Very Valid Points. As a tow operator winches aren't anything to fugg around with. They can be dangerous if not used properly. Most people aren't aware of weight ratings on cable thicknesses, what type of cable, chains and grades etc. Then you have straps. Another ball game all together. There might be a tow strap rated for 10,000 lbs, but that's not rated for 10,000lb sling as most think. Big difference in the weave and the thread it's sewn with and how thick it is at the ends. When I say sling I'm reffering to lifting something like a vehicle out of a swimming pool or uprighting a semi trailer. Many aren't aware of snatch blocking, pull strengths and angles. And haven't touched on a cable blanket and it's purpose, but they save lives. Of course anything can be used for that purpose and don't need to be a specific cable blanket with weights in it. We even use a jacket behind the seat of our truck and pick up some rocks and put in the pockets if needed and keep people away. Winching and recovery always seems to draw a crowd and people want to be up close. Not a good idea when that cable snaps. They take heads off. Literally !!!
Alot of that doesn't matter to off-roaders, but as you point out, you get a 12,000lb to 15,000lb F350 or F450 Crew Cab Diesel that's stuck in mud, don't forget the vacuum affect as it's coming out of the mud on 35 or 37 in tires that are 12.5in or wider tires. No, you want to be using something bigger than a 5/16 or 3/8in cable and then consider strand core too meaning what is the cable actually made of. There's good cable and cheap cable. Night and Day difference and to glance it, it all the looks the same. Cable is cable right? WRONG !!!
Just saying, any of you get into some heavy stuff or over a cliff or in deep water like a pond, know what you're dealing with and know the ratings of your equipment so noone gets hurt.
