Best Winch Cable And Synthetic Winch Rope

One of the vital components of the winch is the truck winch cable. It connects the winch to heavy objects, allowing you to pull, hoist and haul them. Thus, it is safe to say that without the winch cable, you may not be able to operate or use it at all. 

But there are many misconceptions and much misinformation about winch cables and ropes. For instance, many truck owners refer to winch ropes as cables without knowing that the two are different types of winch lines. This misconception, and many more like it, makes it challenging to choose the suitable rope or cable for your winch. This is where this guide comes in.

This guide clears these misconceptions and answers the frequently asked questions regarding the winch cable and ropes. We also reviewed the best winch ropes and cables available in the market.

While you’re learning about truck winching accessories, don’t forget to check our in-depth truck winch battery buyers guide.

Here’s what we cover in this comprehensive guide:

What are Winch Cables and Synthetic Winch Ropes?

The winch cable is a component of the winch that does the actual work of pulling, hoisting, and hauling heavy loads. It is a cable made with steel that connects the heavy items you want to pull with the winch. The force produced by the winch is transmitted through the cable and used to pull or hoist the heavy object. 

Winch cables and ropes perform the same functions. The main difference between the two is that winch cables are made of steel and synthetic winch ropes are made of synthetic materials.

Winch Cables Vs. Synthetic Winch Ropes

One of the things you may have to worry about as a truck owner or off-roader is determining whether to use steel winch cables or synthetic winch ropes for your winch. As with most automotive equipment and products, both options have enticing features and advantages, making it difficult to choose. However, the ideal choice depends on your needs, preferences, and budget. 

For instance, the truck winch cable is cheaper, more durable, and lasts longer than the truck winch rope. It is also suitable for pulling and hauling heavy loads because it is made of steel. However, it is heavy, difficult to repair when it breaks and can cause a fatal accident if it breaks during use. There is also a risk of the winch cable rusting after consistent exposure to water and sunlight. 

On the other hand, the truck winch rope made with synthetic materials is lightweight, less likely to cause serious injuries if it snaps during use, and cannot rust. It is also easier to fix when it snaps, allowing for a better truck and is a lot stronger than the steel cable, especially when it is new. 

Factors to Consider

Strength or Capacity

The most important feature of a truck winch cable or rope is its strength or pulling capacity. This refers to its ability to effectively transmit the force supplied by the winch and pull the heavy item you need to pull. This is why you need to consider the strength or the pulling capacity of the winch rope or cable. 

To do this, you need to check its breaking strength. The breaking strength refers to the maximum weight the rope or cable can take before snapping. Thus, if a rope or cable has a breaking strength of 20,000 lbs, the line can pull and hoist loads or items that weigh 20,000 lbs or less. Anything above 20,000 lbs will make the rope or cable snap and break. 

Winch Pulling Capacity

The second feature you should consider is the winch’s pulling capacity itself. The strength of the winch rope or cable must match that of the winch itself. For instance, if the winch’s capacity is 10,000 lbs and you buy a winch rope with a breaking strength of 20,000 lbs, the winch rope’s strength is irrelevant because you can only pull loads or items within the winch’s pulling capacity. 

However, using a winch rope with lesser capacity than the winch itself is disastrous. If the winch has a capacity of 10000 lbs, using a winch cable with a lesser capacity will result in the cable snapping during use, which can cause fatal injuries. 

Shackles and Hooks

It is important to remember that a truck winch rope or cable is as good as the components installed at its end. This is why you need to pay attention to the hooks and shackles. These components connect the winch cable or rope to the item you need to pull, enabling the winch to do its job effectively. 

As a rule, go for hooks and shackles that are strong, easy to use and made from anti-rust steel materials.

Due to the vast array of winch cable and rope options available, you may find it challenging to choose the best winch cable or ropes. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best winch cables and ropes available. The winch rope and winch cable provide different features and advantages, and for this reason, we reviewed them separately. 

Best Winch Cable

1. TGODRVC Heavy Duty Winch Cable

Verdict: 🏆 Best Winch Cable for Heavy Duty Purposes

When it comes to heavy-duty truck winch cable, the TGODRVC Heavy Duty Winch Cable is one of the best options out there. The winch cable is made from alloyed steel, measures 100 feet in length, and comes with a 13980 lbs breaking strength. 

While the high breaking strength shows that the cable is best suited for heavy-duty operations, the quality of the materials used to make it proves that it is everything you need in a truck winch cable. The steel used for manufacturing the cable uses a 7×19 strand structure which confers an impressive corrosion resistance feature. The cable is also resistant to abrasion, oxidation, and rust, all thanks to the high-quality steel used to make it.

• Pros:
  • It has a high breaking strength
  • It comes with extra components such as U-clamp side hooks, 2-pick thimble eye, and two aluminum collars
  • It works with different types of vehicles, which includes off-road vehicles, trucks, private cars, and many more
• Cons:
  • It is pricey

2. Tie Down 59390 Winch Cable

Verdict: 🏆 Best Value For Money Winch Cable

If you want a strong truck winch cable without breaking the bank, the 59390 winch cable from Tie Down might be the best option. The truck winch cable is made from alloyed steel and measures 50 feet in length. It has enough breaking strength for ATVs and other medium-sized items, allowing your winch to perform its medium and lightweight pulling conveniently. However, while the cable fits perfectly with fasteners and hooks, it does not come with extra components such as U-clamp side hooks, aluminum collars and a 2-pick thimble eye.

• Pros:
  • It is relatively cheap for a steel winch cable.
  • It works perfectly well for lightweight and medium-duty operations.
• Cons:
  • It does not come with extra accessories and components for fastening.

3. Fulton WC325 0100 Winch Cable and Hook

Verdict: 🏆 Best Winch Cable for Truck Winches

With 4200 lbs breaking strength and a galvanized steel material, the Fulton WC325 0100 Winch Cable and Hook do a great job of handling the pulling and hoisting of heavy items for your winch. In addition, the steel cable works exceptionally well with truck winches, making it one of the best options available if you want a steel winch cable made specifically for pickup and other mid-size trucks.

• Pros:
  • Its breaking strength is impressive and works well for mid-size trucks.
  • It is lightweight as it weighs less than 1 lbs.
• Cons:
  • The manufacturer is not a popular name in the industry, so there might be concerns regarding its quality.

Best Synthetic Winch Ropes

1. FIERYRED Synthetic Winch Rope

Verdict: 🏆 Overall Best Winch Rope

This truck winch rope is not only the overall best synthetic rope we reviewed but also the favorite of many off-roaders and winch users. Its popularity is due to its impressive features some of which include its impressive 26500 lbs breaking strength and 100 feet length. These features enable it to deliver excellent pulling and hauling functions. 

The FIERYRED Synthetic Winch Rope is made with ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene fiber and a polyester coating both of which are responsible for its impressive breaking strength.

• Pros:
  • Its breaking strength is impressive.
  • It fits and works with most winches.
  • Its coating protects against corrosion, moisture, and UV rays.
• Cons:
  • The coating does not last long enough.
  • The rope is not heat-resistant.

2. Offroading Gear Heavy-Duty Synthetic Winch Rope

Verdict: 🏆 Best Truck Winch Rope for UTVs and ATVs

If you travel off-road with UTVs and ATVs and need winch ropes that can effectively pull your vehicles out of a sticky or rocky terrain, the Offroading Gear Heavy-Duty Synthetic Winch Rope is your best bet. The rope measures 50 feet in length and delivers about 4400 lbs in breaking strength.

The rope also comes with a steel snap hook, rubber shackle stopper, and a carrying bag.

• Pros:
  • It is lightweight.
  • It works well with mid-size trucks and vehicles.
  • Its tough coating protects against corrosion, rust, and UV rays.
• Cons:
  • Its 50-foot length limits its ability to pull vehicles properly.

3. BUNKER INDUST Synthetic Winch Rope

Verdict: 🏆 Best for Wet Conditions and Cold Temperatures

This truck winch rope best suits you if you work in wet or cold conditions due to the presence of its double-sleeve protective jacket. The rope measures 85 feet in length, and delivers up to 26000 lbs in breaking strength, allowing you to use the rope for heavy-duty and off-roading purposes.

• Pros:
  • Its impressive breaking strength is enough to handle many lifting and hoisting.
  • It is lightweight.
  • Works perfectly for wet conditions and cold temperatures.
• Cons:
  • It is a bit pricey.

Wrap up

Understanding the difference between a winch cable and a winch rope is vital to choosing the right cable or rope for your winch. This, along with other information provided in this guide, helps you understand how the winch line works and how to get the best out of your winch rope or cable.

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