Using a forward-mount winch to go backwards - what you don't know

#reversewinching #winching #snatchblocks #4x4recovery #backwardswinching #LEGO

How can you winch backwards using a forward-pulling winch, how does it work, what are the real-world forces involved, and will it work for a real recovery? How many snatch blocks do you need?

All explained in this guide to Reverse Winching including a LEGO model!

There is a lot more to cover but the video was 25m long already, so will do a follow-up if there's demand. Post questions as comments.

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[deeiks]

You have a wonderful presentation style. Technical, in depth, and no bulls. Most informative 4x4 channel out here.

[oldrango]

This video is an excellent tutorial. In order to reduce the amount of work and time this takes I’ve just installed two receiver hitches and my winch can be moved easily front or back.

[fredio]

I solved this by putting receivers front and back and battery connections front and back - just need to get myself a big anderson connector set to make it quick to plug in. I can now which in or lower out in both directions and pull other items from either end of my rig. :-) All home built, too, 40x40x4mm winch cradle insert and 50x50x5 receivers. A bit smaller than the industry standard, but very close fitting and once bolted up tight, they work as one with no slop, play, rattles, movement, wear, noise, etc. Very sweet to see it come together - zinc plated 12.9 cap screws and button head cap screws and gloss black set it off a treat :-D Interesting video, though, for those that don't have that option. :)

[copperworks]

I’m enjoying this. Thank you kid just got a Jeep and I’ve been trying to teach him so he doesn’t get hurt. 19 yr old know it all!

[oczhaal]

4 belts, 4 pulleys, 4 trees.. That's a lot of stuff required. The only good advice to prevent this is: don't go off-roading alone.

[klm]

Your videos on winching and recovery are outstanding. I have shared them with many of my Jeeping friends.
Thank You, Thank You, Thank you

[SteveBurns]

Great video! But not practical in the real world.
I learnt this the hard way when I really needed to winch myself backwards up a near vertical hill, realised I didn't have enough pully blocks so I ended up running my winch rope under the vehicle, it worked and got us out of a serious situation but I bent the lip of my steel bar where the rope passes out from the fairlead to under the vehicle, not surprising due the sharp change of direction.
I since repaired and reinforced it with some steel tubing to make for a nice smooth angle for the rope to slide along, it works an absolute treat and makes for easy and safe reverse winch. Also saves having to carry all those extra heavy snatch blocks and gear.

[hoggif]

Love the lego demonstration! A great idea!
Another way to think of that is that the winch is making the line shorter. The only way to shorten it is by moving the car back.

[moretoliving]

Thank you very much for this informative video. I literally, completely at random, had an idea 3 days ago whether something like this would be possible and youtube gods dropped this into recommended so I did not even have to search for it. I know folks can use rear winches but that requires a ton of additional money to accomplish so using what you already have to get yourself out of a situation is awesome means of geometry and physics.

[kathyl]

Really enjoyed watching this. The way you explained it, made perfect sense. Another great video Robert!

[MrTexMart]

Brilliant! Thanks for your time and making these videos for the rest of us.

[thebeerhunter]

I just chose to fit a rear winch one of the best mods I've done.

[rsdaarud]

Great job, Robert! 4x the force to go backwards! That's going to work the winch. Hopefully, I'm not seriously stuck in the bush!

[SkylinersYeti]

Great video. I travel solo most of the time and need to do self recovery. I have a Suzuki Grand Vitara and have been able to recover myself with a simple come a long so far. I have been thinking about an electric winch but mounting it as a portable and attaching to a 2 inch receiver front and rear on the rig. Thank you for the video.

[sassanlachini]

Thank you for the scientifical analysis. Very interesting and practical! Looking forward for more material (books and videos).

[rbrdly]

This is amazing. If I was caught (with enough rope!), I wouldn't have thought to do the double line at the back, and just ripped things off my car - Whilst making zero progress at the same time.

[thebubaloomonkey]

Great video. It's a topic that comes up regularly, especially when questioning the practicality of a front mounted winch. It's good to see that it is possible, but it certainly takes a lot of kit, knowledge and preperation. I think it is perhaps best to consider all other options first!

[palco]

Fantastic, My father (Ex-military) showed me this set up years ago (I've never had to use this setup but I was always equipped just in case) I guess it was a matter of be sure you can go forward and not be forced to reverse ! Great to have numbers applied to really grasp what is actually happening ! Always great videos (This is the second in a row tonight) Thanks and be safe !

[InGratitudeIam]

I'm so glad I found your channel. I'm glad you put a guide together on this topic. Thank you!

[chrismcintosh]

Very good practical demonstration backed with hard figures.well done