I'm not a total winch virgin but that's not to say I know how to properly winch nor do I understand the finer points of the various winch types (planetary vs worm drive, cable vs synthetic, etc) though I'm trying to learn. That said, I have this winch: It's a Dayton model 6z002, it looks just like the one in the picture I found on CL except it's new, never been used.

Dayton 6z002 winch
http://i451.photobucket.com/albums/qq238/Fzztfzzt/dayton_6z002_winch.jpg

Right now I just don't have the budget for a winch bumper & proper winch. I would think this would at least be better than my 2 ton come-along or getting a hi-lift to use as a hand winch?

Mainly I was thinking this would be useful to setup in the trailer hitch, so say if I drove into something it would provide enough pull to get the wheels a bite but with my Xterra having a rear locker I'm not sure if I'd really need the winch. I mean if I stick the rig so bad that L1 and fully locked won't move it chances are nothing but a grunchy winch & some digging will either?

The most likely scenario is that I'm out with a friend and we simply connect my heavy duty recovery strap between our trailer hitches w/ shackle insert and tug our way out.

I've got the winch, what are some situations where it might be better than nothing?

Well a 3500 lb winch isn't going to pull the what...5400 lbs. of your truck very well.

Also the 3500lbs is with the cable all the way out - each layer is going to take some force away from you.

I think that would be more suitable for an ATV or pulling small equipment onto trailers, etc.

LOL

[slaps knee]Locker = never get stuck...that's a good one.[/slaps knee]

OK - NOTHING wrong with too weak a winch to do EVERYTHING...if you already HAVE it, etc.

This all assumes you don't have the $ to buy stuff (Thank you purveyors of Mortgage Backed Securities...)

Worst case...you'll STILL be stuck, but, you would have anyway...no harm, no foul.

There are PLENTY of cases where the full power of a winch is not needed, just enough oomph to overcome a patch of resistance, help climb a slope, etc.

If you didn't have it already...I'd say hey, there's $299 winches out there, brand new, that will outperform that one by a mile...but what's the fun in that?

You HAVE it already...go for it.

:D

Can you do metal fab or know someone who does? If so there's someone who fab'd up something in the front.

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=7985&highlight=winch+mount+build

Here is someone starting something in the rear bumper.

http://www.thenewx.org/forum/showthread.php?t=16275&highlight=rear+winch

BTW sorry for the links to another forum!

Yup you can good and stuck, I had a fellow in a full sized ford pickup winching his truck to me I was the one stuck. So your which is a little light for an X. Remember it is not just the weight of the truck but everything in it like beer, babes etc.

Having said that you can use a number of things to help out, a good pulley block can double the the power of your which but needs to be rigged right. Pulley blocks are always handy so it is not lost funds.

Here is a real basic explanation :

http://4wheeldrive.about.com/gi/dynamic/offsite.htm?zi=1/XJ/Ya&sdn=4wheeldrive&cdn=autos&tm=18&f=00&tt=14&bt=1&bts=0&zu=http%3A//www.jonfund.com/technical/winchingtips.shtml

Check you cable too, every inch for kinks, cuts or other damage. A damaged cable should be replaced right now. Because it will fail and that is not a happy day.

Other than that read up on vehicle recovery, print out the stuff that makes the most sense and keep it in the X, military stuff is excellent but often assumes lots of bodies. You want stuff you can do with 2 to 3 people.

The rule of thumb is that the pulling power should be 1.5xGVWR but I think twice the weight of your truck in pulling power is more appropriate with electric winches.

A smittybuilt 10k winch is $400 and comes with a no questions asked warranty.

Northern tools has a superwinch 8500 for $300 and you can pick up locally.

I believe a pulley should be used whenever the situation allows, even if its extra work on you, itll be less stress on the components.

Also remember the electric winch is going to pull a lot of current, so upgrading alternator and dual batteries wouldnt hurt.

Evidently, this is the optimal set up, if you dont mind trial and error, learn from your mistakes and you can set your self up accordingly.

A high lift jack and a good base to put it on are essential for vehicle recovery.

Cheers :)