Least Resistance Training Concepts
(LRTC)

Volunteers Training for Emergencies

  LRTC Technical Large Animal Rescue Team
Emergency Winch Procedures, Part 3
OTHER PORTABLE WINCH ACCESSORIES

Updated July 30, 2022

Continued from Part Two.

This information sheet is primarily intended for persons associated with or working with the LRTC Emergency Response Team, however the information may be useful to other groups or private individuals who may wish to acquire similar equipment and may be involved in emergency winching operations.

Everyone working with or near a strain loaded winch and the equipment described below should always exercise common sense, caution and safe practices. The descriptions provided below are for basic orientation and familiarization and are not a substitute for personal responsibility when working with and around loaded power equipment.

  Additional Portable Winch Accessories

The following additional equipment is carried on Dodge 4510.

  • 25-ft. 2 Ga. power cable with quick connectors and cable clamps

    (Stored under the rear seat.)

  • Pigtail adapter for Anderson and generic 175 Amp. connectors

Adapter pigtail and 25-ft. power cable.

  Important Operating Procedures

IMPORTANT!!!

This equipment is useful and very safe when used properly. However when using these cables for jumper service please always remember that once the cable is plugged into the receptacle, it is then securely connected to the battery. To prevent a fire or explosion hazard the following protocols must be followed.

  • Whenever possible, connect the cable clamps properly to the load (e.g., vehicle to be jumped) prior to plugging the cable into the receptacle.

  • If it is necessary to first plug the cable into the receptacle, it is critical to make sure that the cable clamps are absolutely prevented from touching each other.

  • To prevent an accidental hydrogen gas explosion when using the cable for jump starting, it is best to connect the positive cable clamp to the positive terminal of the battery first, then the negative cable clamp to a sufficiently heavy bolt or structure. When finished jump starting, first disconnect the plug from the Dodge's (or other powering vehicle's) receptacle, then disconnect the cable clamps.

25-ft. jumper / auxiliary power cable.

  Powering a Remotely Mounted Winch

The Winch can be mounted onto any Class-III receiver. In order to get power to the winch for vehicles not equipped with quick disconnect receptacles, the 25-ft. cable can be clamped to the vehicle's battery and winch plugged into the cable's connector.
  • Securely park the vehicle, engage 4-wheel drive, place transmission in park, set the parking brake, chock the tires and raise the hood so nobody inadvertently moves the vehicle.

  • Mount the winch and secure the receiver locking pin.

  • Connect the winch control cable.

  • Run the 25 ft. cable from the vehicle's battery to the rear and plug into the winch power cable, making sure to observe proper polarity at the vehicle's battery.

Powering a remotely mounted winch.
NOTE: Winches can consume a great deal of power, particularly when operating under peak loads. When using extension power cables, monitor the cables for possible overheating. Always winch with the engine running (to help reduce battery drain.) Don't winch for long periods without intervals to allow the winch motor to cool and battery to recharge. Watch the battery voltage meter in the vehicle doing the winching to prevent drawing the battery voltage down so low that it stalls the engine.

Additional winch information and procedures can be found in Part One.

Information on proper anchor points can be found in Rope Systems, Part Three.

Return to Part Two


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The training information presented in these information sheets and guides is offered for illustrative and volunteer refresher purposes only. It is not a substitute for actual hands-on training.

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