Experiences using a Come-A-Long winch with a T4R?

EHNWI

EHNWI

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I'm about to venture into a bunch of snow in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. When I had my Subaru Forester, I only got it stuck once, but when I did it was really stuck. I had to get "Wilderness Recovery" out on this random back road and was only able to because someone as silly as me was out there and gave me a ride back into town. No cell service out there.

Now, I have a lot of faith in my 4Runner, but I really don't want to end up stuck somewhere and freeze. Has anyone used a come-a-long with their truck? I have no experience using one, but it seems like it would be useful. There are definitely plenty of trees to winch off up there.

Bonus Photo: My poor disabled Forester.

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Saved my ass once. high centered rear diff in some deep muddy rutts, no traction, winched myself back a bit with a huge come along that I use for lifting boat engines.

People also use hi-lifts as winches
 
I think a 2 or 4 ton come a long paired with a 30 ft tow strap makes a ton of sense. A low cost, low impact means of getting out of a jamb.
 
Lot of work...

Used one once and said 'F This' and electric bought a winch for that truck after I got back to civilization. That was 10 years ago. Have had a winch in wavy truck since.
 
yep, ive used them. hi-lifts too. both are a PITA. not ideal, but they work. in fact I may get one to keep in the back of the runner.

I certainly could have used it a few weeks ago.
 
ebg18t said:
Lot of work...

Used one once and said 'F This' and electric bought a winch for that truck after I got back to civilization. That was 10 years ago. Have had a winch in wavy truck since.
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I have an order in for a bumper, but it won't be here for a bit. The electric winch will go in there.
 
nevada said:
yep, ive used them. hi-lifts too. both are a PITA. not ideal, but they work. in fact I may get one to keep in the back of the runner.

I certainly could have used it a few weeks ago.
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I'd like a hi lift, I just dunno where i'd mount it. I think roof would look silly and I have no desire for a roof rack. Rear bumper could be silly too.. Maybe on a trailer hitch step or something

these things take up space
 
zopperman said:
I'd like a hi lift, I just dunno where i'd mount it. I think roof would look silly and I have no desire for a roof rack. Rear bumper could be silly too.. Maybe on a trailer hitch step or something

these things take up space
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I didn't specify, but I was meaning the come-a-along. as you said, the hi-lift is big..ish, and takes up space. much easier to tuck the come-a-long in the back somewhere.

I have a hi-lift in my wheeler, since getting a winch and bead locks tho, it hasn't seen much use.
 
nevada said:
I didn't specify, but I was meaning the come-a-along. as you said, the hi-lift is big..ish, and takes up space. much easier to tuck the come-a-long in the back somewhere.

I have a hi-lift in my wheeler, since getting a winch and bead locks tho, it hasn't seen much use.
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yeah, it doesn't. I'm just the type of person who likes everything to have it's place. I've seen people mount them in the back seat but I don't really want to do that. Anyway, I don't wanna thread jack.

Come along works in a pinch!
 
Comealongs in my opinion have their uses, and in many applications that can be very helpful. With that said, if your 4Runner is stuck in the snow, chances are that it's stuck pretty good. My concern with the comealong is that is it rated for the amount of weight you're trying to extract? Weight of vehicle, plus the added resistance of being stuck. Having the experience of snow wheeling, I think it would be a great idea if you could be in the company of a few other trucks if you're planning on venturing out in the snow. That way if you're stuck, everyone can work together in order to get you out. I've been stuck in the snow many times, and even my Warn M8000 at the time was straining in pulling me out (it was a single line pull mind you..). With that said, the come along is one of the last things I would consider using, if that cable breaks and you're right near it ratcheting it could be bad news. Safety first!
 
Come alongs are slow and not always a sure thing for getting you out.

I've owned winches and used hi lifts to extract. Sometimes you need all of that and more. Like everyone will always say, don't go alone. Another truck with straps can get you out of a lot of situations way faster than it takes to realize a come along won't work.

Most come alongs are pretty cheap and will fold before they reach their rated pull. They are also slow, can be dangerous and have a very short pull. They also don't have a lot of cable so you'll need wire rope, synthetic rope or chain as they don't stretch. If you're really stuck you can use half the cable in a come along just stretching your rigging.

There are some really nice American made units, one with synthetic rope but they approach the price of an electric winch. Sure they can be used from all side of the vehicle even if the vehicle is non operational but again they have their place.

Having said all that I have been meaning to buy a come along for some time. I no longer travel with a high lift so I'd like the added assurance. It along with another vehicle, a winch cable, shackles and some thinking cap power can go a long way.

You tube come along and watch some videos. You'll learn a lot and get an idea of what to look for.
 
I remember wheeling before any of us had winches and Austin got high centered at Uwharrie. We tried the come along first, but it definitely wasn't cutting it. It was really sketchy trying to use that thing standing that close to the steel cable. We just hooked up with snatch strap and yanked him over instead. Much easier.

Now the majority of us have lift, mud tires, lockers, and winches and we really need to be trying in order for us to get stuck. I throw the hi-lift in the truck only when I wheel, but it sits in the garage the rest of the time until I figure out a proper place to mount and stow it. I hate using the thing and have never actually needed it for a recovery, but it has saved me in a pinch for a trail side repair. I try not to wheel alone, but when it's just the wife and I we've got MT's, lockers, a winch, a hi-lift, some recovery straps, and some common sense to keep us from getting stranded.

Key is, to be as prepared as you can and wheel within your limits. Save the bravery (or stupidity) for when you have somebody with you that can help you get unstuck or help. So for me; "no thanks" on the come-a-longs.
 
superman3043 said:
I remember wheeling before any of us had winches and Austin got high centered at Uwharrie. We tried the come along first, but it definitely wasn't cutting it. It was really sketchy trying to use that thing standing that close to the steel cable. We just hooked up with snatch strap and yanked him over instead. Much easier.

Now the majority of us have lift, mud tires, lockers, and winches and we really need to be trying in order for us to get stuck. I throw the hi-lift in the truck only when I wheel, but it sits in the garage the rest of the time until I figure out a proper place to mount and stow it. I hate using the thing and have never actually needed it for a recovery, but it has saved me in a pinch for a trail side repair. I try not to wheel alone, but when it's just the wife and I we've got MT's, lockers, a winch, a hi-lift, some recovery straps, and some common sense to keep us from getting stranded.

Key is, to be as prepared as you can and wheel within your limits. Save the bravery (or stupidity) for when you have somebody with you that can help you get unstuck or help. So for me; "no thanks" on the come-a-longs.
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JFYI - somewhere to put it

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/off-roading/48401-slee-off-road-hi-lift-mounts.html

/thread jack
 
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