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You probably know more aout winches than I do after your research, so consider these ideas as coming if not from the blind, at least the barely sighted.

It seems to me that the power of the hydraulic winch would be dependent on the power of the hydraulic pump and could in theory be far more powerful than any 12 volt winch could ever hope to be. But maybe they don't have applications for vehicles that powerful. Heavy equipment uses hydraulics to lift many tons.

That said, I wouldn't consider a hydraulic winch for a light application like yours. They are susceptible to leaks and if you snag or puncture a hose, it's all over. You would have to carry hydraulic oil, spare hoses and the tools to install them. If the vehicle was not on its wheels or at to steep an angle for oil pickup, you aren't going to want to run the engine -- so no winch. I thought the electric winches were unbearably slow when I looked at them for Bubba and if the hydraulic is slower ...

I think I would want the electric winch permanently mounted on the frame rather than in a receiver for the strength issue you mentioned. But keep in mind, a 10,000 lb winch should be able to dead lift that weight and all you need to do is roll or at worst drag that weight. You're probably going to want to run the engine if possible, due to the current draw. The one real plus I see for the portable would be the ability to swap ends if you've gone in nose first. And that ability might tip the scales for me.

As far as steel vs synthetic, why is synthetic considered safer? Because of less weight if it snaps? I think my overriding consideration would be abrasion resistance dragging across ground, rocks, etc.

Dave

Most of the jeeps I have seen use the 8000 lb. electric. Mike would be the one who could give you expert advice: both knowledge and experience. Unless you are a real offroader a winch is pretty much an expensive decoration. Kind of like the city SUV crowd. I have a Warn 8000 winch on the trailer I haul buildings with. It has been more than adequate for the job. The buildings are 1800 lbs but they do not roll and sometimes they tend to dig in as well. I have a separate battery on the trailer just for the winch and the hydraulic tilt bed. I have only had a battery problem one time after 3-4 deliveries. Apparently the truck was not charging. In reality, the time using the winch is only a matter of seconds. While it is a heavy draw it is only for s short time. As far as speed it seems fast enough for me in my application. I suspect Dave is thinking in terms of pulling logs a fair distance which would be comparatively slow and be a large draw down on the battery. I currently have several broken strands in the 5/16 cable which can happen when the cable does not wind up evenly and crosses over. I have a synthetic line replacement on standby. As I recall it was about 3x the price. It is lighter weight for a 10,000 lb rating and there is no recoil if it breaks. The downside is that it is not nearly as abrasion resistant. If I were to do it again I would use cable. It seems to last forever and is much cheaper. The problems with hydraulics seem to be a real drawback.

A rear receiver mount would have an advantage but if you want to cover all possibilities get a tank and a tank retriever.

In reality you will be with other off roaders who have winches or tow straps and can always give you a pull. Yes, it is harder on the ego to be pulled out, but you will have many opportunities to return the favor. On the other hand if you seriously think you need a winch, better give up the idea of a family driver and think more in terms of being an off road mechanic. I have seen some of the jeeps that come for the annual jeep jamboree at the Nile. They have serious repairs on a frequent basis. Again, I recommend talking to Mike. He's been there and done that.

Hi Jeff.

Great questions, I am in agreement with Dave & your dad. I am going to cast my vote for the electric winch (Warn)with a upgraded electrical system.

You will want good dual batteries ( I run odysseys), with 2 aught fine strand welding cables,and a good battery manager system. (The system i use allows me to winch with both batteries if i need to, or can be isolated to preserve one battery for back up. all controlled by a switch on my dash. They have some nice systems that will automatically divert power and manage your batteries, but i wanted to be able to manually control my system, just my preferance).Also add a high out put alternator that makes a lot of amps.200 amps total would be nice with at least 100 amps at idle (at least 100 amps with a 100% duty cycle @ 600-1000 rpm,preferably more).

It's been my experience while jeeping with a few guys with hydraulic winches that they do fine with light pulls (although incredibly slow).Where i feel they fall short is on real tough long pulls. although they are strong,I have seen them get the power steering pump so hot that it breaks down the hydraulic fluid and smokes the pump, Now you are left with no steering or winch. I realize this can be overcome with a dedicated H.O. pump & reservoir, but it's my understanding it is costly and complicated, (bracketry & plumbing plus finding room under the hood for every thing). also remember as was stated earlier if you roll over,or you become disabled/ engine does not run you have no winch. I have been on some really dificult trails where every one was winching at the same time and it sure is nice when every one is similarly equipped,one slow winch can really cause a traffic jam.

Which line to use? Again i have to say galvanized steel air craft cable,properly sized for the winch you choose. I purchase mine @ tacoma wire rope supply and the last 2 I bought cost me .32 cents @ foot x 150' =$48, (5/16th" domestic cable and they will swedge an eye on one end also).Look local to you for a similar company. It is lots cheaper than synthetic, and properly cared for should last indefinately. Here in the northwest our trails are so rocky, steep, & off camber that our lines are frequently being abraded or being pulled over or around an obstacle. There is something unnerving to me about trusting mine & my families lives to a line that you can cut in two with one quick slice from a sharp knife.(especially under tremendous tension), although you can use a sleeve over synthetic line,some times it will not be enough.

You do have to take care to properly spool your cable on your drum, (both while you are winching and when you are done with your extraction and are respooling. One of the biggest causes of kinked & frayed line is hard winching over loosely spooled line.ALWAYS respool under moderate tension,even if it's only a buddy leaning back on the line, and try to wrap uniformly,also invest in a good pair of HEAVY leather gloves.

And please use a safety hook with spring latch,or even better, a screw pin shackle on the end of the line to attach to your anchor point. I had to go to a friends funeral who died when his line came loose from his anchorage point because he was helping his winch by driving a little, well he got a little traction and over ran his winch line causing it to slacken and the hook to come loose and then he lost traction and his brakes wouldn't hold him,( extremely steep and loose mountainside). ending in multiple rolls and Kens death. very sad and preventable.

A receiver mounted winch would be handy at times, but i think you would be better served with a well built winch mount, tied in as low as practicle & to the frame if possible. You will find out that some times you will want to pull at an angle, ie: to break the suction of a deep mud hole and lift your tires and frame clear of the ruts (your winch will thank you) or to right a roll over etc, and a receiver style mount does not like to be pulled to the side. Also the few receiver mounts i have seen add to your approach/departure angles. Usually someone is there to snatch you backwards if you need to be freed from behind.

Just my .02
Mike.

P.S.
All my winches (3) are WARN 8274 uprights. imo the best winch out there. They dont lend themselves to every rig though, so i'm not sure of your application. I have heard a lot of good about the warn 9500xp. just sayin...