Recovery kit, magnum hand winch

[Jon_slider]

I recently purchased the Magnum hand winch from GoWesty and went out with friends to test it.



The hardest part was feeding the 60' 3/4" cable thru the winch, and pulling it back out after use.

Below are 2 variations of a kit I/we came up with, credit to Larry Chase and Maggie Dew for their help testing our combined recovery gear, and for locating the 5/8 bow shackle with 4.5Ton rating, which is 9,000 lbs. This is almost same load limit as a "normal" 3/4" shackle rated to 4.75 tons which is 9,500 lbs. A "normal" 5/8" bow shackle is rated for 2.5 tons, or 5,000 lbs

below is a photo of a 30,000 lb capable ARB209 snatch block, attached to a vanagon using a standard 5/8" bow shackle rated for 5.000 lbs, with amsteel blue rope, rated for 13,700 lbs, running thru the pulley. It might be safer to make the connection to the vanagon tow loop using a 2" tree strap, rated for 17,000lbs, coupled with a 7/8" bow shackle, rated for 18,000 lbs



fyi, a 3/4" 4.75ton bow shackle does not fit through standard vanagon rear tow loops, the 5/8" bow Shackle does.

I dont understand shackle ratings yet, note that the working load limit on a shackle is not its maximum breaking strength, at least per this website http://www.okoffroad.com/stuff-shackles.htm showing a 3.5 ton, 6500lb, rated 5/8" shackles, and the max strength they list is 32,500 lbs, which is 5 times more than the WLL

I invite reassurance that Working Load Limit, and breaking strength are not the same. Do you think it sufficient to use a 5/8" shackle on a snatch block, or might a tree strap be a safer approach, as in the the first picture in this post, of the Magnum hand winch. btw, that yellow strap is a 1" x 8' from the ORK kit for hiLift jack, the strap is rated for 8000 lbs. I did not test whether a 2" tree strap will feed thru the tow loop, feedback invited.

here are 2 kits, one based on a hilift jack, the other on a magnum hand winch

1a. for towing, from http://www.4by4connection.com/drings.html
two 5/8" bow shackle, 9000lb (4.5T) capacity $13
one 2"x20' towstrap, 20,000 lb capacity, cost 25.50
Total tow kit cost about $52 before shipping and tax.

1b. two 5/8" bow shackle, 9000lb (4.5T) with 25' amstel blue winchline extension, rated for 13,700 lbs, on sale for $69.
http://winchline.com/mcart/index.cgi?ID=246153947&PID=IT236&code=13 total cost of this portion of kit, about $90



Note that according to Bill Burke http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/amsteel.htm this amsteel blue winch line does not have the risk of spring back if it snaps while winching, like steel cable does, which requires a damper such as a rock bag.

2a and b. for snatching, add a snatch strap to the kit, use the same shackles from above towing kit. A 2x20 snatch strap rated to 20,000lbs can be had for $30 at
http://www.everythingoffroad.com/catalog191_0.html

note that Bill Burke recommends a snatch strap be rated at 5 to 7 times the load weight. A syncro westy vanagon, unloaded, weighs 4000 pounds

3a. for winching, The Magnum Hand winch, 5300 lb capacity, can be had from GoWesty, $350, it comes with steel cable, 12,800 lb capacity, with a hook on the end. What you need in addition is a way to anchor the winch, I like a 3"x6' tree strap, 27,000 lb capacity, from http://www.4by4connection.com/drings.html for $17.50. They also sell the ARB209 snatch block, 30,000 lb capacity, price varies from $60-$80, if you want to double your winch capacity.
total cost for this portion of the kit, $430 The magnum winch and cable weigh 25lbs each.

3b. Hi Lift Jack, weighs 30lbs, 7000lb load limit, add 25' of chain for winching, which costs $95, If you need to double the pull of your hiLift, use the 25' amsteel blue winchline from item 1b, and add a snatch block. Cost for this portion of the kit, about $215.

combined cost kit a, $510
combined cost kit b, $320

difference betwen a and b kit is that the magnum uses a 60' cable, the hiLift kit uses a 20' chain.. https://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/product.php?productid=18666&cat=0&page=1

The magnum winch is shorter than a hiLift, and I think the steel cable is lighter than the chain.. missing chain weight data.. otoh, hilift is higher capacity than magnum winch, before needing a snatch block..

I tried to keep my facts straight, on sizes and prices of everything, forgive any oversights, corrections welcom

[danfromsyr]

I also took advantage of GoWesty's presidents weekend 15% sale for an Magnum handwinch.

I have been using a 3/4 ton rated Griphoist for years to do my vehicle moving & recovery, it'll move any rolling VW and skid vanagons with locked up wheels on flat to slightly uneven ground.

this GO WESTY sold ARB "Magnum" hand winch is a GREAT VALUE, as in my looking for a heavier one for our F350 tow vehicle, used my 3/4 ton version sells for ~300+ on fleabay.
I know that if I get the truck stuck, and sometimes the hauler trailer too. that my 3/4 ton won't necessarily pull it. the 5ton Magnum should lift it off it's wheels THESE THINGS have AMAZING capibility.

Here's a HINT to make it more handy, albeit a little more bulky.
#1 Feed the cable all the way thru the mechanism, till the hook is near the hoist
#2 recoil the cable back onto the spool, I tend to leave enough slack to allow carrying the spool in one hand and the hoist in the other. yeah they're beefy.
then all you have to unspool each time is what you need, not the whole 60ft for a 20ft pull.

also MY 3/4 ton spool has flexible metal tabs to keep the coil on the spool, I will be adding some to the Magnum spool, this will keep the wire rope on it in a more orderly fashion.

I plan to make a false bottom to my westy bed (sans heater) fo the griphoist while traveling. afterall it's an item you hope you do not need to use..

Dan
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[240Gordy]

I worked a bit with a millwright who was a master rigger at a ski area doing lift maintenance. , most everything was done with a safety factor of 6, that is rigging breaking load was sized 6 times the work load.

We would pull whole loaded lift ropes off and onto towers with one of those come-alongs you guys call a hand winch. We even had a hydraulically actuated unit that was poweered by a small gas engine/
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[danfromsyr]

noticed northern has a great price on a slightly smaller griphoist

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200419695_200419695

Northern Industrial Wire Rope Pulling Hoist — 3.2-Ton Capacity
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[syncrodoka]

A 6400lb weight rating doesn't sound adequate for winching a fully loaded westy out of a ditch for example. The GoWesty version can pull 10,500 which is much better.
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[Jon_slider]

> Northern Industrial Wire Rope Pulling Hoist — 3.2-Ton Capacity

I believe that 3.2 Ton unit is actually a larger (and $150 cheaper) griphoist than the ARB magnum which is rated for 5300 pounds, thats 2.65 Tons.

> A 6400lb weight rating doesn't sound adequate for winching a fully loaded westy out of a ditch for example.

Actually, that is just below the rating of a HiLift, 7000 lbs.

Unless Im mistaken, the reason GW claims the ARB Magnum can pull 10,500 lbs, is based on doubling the pull with a snatch block.. slightly misleading..

> 3a. for winching, The Magnum Hand winch, 5300 lb capacity, can be had from GoWesty, $350, it comes with steel cable, 12,800 lb capacity, with a hook on the end. What you need in addition is a way to anchor the winch, I like a 3"x6' tree strap, 27,000 lb capacity, from http://www.4by4connection.com/drings.html for $17.50. They also sell the ARB209 snatch block, 30,000 lb capacity, price varies from $60-$80, if you want to double your winch capacity.
total cost for this portion of the kit, $430 The magnum winch and cable weigh 25lbs each.
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Where in the world are the The Lost Burritos?

[vanagonjr]

[syncrodoka]

[davevickery]

Either way, those are massive. The picture really shows you how big and heavy it is just to be taking up valuable space under the seat. But it reminds me I still need to get a better come-along.

You don't need the same recovery gear as a jeep/rock crawler would. They purposely get themselves into horrible situations and most syncro owners are careful not to damage something. When you are only slightly stuck, you don't need the same pulling power, just a little help. And if you are really pushing the limits over cliffs and and bottomless mud pits you probably want a 10,000 warn.

You can get a 4500 Super Winch that weighs 31 lbs and comes with sythetic rope, get a pulley to double it and you could get out of almost anything you could get into. And the cost is less than what you would spend on that monster.
http://www.amazon.com/Superwinch-1145230-Terra-450...amp;sr=8-4

[danfromsyr]

you're right on most of that..
I use my 3/4ton Tirfor primarily and my GW 5ton Griphoist rests in the garage most of the time.. but it's nice to have a major extraction option..

for any rolling load (even w/dragging a wheel or 2) my 3/4 ton unit does just fine single line pull.


and for $130 from Northern Tool these are a GREAT value.. but I wouldn't toss this out initially as the typical non-experianced armchair internet experts would shoot it down for it's lack of proper specifications..
though in my actuall experiance this is 99% totally adequate..
and only 35#s that's winch & cable combined..



http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200342810_200342810

[Jon_slider]

2.25 ton winch $269
gary lee winch mount $400
total 669

3.2 Ton Griphoist, $210 (Im guessing it weighs maybe 5 pounds more than the GW version, not sure.. and Im guessing the cable is the same..)

fwiw, my GW 5,400 lb (2.65 Ton) Magnum hand winch weighs 25 lbs, yes the cable is another 25 pounds.. so 19 pounds more than the $669 winch option

if you want a quality come along, that uses amsteel rope, I think the Wyeth is the pick of the litter

see
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=473558

> my GW 5ton Griphoist

I think you are mistaken, the GW Magnum Hand winch is rated for 5400 pounds, NOT 5 TONS!

and fwiw, my GW Magnum hand winch fits under my bench seat, easily, including the cable, handle, an ax, a saw, an air compressor, levelling blocks, tire torque wrench, snatch strap, tree strap, shackles, gloves, coveralls, ground tarp... fits great!
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[syncrodoka]

[Jon_slider]

In answer to a question from a friend about building a recovery kit, here are some thoughts and links.

first get an air compressor so you are able to air down if needed, and back up when done..

airing down to 10 psi has gotten me unstuck in 2 situations where I thought I was going to need a tow truck. One was deep mud, the other deep dust.

I dont have experience airing down in snow. I think in that situation, chains is the call.

People love their hilift jack, I in my contrarian way, have avoided it.

I think MaxTrax could be a big help in snow, or some pieces of carpet, or even your floor mats.

I recommend you get a 30' snatch strap, and a pair of 3/4" D shackles

I consider these shackles superior in load rating to common ones
http://www.4by4connection.com/drings.html

and I would look at their 17,500 lb 30' snatch strap
http://www.4by4connection.com/arbrest.html

alternatively, I recommend
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/home.php?cat=268 and their 8000 kilo snatch strap, and their 3/4" D rings

IF you get a hilift, you might be able to use it as a winch, IF buy chain to work with it.
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/search.php?mode=search&page=1&keep_https=yes

You would also want the hilift adapter to the vanagon jack points,

and the hilift ORK kit
http://www.hi-lift.com/accessories/off-road-kit.html

plus either a board or a HiLift brand wide base, so the jack does not sink when used to lift a wheel..

I also highly recommend this site for info
http://www.bb4wa.com/articles/articles.html

The reason I chose the Magnum Hand winch instead of a HiLift, for winching, is that it is compact and weighs about the same as a hilift.
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=343910

some people also consider the Wyeth come along a viable option
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?p=5464967#5464967

IF you dont go with a HiLift, when you need to lift the van, you should carry about 4 pieces of 2x6 to put under your stock jack.. On level ground it takes 3 of those blocks under my stock jack, to lift my 30.5" tire off the ground.
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Where in the world are the The Lost Burritos?

[danfromsyr]

I jsut used my Griphoist (Magnum hand winch style) this weekend to pull a VW Thing onto a car traielr dragging 2 wheels. easy peasy and well I didn't have to reset it every 2.5ft like a Hilift.. which is STOOPID (IMHO)
who would want to resecure and unhook a vehicle every 2~3ft to extract from a ditch or such.. sounds dangerous.

the benefit of the constant pull of the Tirfor/griphoist/Magnum is the pass thru load bearing cable is never released or compromised.

but anyways.. nice bump. and good product..
I should sell the 2 Hilifts I have here at my place, but I do have tractors and some equipment trailers that the jack could be called out for.. though I never have.. just don't consider a walking beam jack safe.
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[kuleinc]

Jon,
I just got my air compressor in the mail today, check my thread for a pic. I think it should just do the trick.

Will a 3/4" D shackle work in my burley hitch, and my front tow loop?

What kind of poundage am I looking for in a 30' snatch strap? (I think of my wife every time I type snatch...)

I'm not sold on the high lift either, although I do think it would look WICKED mounted to my van somewhere. But then I'd have to take it off to clean under it after every darn trip, so not getting one. I have the stock beam van jack AND the scissors type, both in my van at all times. They work good so far with my little tires... When I get bigger tires I will need a bigger jack or some wood.

I'm very seriously considering the maxtrax, but they are quite expensive after the exchange rate and shipping. Any place to get them closer at a better price? Make your own? I think they would be the second best thing short of a buddy to help pull your van out... I could have used them several times last snow season for sure, and saved my wife and I some serious shoveling work outs
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2001 ALH Jetta TDi (Hers)
1998 ALH New Beetle (His)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=496946

[hans j]

[Jon_slider]

> Will a 3/4" D shackle work in my burley hitch,

dont know, but if you buy the red ones, you can use 5/8" shackles that are just as strong

> and my front tow loop?

yes, the pin only, which is workable, or the 5/8 Red

> What kind of poundage am I looking for in a 30' snatch strap?

I pulled you out of the sand using a 2" ARB705, below are two sources, the one that sells the red shackes is cheaper than the other, take your pick

---
I recommend you get a 30' snatch strap, and a pair of 3/4" D shackles

I consider these shackles superior in load rating to common ones
http://www.4by4connection.com/drings.html

and I would look at their 17,500 lb 30' snatch strap
http://www.4by4connection.com/arbrest.html

alternatively, I recommend
https://www.expeditionexchange.com/cart/home.php?cat=268 and their 8000 kilo snatch strap, and their 3/4" D rings
---
I agree maxtrax are expensive, they are also possibly the best of the options..

waffleboards also mentioned in this thread
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=353832&postdays=0&postorder=ascstart=20
your wife is quite beautiful, congrats

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Where in the world are the The Lost Burritos?

[kuleinc]

I kept searching for recovery boards, I guess it would help if I searched for waffle boards

Are your alternate suggestions better than your first ones? ugh, I guess I can wait and we can talk about and use your stuff this trip, since my under bench needs a shelf above the propex before I put more stuff in there...

I need to seriously go through my bus and remove stuff that doesnt need to be in there. and find a couple missing shelves... in the storage areas...

Hey! Where'd you get a pic of my wife!?
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1987 Wolfram Gray 2WD Vanagon GL Westy (1.8T Powered!)
2001 ALH Jetta TDi (Hers)
1998 ALH New Beetle (His)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=496946

[syncrodoka]

Van beest green pin shackles are known for their strength and with their 6x WLL safety factor they are strongly recommended. IIRC a 3/4 shackle pin will fit into the front pull point on a vanagon.

Maxtrax are dead easy to use and worth the investment if you don't have someone else with you or a pull point for a recovery winch- beaches are typically lacking trees . They are effective in sand, snow and mud.

Link

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[kuleinc]

Oh I want those shiny orange things so bad! For now I'll just follow Jon around, his super big boy bus yanks my little boy bus right out of the sand!

Weird I've never met you on Jon's trips... I understand we frequent some of your spots... Perhaps one day I'll run into you out there.
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1987 Wolfram Gray 2WD Vanagon GL Westy (1.8T Powered!)
2001 ALH Jetta TDi (Hers)
1998 ALH New Beetle (His)
http://www.thesamba.com/vw/forum/viewtopic.php?t=496946