Where the Heck is Your Winch Controller?

Don’t be left in the ditch (or worse) when you can’t find this handy device to pull you to freedom.

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Words by Tom Severin

Mt. Patterson was our destination on a beautiful fall day and being a part of the Sweetwater Range on the western edge of the Great Basin, it offers a commanding view of the area. I was recently leading a group of seven vehicles up a long switchback that consisted of a one-lane, shelf road and it can always get a little dicey if you encounter anyone coming down the other direction as there aren’t too many places to pull off.

At one point, a group of six motorcycles came up from behind and being courteous folks, we let them slip past. To create additional room, one driver decided to back up. His intention was to aim for the trail's edge but he almost went too far, dropping two wheels off the side.

That was scary enough as the vehicle rested precariously on the edge. He was really off camber with a steep drop on the right. So, I made my way to the scene to formulate a plan. Another problem quickly presented itself – his winch controller was buried somewhere in the rear of the vehicle. The driver didn't want to exit, fearing the vehicle might tip over (his weight, he felt, kept the vehicle in place.) We also didn't want to open the tailgate since much of his stuff could go sliding out.

I then asked for a volunteer to dig for the winch kit. Another driver gingerly crawled in from the driver's side passenger door after we attached to the rear bumper. After several tense moments, he found the controller. We were in luck.

I attached my winch to the recover eye on the vehicle's rear bumper to prevent it from sliding downhill. We attached his Amsteel-Blue Synthetic Winch Line to a stationary object, then winched the vehicle forward.

Where to Store the Winch Controller

Considering all the gear that's needed for a four-wheel drive trip, the winch controller generally doesn't get much consideration. Perhaps you rarely use the winch or odds are the controller and related gear stored in the back in the winch kit bag. You figure you’ll have time to dig it out when you need it, which is not a bad assumption, since winch recovery should be a slow, deliberate, and calculated process.

If you own a winch, you're likely to need it sometime under circumstances when you may not be able to access the winch recovery bag. So, keep the controller handy. Good locations include the centre console, glove compartment, under or behind the front seat, or in the map pocket on the driver's door. It can fit in a number of small spaces within reach.

What’s even better is having two controllers, one up front and the other in back in your winch kit. Controllers are inexpensive ($99 USD or less) and small. They are also critical when winching is required. Why two controllers? You’ll have a backup if one fails, and it’s just convenient to have all your stuff in one bag in less trying situations.

Going a step further, it's not a bad idea to also pack a tree strap, pulley, and a couple screw pin bow shackles and keep them close at hand. Then you're fully equipped for winching.

Important Reminders from this Incident

This incident ended well. Fortunately, we were able to hook up his vehicle on both the front and back. Plus, we dug out his winch controller.

Two important lessons to take away come from this:

  1. Store the winch controller close to the driver's seat. It is too important of a tool to stuff somewhere deep in your vehicle – especially in the back. This is yet another example of why you shouldn't go off-road alone. Imagine you've just rolled downhill backward. You've come to rest against a rock or other hard surface. The tailgate is crunched in and your recovery gear is buried in the lower back of your vehicle. How will you get to the necessary gear?
  2. Also, remember the proper method for backing up when on a shelf road. Always face the danger, the cliff edge. Back up toward the hill, keeping the cliff edge in front. Don't worry about the rear of your vehicle. At worst, you'll roll into some brush or maybe a tree. However, if you're pointed the other way, you won't be able to see the edge well and you could go sailing down the mountainside.

Whether to buy a winch is a personal call. Several factors go into the decision. If you do install a winch, be sure to keep the winch controller near the driver's seat. It does you no good buried in the back. At the minimum, you'll waste valuable time digging for it. Worst case, you could be really stuck.

Treat the winch controller like a wallet. Keep it handy.

Tom Severin is a 4x4 Coach and teaches four-wheel drive owners how to confidently and safely use their vehicles to the fullest extent in difficult terrain and adverse driving conditions. Visit www.4x4training.com to develop or improve your driving skills. Connect with Tom Severin on Facebook] https://www.facebook.com/Badlands4x4Instructor/