I have an 04 polaris sportsman 500 without a winch. I live and ride in nevada, with few to no trees. Is it worth investing in a winch? can you justify one without trees? WHat are the other uses for a winch?

 

depends on if you plan on getting stuck or not. i wouldnt own a 700 lb. machine w/out one unless you never go off rd. i also have used my winch to pull trees, cars and even moved my cement stairs once.

 

The justification boils down to a few things that only you can answer. If you get stuck by yourself, and no trees around, what good is it? If you are with someone and get stuck you could use a tow rope. So, ask yourself, do I want one incase I get stuck, AND by myself, AND there may be a tree within 45-50 feet, AND this tree is somewhat in front of me!

 

Just as I hit "REPLY" I thought of something, you could carry an anchor device with you if you decide on the winch!

 

i was going to say that my self. beat me 2 it. lol. i cant imagine if theres no trees must be pretty solid ground and dry. you could always bring a strap to throw around a rock if need be.

 

I've brought a big steel spike like 4 to 5 feet long weighs like 45 pounds and a light sledgehammer to pound it into the ground as an anchor, and it works. I used this when I was out mudding around in some swampy prarrie flats. Oh yah, it was kinda a bitch to get my spike out but i didn't walk home.

 

You could always go the cheap route on the winch. Go to e-bay & look up gorllia winch. I put the 3000# on my sportsman 400 & it hasen't failed me yet.

 

Hey does your gorilla winch have 4 mounting bolts like the warn or does it have just 2?

Also how is the quality? Is it cheap or a pretty good winch.. Looking for a rear one..

 

I would not ride without either a winch or a wench, either way one call pull ya out and the other can push ya out
Just my opinion

 

Have one on my KVF 360 and I cannot count how many times I have used it the first year. Was up to my OHOH's in the bog a few weeks ago and all I could find or need was a 1 inch spruce tree and it pulled me out. Would not think of ever going out without now. 2500 warn FYI