that this method can cause frictions.

Without it, there is a possibility of damaging your vehicle underneath as your vehicle is not designed to do so. The only positive side of this method is you don’t need any additional gears except the anchoring point.

Let’s watch a video on reverse winching with a 4×4:

Method-2: Winching Using Snatch Blocks

Step-1:

Like the above-mentioned method, you have to find the anchoring points in this method too. This time, you need to find three anchoring points. Two anchoring points in the rear of your vehicle and the third anchoring point will be in the front.

Obviously, your selected anchoring point needs to be stable so that it can handle your vehicle’s weight for making your vehicles out. It is better to use three as your anchoring point.

Step-2:

After finding the anchoring point, now you have to disengage your winch lever for releasing the winch cable. The lever is situated on the outside of your winch. You will see a label along with the lever written “free spool” and “disengage”. You have to make the lever in the disengage option. After turning the lever, you will get permission to pull your winch cable manually.

Step-3:

Your next task is to pull the winching cable out. So, simply pull your winch cable out. You should not pull too much for avoiding slack. Try to pull the exact amount as your need.

Step-4:

Now, you have to wrap a tree trunk protector around your anchoring point. Generally, the tree trunk protector is a strap of nylon with a loop at the ending. All three anchor points must have their own trunk protector. Because this tree trunk protector will be used for holding the snatch blocks.

Step-5:

Then, you have to fix the D-shackle with the three straps.

Step-6:

After that, you have to attach two snatch blocks out of three with the D-shackle. So, attach the snatch block to the D-shackles which are attached to your tree trunk protector. As I told you to attach two snatch blocks, so you should attach the first two except the last anchoring point which is situated on your vehicle’s front side.

Step-7:

Then, you have to hook the last snatch block to your vehicle’s rear that you left in the earlier step. You need to find a suitable place for attaching your snatch block to the rear of your vehicle.

Step-8:

Now, you need to wrap your cable around the snatch blocks. This is done because your pulley block casing may open for turning the screw that is placed on its side. So, at first wrap your winch cable around three pulleys and then shut the casing.

Step-9:

After that, you have to attach the winch cable hook with the third anchoring point. Try to remember that you have already attached a D-shackle with your third anchoring point earlier. So, attach the winch cable with the D-shackle which is already attached to your third anchoring point.

Step-10:

Then, your next task is turning the lever to engage. You will find a label on your winch named “engage”. You need to turn your lever to engage. As a result, it will prevent your winch cable to come out anymore.

Step-11:

You are done with setting and now you can start winching. Once you will start winching, you will find that your vehicle is driving backward.

Winching Safety Tips:

  • Always wear safety hand gloves while winching.
  • Always keep your distance from your winch cable. If the winch cable cut down accidentally, then you will be injured seriously.

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