Anyone have experience with winch rope?

[robselina]

My rear winch cable needs replacing. I'm looking at getting this stuff:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/5-16-X-100-Winch-Line-Rope-Cable-w-stainless-steel-Th_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ42614QQihZ007QQitemZ 170018398532QQrdZ1#ebayphotohosting

Anyone know the vendor or if the product is decent? can't beat it for the price....

[joe]

I've never heard of Dynex but synthetics are generally strong so long as they are not polypropylene. We use 4" nylon lines for tie up lines on our boats and 8" nylon for shock lines on tows. Nylon based lines are dangerous though...severe stretch and snap-back if it breaks. The Ensco offshore drilling rigs went to just a 2" Kevlar type line. It's gawd awful strong and minimal snap-back but still some. As with any synthetic line though it chafes very easily so I wouldn't even consider it w/o a good smoothly working roller fairlead and a good (correct size) snatch block. If the line has to slide under stain it'll get hot quick and melt so you wouldn't want the winch line working/dragging over rocks. You'd destroy the line pretty quick over rocks or boulders. You would n't want the line packed with mud or dirt either. Under strain the fibers will get worn by the dirt just as in a steel cable but even more so in a soft fiber line. Also "any" synthetic line is UV sensitive and will deteriorate in time(poly line very quickly) in the sun regardless of what they say they sprayed it with.
It'd be worth checking into though. It may be a great product or they may just be reinventing the wheel? Strength wouldn't be a big concern to me but wear and longevity would be. You might find out who makes Dynex and get there product stats and specs on it. Also Sampson Line should be able to tell you about it. They make some ultra strong(and ultra expense) syn rope.

[rockjeep44]

Joe, winch rope has come a long way man. Some of what you say is true like avoid getting dirt down into the rope and things like that but these days winch rope is far superior to steel cable for what we do. Remember we're not talking about logging trucks or tow trucks. Also, never ever run a roller fairlead with winch rope. You should ditch the roller for a nice aluminum hawse fairlead and your rope will thank you.

Rob, I run Masterpull rope and absolutely LOVE it. IF you want a testiment to how it works go here
http://rebelrockrunners.org/gallery/v/rides/tellico04/?g2_page=4
and look through all the recovery pictures of me righting Nick's cherokee after the roll. I did all that with my lightweight buggy (compared to his rig), a few straps, and a snatch block. The rope performed flawlessly with no damage after it was all over. Hope this helps
-Andrew

[joe]

Joe, winch rope has come a long way man. Some of what you say is true like avoid getting dirt down into the rope and things like that but these days winch rope is far superior to steel cable for what we do. Remember we're not talking about logging trucks or tow trucks. Also, never ever run a roller fairlead with winch rope. You should ditch the roller for a nice aluminum hawse fairlead and your rope will thank you.
Interesting Andrew. So you guys aren't having a chaffing prob over rocks etc? I guess the roller fairlead could cause the line getting pinched at the roller ends huh? I agree syn rope today is far superior to cable for strength and user friendliness but was concerned about the wear and tear issue compared to conventional stainless wire rope. Thanks for the heads up.

[Sambo]

i am curious about the weight loss,could help drop a few lbs on the front of every rig...since one of my front springs is starting to sag:mad:

[rockjeep44]

Interesting Andrew. So you guys aren't having a chaffing prob over rocks etc? I guess the roller fairlead could cause the line getting pinched at the roller ends huh? I agree syn rope today is far superior to cable for strength and user friendliness but was concerned about the wear and tear issue compared to conventional stainless wire rope. Thanks for the heads up.

Nope, and my rope is pretty old. I bought it used from a friend. If there ever is a situation where the rope is over a rock just use the chafe guard which comes with most ropes. If you don't have a chafe guard throw down an old shirt or sweatshirt. Steel cable wears and tears just as much in my opinion and when it does watch your hands!

Here's the fairlead I use
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=323709

[robselina]

cool, i'll pan on getting that masterpull then. Thanks guys!

BTW, i have a roller fair lead and i'm planning on switching to an aluminum fairlead as part of the swap.