[Parsec]

I've been pulling small tree stumps with a utility chain, but my brother in law recently told me a chain snapped back on him, taking out his rear windshield. That got me spooked, so now I'm considering getting a winch to pull out tree stumps. I live in a forested area, so I am slowly expanding my lawn every summer.

I see Harbor Freight has a good sale on winches and the rear hitch receiver mount for the winch is only $40. I have no experience with winches, so I'm asking you guys what size I need. I mostly pull out shrubs and stumps no larger than 6-8".

2500-lb is $60
3500-lb is $130
5000-lb is $170

I'm guessing I can't go higher than that because our max tow capacity is 5,000 lbs right?

 

[chiph]

Yes, 5000 lb is as high as you should go.

But you should also be aware if a cable or snatch-strap slips or breaks, it's going to take out your back glass, no matter what size you buy. Happened to a friend with his Chevy - he decided to keep going (instead of cutting the taproot) and it flew quite a ways.

Be careful.

Chip H.

 

[Parsec]

That sucks, I didn't know the cable could snap. I would've thought its rated higher than the max pull of the winch. Either way, it should be safer than using a utility chain and stomping on my gas pedal.

I've been doing some research and it looks like the guideline for a winch is to either double your truck's curb weight or multiply the GVWR by 1.5 which means a 9,000-lb winch should be fine for the Ridgeline. Hoping someone who has installed one can chime in. I'll also do a search on the forums in the meantime.

 

[Ian Brantford]

To reduce risk from a breaking cable or chain, drape one or more tarps over it. The tarps will slow down the errant hardware due to air drag.

 

[Dnick]

I haven't done this myself, but I'd be adding a loose but secure secondary tether rope just to limit the travel of any spring back. This would work best with a chain however (where you could loop through a link), but could also help if properly tied to the cable....... obviously wouldn't help if cable snapped "before" the point of tether; but I'd be doing it anyway just as back-up.

 

[Smokey619]

There is also winches with synthetic rope which is just rope which is strong enough to work as a steel cable, but if it snaps it will only break like rope.

 

[AG87BlkLX]

To reduce risk from a breaking cable or chain, drape one or more tarps over it. The tarps will slow down the errant hardware due to air drag.

Yep, you want to drape something across your winch line.