Fitting winch to front on Fiat Ducato?

[Kelso]

Have been stuck a few times on soft ground.
Thinking about fitting a winch to the front of my Fiat Ducato.
Has anyone tried this?
Is it possible?
Is it worth it?

 

[Bobby-gg]

I don't remember saying lifting it.
I do know what's on a recovery truck, I used to be a recovery driver.
A vehicle stuck in mud will require a lot more torque to start moving than one on dry grass.
My little Suzuki jeep weighed less than a ton.
The 1.5t winch was defeated more than once.

View attachment 515414

pappajohn - where did you run that?

I used to compete in the North East with Raiders Off Road, and I'm sure we had a kermit green SJ there too.

Here's mine

 

[glenn2926]

Your pulling it….not lifting its entire 3500kg.

Have a look at what’s on a modern recovery truck…..granted a vehicle stuck in the mud will not roll freely.

Well said. Pulling, particularly once it’s moving is very, very different to lifting. The tirfors we used were TU16s this means they will lift 1.6 tonnes. We pulled 15 tonne trucks with them.

 

[Grummyb]

Would you need to notify your insurance company? I thought that was why bull bars went out of fashion

I thought bull bars went out fashion when the bar owners realised bulls were untroubled when they were pissed

 

[125BEER]

If you were in the middle of a field and all others departed what would you attach to.....

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[XxAnthxX]

I don't remember saying lifting it.
I do know what's on a recovery truck, I used to be a recovery driver.
A vehicle stuck in mud will require a lot more torque to start moving than one on dry grass.
My little Suzuki jeep weighed less than a ton.
The 1.5t winch was defeated more than once.

View attachment 515414

You forgot one word from what I said……modern. Where you used (historically) to be a recovery driver, I’m talking present equipment.

As for your SJ reference…..If a motorhome is in anything more than a wet muddy field (nothing like as extreme as your 4X4 trail) then you should seriously consider where your camping.

 

[JockandRita]

Well said. Pulling, particularly once it’s moving is very, very different to lifting. The tirfors we used were TU16s this means they will lift 1.6 tonnes. We pulled 15 tonne trucks with them.

Whilst I'm with Glenn on the capacity and capabilities of a TU16 Tirfor for the OP it simply has to be quality "All Season" or "Winter Tyres", but either with the 3PSF markings on them.
Quality winter tyres on an old FWD Hymer, got me out of sticky situations, regardless of the time of year.

The current MH is fitted with quality "All Season" tyres with the 3PSF markings.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[rb62]

Much cheaper option is to get yourself some bread crates

 

[JockandRita]

Much cheaper option is to get yourself some bread crates

View attachment 515468

And a wheelie bin liner to pop them in, when covered in mud. I have given mine away to another worthy FWD MH owner.

Cheers,

Jock.

 

[rb62]

And a wheelie bin liner to pop them in, when covered in mud. I have given mine away to another worthy FWD MH owner.

Cheers,

Jock.

Now why didn't I think of that now rectified

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[John Barrett]

My old Landy County had an engine driven winch on the front. Enough horsepower available to pull it up the slip face of a sand dune!

 

[Bobby-gg]

My old Landy County had an engine driven winch on the front. Enough horsepower available to pull it up the slip face of a sand dune!

View attachment 515505

Ah yes, the good old pto powered winch, those and the original capstan winches were great - until they failed and you couldn't find the bit's easily to rebuild them!

 

[Bobby-gg]

For the op, how about a centre mounted winch like the ibex's used to have.

The winch runs out to the back of the vehicle, through a snatch block arrangement and back out to the front via a tube.

The same winch can then be used to pull yourself out backwards or forwards

 

[tacr2man]

Get a tirfor winch , and then deliberately get your vehicle stuck , after you have used the Tirfor to get it out you will never ever go anywhere to get your vehicle stuck again !



A set of tyre chains would be the most cost effective method of self recovery , with winter use a bonus

 

[68c]

I remember my Dad telling about his time in Italy as a D Day Dodger. Winching trucks up hillsides with the occasional failure, those who chose to jump out early were the brave and lucky ones