Team ScalerFab Tips: Winching

Perhaps one of the coolest things about owning a scale off-road truck is the ability to add scale off road accessories to it! Without a doubt one of the most useful accessories you can add is a working winch. Having and knowing how to use a winch can be a huge help when out scaling on the weekends or trying to win an event. Let’s take a look at some simple winching techniques and a few accessories you can own to make sure you are getting the most out your winch.

The most basic recovery you can make is the single line recovery. Picking a good sturdy winching spot is essential in any recovery or assist. In the real world a sturdy tree usually provides the best option for this however in the world of scale off-roading finding a suitable point can sometimes be challenging. If you are allowed to do so, using your shoelace often works great as winch point. If possible position yourself in front of your truck for the best line of site and be sure to put your foot where it’s needed most for an optimal winch point.

However if you are not allowed to use your shoelace that is where having a Scalerfab Land Anchor comes in handy. The ScalerfabLand Anchor can be used in a variety of different ways to provide the best winch spot possible. You can attach it to the back side of a rock or ledge and if that is not an option you can plant it directly into the ground for an equally secure spot.

Winching can do so much more than just pulling you up and over things, it can also get you back on your feet, or tires rather. Let’s look at one of my favorite advanced recovery techniques for a situation we all find ourselves in from time to time, laying on your side. It happens even to best of us we sometimes find our trucks laying either on their side or sometimes even on their roof. Here is a technique, that along with a winch and Land Anchor, can get you back on your wheels and going again:

-Spool out a large amount of winch line as you will need a good amount of it for this recovery.

-Take the line and bring it down the side of your truck, now bring it around your rock sliders. The line will first run parallel to your truck then perpendicular.

-Now attach the line to a secure winch point. Be sure there is as little binding as possible when brining the line around the front of the bumper.

-Start to spool your winch in. This is a taxing recovery on your winch if you can pick a winch spot that is close to the same height as your rock sliders while laying on your side the better. If not be sure to help the winch do its job by slowly turning the front wheels and applying a tiny bit of throttle as the truck starts to right itself. Don’t be afraid to just practice this recovery from time to time and get a feel for how it works.

This is a great recovery technique that will save you from having to take a HOG penalty in most competitions. It’s a slow process but certainly worth it avoiding the costly HOG.