Arrange the winch rope to be spooled so it will not kink or tangle when spooled. Be sure any winch rope
on the drum is tightly and evenly layered. Spool enough winch rope to complete the next full layer on the
drum. Tighten and straighten the layer. Repeat process until the hook is a minimum of 6 ft. (2 m) from the
fairlead opening. Spool in the remainder for storage as directed below.
Spooling Remainder for Storage:
When the hook is within 6 ft. (2 m) of the fairlead, disconnect the hook from the anchor or load. Hold onto
the supplied hook strap and hold tension on the winch rope. Slowly power-in the winch by “pulsing” the
power-in switch on the remote control until the hook is within 3 ft. (1 m) of the fairlead. Stop winching in
and attach the hook to a suitable anchor point on the vehicle.
NOTICE Do not power the hook into the fairlead. This could cause damage to the fairlead. Once the hook
is suitably attached to the vehicle, power-in the remaining slack in the winch rope by “pulsing” the power-
in switch on the remote control until there is minimal slack in the winch rope.
Overloading/Overheating:
This winch is rated for intermittent duty. When the motor approaches stall speed, very rapid heat buildup
occurs which may cause motor damage. Double-line rigging will reduce the amperage draw, and reduce
heat buildup in the motor. This allows longer continual use.
Stretching Winch Rope
Stretching (tensioning) the winch rope is critical to ensure a long product life. Tensioning the winch rope
will prevent outer layers of winch rope from pinching and deforming the inner layers. During its first use,
a new winch rope must be spooled onto its drum under a load of at least 1000 lbs. (454 kgs).
Use the following instructions to properly stretch the winch rope onto the winch drum.:
1. Choose a FLAT AND LEVEL location that is large enough to run out almost the entire length of winch
rope.
2. Disengage clutch.
Always keep hands clear of winch rope, hook loop, hook and fairlead opening during installation,
operation, and when spooling in or out.
3. Grasp hook strap and spool out the winch rope to the last 5 wraps on the drum (10 wraps if synthetic
rope).
4. Once the winch rope is spooled out, engage clutch.
5. Attach the hook end of the rope to a suitable anchor point.
Always be certain the anchor you select will withstand the load and the strap or chain will not slip.
6. Return to your vehicle.
7. Back the vehicle away from the anchor point until there is very little slack in the winch rope.
8. Set the parking brake, place the vehicle in gear or park and turn the vehicle off.
Always stand clear of winch rope and load and keep others away while winching.
9. Exit vehicle. Never exit the vehicle with a load. While standing approximately 8 ft. (2.44 m) away
from the winch, power-in the winch until all of the slack is wound onto the winch drum.
Never touch winch rope or hook while someone else is at the control switch or during winching operation.
Never touch winch rope or hook while under tension or under load.
10. With gloves on, hold tension on the winch rope with one hand; carefully push the winch rope to
the side of the drum the winch rope is attached to so there are no gaps between each coil on the drum.
Always wind the winch rope on bottom (mount side) of drum.
11. Be sure to check that the winch rope is winding off of the bottom of the drum or the automatic
load holding brake will not function properly. NOTE: If the winch rope is winding off the top of the drum,
you have powered the winch “out” instead of “in”. Be sure you are powering in.
12. The following steps should be done using two people for proper safety. If you attempt to tension
your winch rope alone be sure to always set the parking brake, place the transmission in gear or park and
turn the vehicle off every time you exit the vehicle to inspect the winch rope. NOTICE Use care to evenly
wrap each layer to prevent damage to the rope. Never use remote when vehicle is not in line of sight of
operator.
13. The driver of the vehicle should operate the winch.
