Smittybilt Winch Line Multiple Tears

[wcjeep]

I installed a Smittybilt synthetic line that replaced an old Warn steel line. Originally intended to buy expensive line. The $50 lifetime warranty was hard to pass up. At the time it seemed the expensive line could break as easily as the cheap line. Sun exposure can be a problem for either price point. I'm not sponsored or competitive rock crawling. Lifetime warranty won.

 

[Akkording]

I'm glad SB was able to help you out.

Off topic are you guys using the SB velcro wrap after the hook or factor 55 link? I've also seen some youtube sample videos of how to spool your winch where they use it as the prewrap backing on the drum. Just curious I know it's purpose is to lay over rocks at odd angles where it will make contact so the line doesn't fray to crap. Others use it for claimed UV protection but I don't see my line seeing much sun with my winch covered in my center bumper. Jeeps with winch exposed bumpers use their SB Velcro wraps but to be honest it's not really long enough to cover across the spool.

Is the prewrapping to prevent binding necessary was mainly my concern. It's almost like backing when you spool a fishing reel. What are you guys doing out there?

 

[mrblah]

I left the velcro line wrap where it is, near the hook end. Since, I now have a flatlink, the velcro wrap lets me know that the line is almost finish spooling and to start paying "more" attention to where my fingers are in relation to the flatlink and the fairlead.

I never thought about using the line protector as a binder before. Not sure how common or beneficial that is. Hopefully, someone will chime in with an answer.

 

[MaddoxPics]

I'm glad SB was able to help you out.

Off topic are you guys using the SB velcro wrap after the hook or factor 55 link? I've also seen some youtube sample videos of how to spool your winch where they use it as the prewrap backing on the drum. Just curious I know it's purpose is to lay over rocks at odd angles where it will make contact so the line doesn't fray to crap. Others use it for claimed UV protection but I don't see my line seeing much sun with my winch covered in my center bumper. Jeeps with winch exposed bumpers use their SB Velcro wraps but to be honest it's not really long enough to cover across the spool.

Is the prewrapping to prevent binding necessary was mainly my concern. It's almost like backing when you spool a fishing reel. What are you guys doing out there?

I didn't use mine as my winch is hidden. I do keep it in the recovery box though in case it is ever needed during a recovery. Though not sure if it's really going to matter in a rocky area as the rest of the rope is exposed.

 

[Smitty19TRD]

The wrap should cover the entire spool during first wrap. It is there to protect the line from heat generated inside the drum during operation. Especially on winches which the brake inside the drum. My son's winch came with two so we kept the other on the hook end for abrasion resistance.