Amen brother on the hook! Another thing I’ve found that’s very handy from being on the farm is about a 3-4 foot chain with a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other. Prefer 1/2” but 3/8” will suit most applications.
I'm a big hook guy too and I carry enough soft and D ring to sink a ship, HOWEVER when it's freaking freezing and you're recovering a vehicle and you can't feel your fingers.....the last thing you wanna be doing is messing with frozen soft shackles or small treaded bolts on a frosty D ring, in comes that hook and you just slap it on anything.🥰🤘🏾
Dude you are awesome. I literally bought my first synthetic winch line yesterday and i have an older warn xd9000 with the exact drum you showed. I was scratching my head wondering how to spool the line without a hole in the drum. This was so helpful. Long live Fred!!
Also handy hitch pins for receiver hitches. Work great once you put thimble end or tow rope end through opening then latch pin through hole like you do for tow attachments. Then if line breaks metal stays put.
I'd like to know the decision behind dumping DED and bringing in these boring new shows they have. I watched DED religiously, these new shows, haven't watched a half an episode total...
@@lowbudgetbob1155 I couldn't agree with you more, it's sad, really. They had such a great format with DED, RK,RKG, FWF. Thankfully, Fred and Dave now have RUclips so we still get their great content.
@@lowbudgetbob1155I feel the exact same way. So relatable and so much fun to watch. Truly inspired me to dive into workin on my rig more. The best dudes. Both RUclips channels are great
Just needs the rear wiper going! I miss DED, hope to see Dave and Fred wheeling again soon. But, my guess is, we don't see much of that because they just want to go have fun and not worry about filming. Can't say I blame them! 👍
I use a hook on my winch. I have worked with cranes, winches, air tuggers and things like that for 35 years as an Ironworker in setting structural steel, and rigging. Never saw a hook, or any shackle fail that had been rigged up correctly. Most failures or injuries happen from improper use. That being said. I can definitely see benefits of carrying soft shackles and using the winch rope and not steel cable. Benefits of both. I carry both soft shackles and steel. Great spots to use either...
Fred, Great info, and I buy the argument for the hook on metal cable. But you just put rope on that winch, I think I'd tie a knot if I lost all of my shackles. Not a great idea but if you're stuck you make due.
I use the couple of clicks on the parking brake method that way I can do it in my driveway by hooking it to another vehicle. Pretty flat where I live unless I go 30 mins to the mountains.
I appreciate your soapbox & that Bubba rope looks awesome - great company. Another great option that meets your worst case scenario is a BleepinJeep Freedom Winch Line - it has a soft shackle built into the end of the line!
@@4xFredWilliams yes agree, but, what is it rated at..2t,,5t.. also mate uses similar but it swivels, so the line stays un twisted. ausie..look into alloy bullbars. 8mm -10mm aero alloy, stronger than steel & flexes..i know, i wrote off a guys car,,pulled out in front of me at 60ks..
I don't leave my shackles on the recovery points, so there's not much chance of losing them. Mostly because I can't stand hearing them clank and rattle with every bump. Thanks for another good one Fred. I carry soft shackles, and a hook as well. Better to have too much junk, than not enough.
I completely agree about the hook versus thimble. Are used to wheel with a bunch of guys that worked in the aftermarket, they would always drive company vehicles, and the shackles would always disappear. They always had a winch, and usually had a remote, but never could use it because no shackle.
I’m back to hooks myself after several years of thimbles. I’ve just had too many instances where I was stuck on a ledge and everyone is going though several different rings trying to get my Jeep hooked up to a recovery point. Hooks are simple and quick and I’ve never seen the free one that comes with a warn winch fail.
All good info Fred, I get the projectile argument, but I also get the benefit of the hook, I like your explanations. You’ll get some dumb comments I say to each their own.
Yeah but you missed the fact the soft shackle can go through the tree saver and through eye in the winch rope, I always have two soft shackles just looped round the grab handle and a soft shackle with nylon puck to double up the rope if you need more winching power. I always have these in my vehicle along with a rope and kinetic rope in the cubby under the rear seat, along with winter gear, always be prepared never know when you will need to assist someone.
I've got a cheap synthetic rope from Amazon and it's held up well. I recently removed the hook and tied up my own cheap version of a freedom rope by tying a diamond knot on the end. Works great!
You might want to orient your dry erase markers so that the tips/caps are pointing down inside the can you use to hold them. This will make the ink flow towards the tip so they don't dry out as fast.
I have a Jeep TJ that had a small electrical fire under the dash which melted a lot of wires. I was wondering where to get a wire harness. I am going to put an engine harness from Holly(LS swap) so I only basically need it for the lights and stuff not so much the dash gauges.
Hay Fred, what is your thoughts on the newish Freedom winch line? Sold by Bleepin Jeep here on the YT, which has a soft shackle incorporated in the end of the synthetic winch line.
Good explanation of everything 🤙🏼 Having a spare soft shackles in a couple places inside your rig when wheeling might help too. One in the driver’s door might help in an emergency situation 🤓
I'm still a cable hold out. I guess I'm cheap, too. I've had the same winch cable on my winch since the 90s with no issues. It'll probably look the same in another 20 years. Still, I've been considering going syntheric. If a synthetic line can degrade in only 150* should I be worried in the summer when it gets over 110*?
The 150F figure that is floating around isn't correct information. Sorry for the enginerding, but UHMWPE by nature is a non-liner polymer. It has a modulus ( strength ) that changes with temperature and time. Under load at a high enough temperature ( above 150F in this case ) the material can no longer hold the maximum rated load over a specific time without significant creep or stretch. The material does NOT melt at 150F. A few more notes. The entire rope....all the fibers, not just the outer fibers that in contact with something hot or baking in the sun, have to be above 150F to see a change in strength. Industrial processes actually use heat to help 'set' the fibers under tension to make the line ultimately stronger. I hope that helps.
I am the least qualified to comment as I have a synthetic winch line and no offroad rig. But having heard your argument i plan on making a short lanyard with appropriate hook that can be easily attached to the eyelet when needed. That way the eyelet will work when it can and the hook could be used when needed on my rig or another rig.
Disclaimer time. I am a sports car/road racer that has recently discovered this channel and others, and is off-road/overlander-curious. I do not profess to be an expert, but I will share some potentially relatable expertise from my time years ago in the safety industry and fall protection. Hooks and connecting devices in fall protection need to be compatible to avoid something called roll out. You can see this sometimes in something as simple as a dog leash that when bound up with only a single locking device, can essentially pop off. In recovery, in particular, a straight pull, I suspect you are fine, but hooking back on the recovery rope, I could see a danger in that. Now, would I do it in a pinch? Yep. I mentioned I used to race and during that time I have done a lot of stupid or questionable things. I have seen and been involved in responding to a few things and sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Just some food for thought.
I like hooks I like thimbles but I love the freedom winch line with the soft shackle built into your winch line . Hint you can do this to your own line
Very important to make sure there are no burrs on the drum when going from steel to synthetic. I like to wrap the drum in gorilla tape to make sure there are no sharp edges that can damage the synthetic line. Also, the less gimmicky and better way to attach the rope to the drum is there is a special knot you can tie. Look up the Safe-extract method. You still want to have the 10 wraps in normal use, but with the knot you know the rope won't come off the drum.
Great tips and thanks for the ‘how to’ for spooling a new rope. That hook is great. I’d keep it in my glovebox and only get it in a needed scenario. Great video as always. Thank you 😊 Also, love the 80 series. My favorite. Quick question, does that Land Cruiser have the factory lockers?
Good argument on the hook but I it is not for me. I have 4 d-rings on the bumpers and carry another along with 4 soft shackles. I just like the idea of keeping as much metal out of the equation as possible.
Good idea bout the hook I like them. Who cares what they think. I’ll go home. They can sit there. But can’t do that. When ur wheeling. They r broke or stuck. Leave no one behind. So. Keep em going. ?
It wasn’t the hook that failed that caused his death. Not attaching to a proper attachment point and many other things they did to cause it. Not the hook’s fault.
It’s cool Fred, that’s why we make a hook.
Love the show. Always great info and advice. "The Dave's not here" story was perfect....I should know.
Amen brother on the hook! Another thing I’ve found that’s very handy from being on the farm is about a 3-4 foot chain with a grab hook on one end and a slip hook on the other. Prefer 1/2” but 3/8” will suit most applications.
A simple rubber oring on the pin will keep it from vibrating out of the shackle. I agree 💯 with hooks vs thimbles
I'm a big hook guy too and I carry enough soft and D ring to sink a ship, HOWEVER when it's freaking freezing and you're recovering a vehicle and you can't feel your fingers.....the last thing you wanna be doing is messing with frozen soft shackles or small treaded bolts on a frosty D ring, in comes that hook and you just slap it on anything.🥰🤘🏾
Knock Knock
Who's there?
Dave.
Naw man Dave's not here.
18:13
No Man, it's me, Dave!
Open the door, Man!?
I enjoyed your soapbox. Thanks for being awesome!!
Options are always the best.
Dude you are awesome. I literally bought my first synthetic winch line yesterday and i have an older warn xd9000 with the exact drum you showed. I was scratching my head wondering how to spool the line without a hole in the drum. This was so helpful. Long live Fred!!
Thanks Fred!
Also handy hitch pins for receiver hitches. Work great once you put thimble end or tow rope end through opening then latch pin through hole like you do for tow attachments. Then if line breaks metal stays put.
MAN! re-subscribed after a break from OnX about 10 hours before you posted this. Stocked to see this collab though.
Hey Fred, thanks for reminding me, I need a new rope!
Tries to draw Land Cruiser, actually draws Dave's surprise build Pacer. Long live DED.
I'd like to know the decision behind dumping DED and bringing in these boring new shows they have. I watched DED religiously, these new shows, haven't watched a half an episode total...
@@lowbudgetbob1155 I couldn't agree with you more, it's sad, really. They had such a great format with DED, RK,RKG, FWF. Thankfully, Fred and Dave now have RUclips so we still get their great content.
@@lowbudgetbob1155I feel the exact same way. So relatable and so much fun to watch. Truly inspired me to dive into workin on my rig more. The best dudes. Both RUclips channels are great
@@lowbudgetbob1155 it wasn’t Fred and Dave’s choice, blame Mototrend.
Just needs the rear wiper going! I miss DED, hope to see Dave and Fred wheeling again soon. But, my guess is, we don't see much of that because they just want to go have fun and not worry about filming. Can't say I blame them! 👍
Your awesome Fred keep it up!
I love hooks too Fred!
I use a hook on my winch. I have worked with cranes, winches, air tuggers and things like that for 35 years as an Ironworker in setting structural steel, and rigging. Never saw a hook, or any shackle fail that had been rigged up correctly. Most failures or injuries happen from improper use. That being said. I can definitely see benefits of carrying soft shackles and using the winch rope and not steel cable. Benefits of both. I carry both soft shackles and steel. Great spots to use either...
Fred, Great info, and I buy the argument for the hook on metal cable. But you just put rope on that winch, I think I'd tie a knot if I lost all of my shackles. Not a great idea but if you're stuck you make due.
Fred officially became the old wheeler guy with his hook story lol
get out of my yard ya darn kids!
Glad I'm not the only one on the hook bandwagon!
Love that you’re laying out realistic scenarios as well as theory! Love your channel!
first, fred you da best!!!
I use the couple of clicks on the parking brake method that way I can do it in my driveway by hooking it to another vehicle. Pretty flat where I live unless I go 30 mins to the mountains.
Love the soapbox stuff. I don't think I have found a perfect solution for the hook vs loop argument yet, but I keep looking!
I appreciate your soapbox & that Bubba rope looks awesome - great company.
Another great option that meets your worst case scenario is a BleepinJeep Freedom Winch Line - it has a soft shackle built into the end of the line!
yeah, Bubba Rope has been offering a winch rope like that for a while, I have one on my TJ.
@@4xFredWilliams yes agree, but, what is it rated at..2t,,5t.. also mate uses similar but it swivels, so the line stays un twisted. ausie..look into alloy bullbars. 8mm -10mm aero alloy, stronger than steel & flexes..i know, i wrote off a guys car,,pulled out in front of me at 60ks..
Really good, thank you.
I don't leave my shackles on the recovery points, so there's not much chance of losing them. Mostly because I can't stand hearing them clank and rattle with every bump. Thanks for another good one Fred. I carry soft shackles, and a hook as well. Better to have too much junk, than not enough.
yes I agree, being overly prepared for getting stuck is the obvious goal. but it doesnt always work out that way.
I completely agree about the hook versus thimble. Are used to wheel with a bunch of guys that worked in the aftermarket, they would always drive company vehicles, and the shackles would always disappear. They always had a winch, and usually had a remote, but never could use it because no shackle.
I really like the apex hooks at harbor freight
I’m back to hooks myself after several years of thimbles. I’ve just had too many instances where I was stuck on a ledge and everyone is going though several different rings trying to get my Jeep hooked up to a recovery point. Hooks are simple and quick and I’ve never seen the free one that comes with a warn winch fail.
All good info Fred, I get the projectile argument, but I also get the benefit of the hook, I like your explanations. You’ll get some dumb comments I say to each their own.
Good drawing.
Much improvement.
I’m a hook guy as well, for that exact reason, the driving to end from the trail as shaken off a lot of shackles.
I run a freedom winch line on most of my jeeps.
Awesome! Now i need a winch. And a winch rope. And a Land Cruiser!
nissan gu 95, 4.2tdi, is a better vehicle,, LC,s have problems..design,,they lost the plot between the 60 & 80 series,,then built sht..
Thanks for the tips Fred. Love watching your videos.
Love Pappy and Hattiet's.
Love this show.
I have a Bronco Sport. Any winch options for me? Maybe a portable winch?
I agree with the hook, hasn’t failed me in 20 years. Synthetics are definitely the way to go
Yeah but you missed the fact the soft shackle can go through the tree saver and through eye in the winch rope, I always have two soft shackles just looped round the grab handle and a soft shackle with nylon puck to double up the rope if you need more winching power. I always have these in my vehicle along with a rope and kinetic rope in the cubby under the rear seat, along with winter gear, always be prepared never know when you will need to assist someone.
So, Fred… Are you trying to say. The thimble is great, but “The Hook Brings you Back.!!!”
Have you thought about moving to Washington? Or even Idaho? Also I absolutely love the content and wish you success
After owning a “thimble” style setup. I do miss just having a hook. I agree with the point that the thimble can complicate things.
yankun ropes have something like soft chaquel at the end of the winch cable
I've got a cheap synthetic rope from Amazon and it's held up well. I recently removed the hook and tied up my own cheap version of a freedom rope by tying a diamond knot on the end. Works great!
I safety wire my shackles so they don't fall off. Thanks for the info
Good stuff here!
He just explained why keep your shackles A.K.A. “Jeep earrings” off your bumpers and in your winch kit.
You might want to orient your dry erase markers so that the tips/caps are pointing down inside the can you use to hold them. This will make the ink flow towards the tip so they don't dry out as fast.
I have a Jeep TJ that had a small electrical fire under the dash which melted a lot of wires. I was wondering where to get a wire harness. I am going to put an engine harness from Holly(LS swap) so I only basically need it for the lights and stuff not so much the dash gauges.
Why did it look like Snoopy was towing car up hill in drawing. 😂
Could you use a knot if you only had a thimble? Like a bowline or rolling hitch?
Hay Fred, what is your thoughts on the newish Freedom winch line? Sold by Bleepin Jeep here on the YT, which has a soft shackle incorporated in the end of the synthetic winch line.
Have you seen freedom winchline from bleepin jeep?
I keep the hook as well my shackles stay on my bumper
Oooooof, Fred. Very controversial. I like it.
Good explanation of everything 🤙🏼 Having a spare soft shackles in a couple places inside your rig when wheeling might help too. One in the driver’s door might help in an emergency situation 🤓
Nice to know that about winches.
I keep gloves for my steel cable wench line in my truck
Have you checked out the freedom rope from Bleepen Jeep. Not the other company using the same name.
I'm still a cable hold out. I guess I'm cheap, too. I've had the same winch cable on my winch since the 90s with no issues. It'll probably look the same in another 20 years. Still, I've been considering going syntheric. If a synthetic line can degrade in only 150* should I be worried in the summer when it gets over 110*?
The 150F figure that is floating around isn't correct information. Sorry for the enginerding, but UHMWPE by nature is a non-liner polymer. It has a modulus ( strength ) that changes with temperature and time. Under load at a high enough temperature ( above 150F in this case ) the material can no longer hold the maximum rated load over a specific time without significant creep or stretch. The material does NOT melt at 150F. A few more notes. The entire rope....all the fibers, not just the outer fibers that in contact with something hot or baking in the sun, have to be above 150F to see a change in strength. Industrial processes actually use heat to help 'set' the fibers under tension to make the line ultimately stronger. I hope that helps.
Great explanation Fred I found it very informative. Looking forward to when the Land Cruiser is out wheeling. 👍🏽😎
I live in florida, what is this snow thing you talk about?
I am the least qualified to comment as I have a synthetic winch line and no offroad rig. But having heard your argument i plan on making a short lanyard with appropriate hook that can be easily attached to the eyelet when needed. That way the eyelet will work when it can and the hook could be used when needed on my rig or another rig.
It says, "Forged in the USA. Which I like..."
Disclaimer time. I am a sports car/road racer that has recently discovered this channel and others, and is off-road/overlander-curious. I do not profess to be an expert, but I will share some potentially relatable expertise from my time years ago in the safety industry and fall protection. Hooks and connecting devices in fall protection need to be compatible to avoid something called roll out. You can see this sometimes in something as simple as a dog leash that when bound up with only a single locking device, can essentially pop off. In recovery, in particular, a straight pull, I suspect you are fine, but hooking back on the recovery rope, I could see a danger in that. Now, would I do it in a pinch? Yep. I mentioned I used to race and during that time I have done a lot of stupid or questionable things. I have seen and been involved in responding to a few things and sometimes you have to do what you have to do. Just some food for thought.
Does it matter if you pull from the under side of the spool or the top !
Keep up the good work Fred, we love your videos 👍🏻
It reduces it pretty much 10% per wrap after the first round
Cmon man IN AN EMERGENCY tie a freaking knot
I like hooks I like thimbles but I love the freedom winch line with the soft shackle built into your winch line . Hint you can do this to your own line
Very important to make sure there are no burrs on the drum when going from steel to synthetic. I like to wrap the drum in gorilla tape to make sure there are no sharp edges that can damage the synthetic line. Also, the less gimmicky and better way to attach the rope to the drum is there is a special knot you can tie. Look up the Safe-extract method. You still want to have the 10 wraps in normal use, but with the knot you know the rope won't come off the drum.
Dave’s not here, man! 😂
Great tips and thanks for the ‘how to’ for spooling a new rope. That hook is great. I’d keep it in my glovebox and only get it in a needed scenario. Great video as always. Thank you 😊 Also, love the 80 series. My favorite. Quick question, does that Land Cruiser have the factory lockers?
no locker. yet
Good argument on the hook but I it is not for me. I have 4 d-rings on the bumpers and carry another along with 4 soft shackles. I just like the idea of keeping as much metal out of the equation as possible.
Sounds like your friend Dave is a jerk for not inviting you over for chili and stealing your soft shackle? 😂😂😂😂
What does Dirthead Dave have to say about that?
Sometimes those shackles are frozen solid to the bumper
Fred's burning the midnight oil tonight. Posted 2am Oklahoma time.
Should the heat guard be around the first five winds since the motor (heat) is at that end?
All the above shackles, CAN be replaced with a simple wooden dowel rod. 😉😎👍
Someone needs to have a visit from bleeping jeep.
Make the winch rope a soft shackle.
Good idea bout the hook I like them. Who cares what they think. I’ll go home. They can sit there. But can’t do that. When ur wheeling. They r broke or stuck. Leave no one behind. So. Keep em going. ?
My whole club are not thimble fans either.. just beech bling.
I've never seen a hook fail if used properly and the thimble is more messing around. Hooks for me
why not just tie a shoemakers knot on the drum itself to start the spooling in the synthetic line?
Right on !
Dave you always make good content but you kind of rambled this time around In my opinion. Anyway keep posting good sound content and stay well,
MORE CRUISERRRRRRR
10 wraps lol
👍👍
Hi Fred.
Someone killed by a winching hook in the US!
Someone died walking out their front door too
It wasn’t the hook that failed that caused his death. Not attaching to a proper attachment point and many other things they did to cause it. Not the hook’s fault.
@@dgaebe I blame the hook!
Use me as a thimble dislike button. Long live the hooks!