I have heard of people using things like tennis ***** and stuff to put over the line just before the hook on a winch... it keeps the line from getting too far inside and damaging something...

what all do you guys use to do this, and is it needed?

 

The best thing I've found, from a tip on another forum, is to go to a sporting goods store and get a replacement roller for a boat trailer. Get the center kind, with the V grove in the middle. Smaller ones are just a few bucks.

Then cut the ends off, and you have two cone shaped solid rubber pieces, with a hole already in the middle.

A friend tried tennis *****, and they can tend to get smooshed through the rollers and don't last long. Boat trailer rollers are solid rubber, work better, and last forever.

You can see the 1/2 boat trailer roller in this photo.

 

The Winchsaver is $12 but I guess I'll just get a boat roller and save some money. http://yhst-13949165045756.sto...net/atvwinchsaver.html

 

good idea with the roller, where did you find yours?

 

I think Bi-Mart. GI Joes, or any big box store with a sporting goods place will have them. I actually like them better than the commercially made winch saver. I think the thing was under $4, and I used both ends to do both quads.

 

Neat idea with the boat roller!!! I usually have my cable hooked up on the rack so its always within reach while sitting on the bike (usually sitting on the bike stuck in the middle of something wet, dirty, deep or all 3!!!

 

how do you get the roller over the hook to get it installed? do you have to take the hook off?

 

i looked at dicks sporting goods, tractor supply, and walmart... cant find one..

 

You just pull the pin out of the hook to unhook the cable. It's tight to get the cable through the factory hole in the roller, but then the bumper stays with the hook, which It hink is a good thing.

If you google "bow roller" it will hit on a bunch of stores. Looks like etrailer and cabella's have them, ranging from like $2 and up. With a purchase like that I prefer to choose in person, and I'm sure there must be a GI Joe's BiMart, or boating shop somewhere...

 

Jeff -- That makes sense. Thanks.

Any ideas on how to save the front rack from the abrasion and stress of the winch hook if you set it up like action450?