Looking at a 3 ton (total when line is doubled) rated.

Would you choose:
A lighter cable (wire) type with a snatch block but with a shorter pull length. (~10')
A heavier chain type with no snatch block. (~12') Straight line.
A synthetic rope type with snatch block and a greater pull length (~17')

Recommendations? No winch recommendation please, I am not going that route for a variety of reasons pertinent to my particular needs and wants.

TIA

If money is no object (because it wasn't mentioned) I would go synthetic rope. Lighter, easier to carry more of it. I saw a synthetic winch line on amazon that would be perfect for longer pulls.

Edit: I read this wrong. For a comealong, just go with a steel cable.

I should have elaborated. Since this will be a primary (for me) recovery tool, I don't have an aversion to its cost. A winch and the ancillary items required would be more but I digress........

A, well regarded on this forum and others, 3 Ton Ratchet Puller With 35' Ofcha 5/16" Amsteel Blue by Wyeth-Scott will run $360ish from Amazon. Thus the 17' pull.

The other cable and chain types appear to run $250 ~ $295 respectively however each would have shorter pull lengths.
I have seen cables part (in industrial construction applications) and am somewhat wary of them. That said, I may rule a cable style/snatch block out.

Thanks

I would go with the synthetic in a heartbeat, because you're going to be standing right next to the comealong when it breaks. If I was set on using a comealong, that would be my primary consideration over pull length (yours is nearly useless, for the record) and cost (at over $300 for the comealong, just get an electric winch already).

Anyway, that's my 2 cents. Synthetic without a question.

I am.

Take note of where I am located. Trees everywhere.

Thanks, I probably will go synthetic.

I think you will be surprised at 2 things: how little usable range there will be in a 17' comealong setup; and your Popeye physique when you are done.

Oh well. Time not wasted, and money saved on gym fees.

i know what you said, but ive got to say it. you can get a winch for less than that.
then you would have 90+ feet of pull.
the way prices are anymore, its surprising to me that not everyone that goes off road has a winch. just the sheer convenience of it make them worth it.



but to answer your question, I think whatever you can get that gives you the longest pull would be the way to go.

I highly recommend this style of hand winch, if it would suit your needs.

Expeditions West: Black Rat Recovery Hoist / Hand Winch
TRACTEL® | Tirfor® – Wire rope winch

For the record, yes, the OP could get a cheap mounted/powered winch for that price.

But...

The 5th Gen doesn't have any place to mount a winch, so at a minimum that requires a hidden mount along with installation (cutting bumper, wiring, etc.). If he doesn't have the skills to fabricate one himself that will run an extra $300+/-, plus install. Breaking out a saw to start cutting up a brand new vehicle can be a big deal.

This has an effect on front impact safety (restricting the front crumple zone), which is a big deal with some people.

As cheap as we're talking means a steel cable, which added to the winch motor and mount frame will weigh down the front springs. The OP already has airbags in the back so he's concerned about spring load, so possibly add the cost of upgraded springs to the deal (plus install cost).

A mounted winch only works in one direction: forward. If you need to winch backwards you're SOL.

While the winch itself may be cheap, the total system cost for the cheapest mounted winch greatly exceeds even the most expensive hand winch option. I'm not saying a hand winch is better than a powered winch (it isn't... not by a long shot), but it may be the best option for some people.

if u do get a come along , get a longer handle , or a sleeve/tube to go over the handle to give you extra leverage . I won't comment on how many other methods of recovery I'd use first before hitching up a come along ...

edit: do you have a Hi-Lift ? if you do u basically have a come along.

Thank you so much for summarizing many of the extra costs involved. It saved me some effort to do so, which is precisely why I said in the first post:
I should add that I have also considered a front receiver mounted winch but accordingly there are also mounting cost (there is some doubt as to if there is front mount receiver even available for a 2016) and wiring cost plus the where to store it on board issue and having to handle and install, by hand, north of 100 lbs.

A winch is out for me.

Btw, we are practically neighbors. I am in Tellico Plains.

Nope, nowhere to use it on a stock 5th Gen.
Thanks for the handle suggestion.

FYI,
A 3 Ton Ratchet Puller With 35' Ofcha 5/16" Amsteel Blue by Wyeth-Scott was $280.00 TMD from Bailey's. Use discount code NT16.