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March 8, 2011

Do I Need a Winch Cover?

A winch cover keeps out rain, dirt and grime.

A winch cover keeps out rain, dirt and grime.

Constant exposure to the elements can break down your winch line prematurely and allow abrasive grime, sand, and dirt into your winch’s gears and other moving parts. To make your winch and cable last as long as possible, use a winch cover when you are not using the winch.

For Synthetic Rope

If you run synthetic line on your winch, a cover can slow down the fading. Even with UV inhibitors, exposure to the sun will eventually fade the color on your rope. Synthetic line is designed to withstand harsh exposure to the elements, since it was originally developed for marine use, but it will last longer (and look better) if you keep it covered.

For Steel Cable

If you run steel cable, a winch cover keeps out abrasive substances and protects against rain, UV rays, and other elements. Mud, dirt, road grime, salt, sand, and ice can get into your winch gears and other winch parts and act like sandpaper, keeping your winch from running smoothly and possibly causing damage.

Even with a winch cover, it’s still important to use and maintain your winch properly if you want to get the most life out of it. There’s no substitute for taking good care of your winch with regular maintenance and cleaning.

July 27, 2010

Winch Cover FAQ

Neoprene winch covers resist water and cracking.

Neoprene winch covers resist water and cracking.

Why do I need a winch cover?
  1. Keep your winch clean and out of the weather, which ultimately makes your winch last longer.
  2. Protect synthetic winch rope from exposure to UV rays.
  3. Keep the cable from freezing up during the winter months.
  4. Keep salt off and prevent corrosion.
  5. Protect your winch from bug guts, dirt, debris, rain, snow, mud, and sun.
Which type of cover should I get?

There are two basic types of winch covers: hard and soft. Hard covers are made from molded plastic. Soft covers are made from nylon-backed vinyl or neoprene material. Which type of cover is best for you depends on your winch model and style preference. Neoprene covers are preferred for their resistance to water and cracking.

Are neoprene winch covers waterproof?

Yes. They repel water and moisture and protect your winch from exposure to rain and snow.

What is neoprene material?

Neoprene is a synthetic rubber material that resists oils, moisture, and aging. It is used in many waterproof materials, including wet suits and diving gear. Neoprene will not crack, unlike vinyl or hard plastic.

Will the cover stay in place while I ride?

Yes. Because of the tight-fitting elastic properties of neoprene, the cover molds to the shape of your winch and stays snugly in place.

Will this cover fit my winch?

Most winch covers are listed for a specific winch brand, model, and size. If your winch is a different model than those listed, you may want to contact the company before making your purchase to find out if the cover will fit your winch. Depending on the body style, dimensions, and motor on your winch, the cover may fit similar style winches.

May 20, 2010

Winch Covers for ATV and Truck Winches

Filed under: Winch Covers — Tags: , , — Esther @ 12:07 pm

This recovery winch cover is made of waterproof neoprene material.

This recovery winch cover is made of waterproof neoprene material.

What is one of the most inexpensive ways to protect your ATV or truck winch? A winch cover! It’s a cheap and easy way to make your winch last longer by shielding it from the elements.

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Winch covers are good for several reasons, including the following:

  1. They keep your winch clean. The cleaner you can keep your winch, the less often you will need to wash and maintain it, and the better it will work over the long haul.
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  3. They keep your winch dry. A cover protects your winch from rain, snow, and moisture and keeps metal parts from rusting.
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  5. They protect your winch from damaging UV rays. The fibers in your rope or cable will weaken with constant exposure to the sun. A cover protects those fibers, making your rope last longer.
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  7. They keep out dirt, sand, mud, and debris. These elements can work their way into the mechanical parts and affect the operation of your winch.

The best type of winch cover material is neoprene. It is fully waterproof (also used in wetsuits) and fits snugly in place.

June 30, 2009

Winch Maintenance for ATV and Truck Winches

For best performance, keep your ATV or truck winch clean and dry.

The best way to keep your winch looking and working like new is to keep it clean and keep it covered. Regularly maintaining your winch helps you avoid costly repairs and saves you money in the long run.

Keep It Clean

After a muddy or dirty ride, spool out your cable and either wipe it down or use a hose. Aim the spray at an angle to your rope. A direct spray can lodge dirt and debris deep into the fibers of your cable, but an angled spray nudges dirt out of nooks and crannies and washes it off.

Let the rope dry completely before respooling. This is especially important for synthetic rope, as it can become susceptible to rot if it’s not properly maintained. Steel rope can rust and weaken without proper care, but it tends to be hardier than synthetic rope.

Keep It Dry

Neoprene Winch Cover for Trucks and QuadsIf your winch and cable get wet, spool out the cable and let it dry after your ride. Never leave wet cable to dry on the spool. The easiest way to keep your winch clean and dry is to protect it with a winch cover.

If it’s not covered, your winch can get muddy and wet even on rides where you don’t need to use it. The best winch covers are made from neoprene material–the same material used in wet suits. Not only does this material keep out water and debris, but it also provides a snug fit.

Keep It Tuned Up

Periodically inspect your winch to keep it working right and to help prevent accidents caused by faulty parts. Check all of your connections. Tighten screws as needed. Replace any rusted or corroded parts. Remove all debris from the winch housing. A winch maintenance kit is an easy way to freshen up your winch.

Inspect your winch cable before and after every use. Replace the cable at the first sign of damage, such as excessive fraying, spliced wires, or other signs of wear and tear that could cause your cable to snap under load.

April 14, 2009

Protect Your Winch with a Neoprene Winch Cover

Keep your ATV or recovery winch in top condition with a neoprene winch cover.

recovery_winch_coverYou’ve invested a lot in a good quality winch. How can you make sure it’s going to hold up to the demands of winching when you need it? One of the easiest ways to keep your winch working like new is to protect it with a winch cover. ATV / UTV or recovery winch covers keep dirt and debris from lodging in the nooks and crannies of your winch and obstructing the gears or any moving winch parts.

Constant exposure to the sun, rain, snow, and environment can cause your winch to wear out faster. A winch cover slows down the process of wear and tear on your winch and keeps your winch looking and working like you want it to.

A winch cover made of neoprene material repels moisture and provides superior protection for your ATV or recovery winch. Neoprene winch covers insulate your winch from extreme temperatures, so a winch cover comes in handy for long-term winter storage as well.

Keep your winch covered any time you’re not using it. Neoprene material has a snug fit, so it stays in place when you’re riding and keeps any mud and debris kicked up by other ATVs from damaging your winch.