I have a 2006 Dodge 2500 Mega Cab. I'm looking at getting a good winch to mount on Ranch Hand. Truck is gonna have 35" mudders and the winch application will mainly be for getting "un-stuck" while muddin. What poundage would I need and what are some good brands?

 

your best bet without a dought would be a hydrolic drive from the PTO off the tranny, I once had a milemarker 12k hydrolic PTO and it was great

I once had a 12k warn electric and it was a POS, I also had a 8k warn and it was better than the 12k

 

Also hydraulic!
Current consumption of an electric winch is way to high according to the truck weight.
Another thing is extrem less heat development and long term ability to use it. An electric winch has to have a cool off period.

Minimum pull capacity for your winch is truck weight x 1.5! Have in mind that you have to add load and fuel to the weight.

The following pull strength is needed:

- Mud up to the axle: Vehicle weight
- Tire completely burried in mud: vehicle weight x 2 (!)
- Mud up to the truck bed: vehicle weight x 3(!)

Inclination does also play a role:

(vehicle weight : 60) x angle of inclination in degree

example: a inclination of 40° adds another 66% to the total weight.

I hope these formulas give you an idea what to choose.

 

As far as electric to hydro debate, I have only ran electric so I won't get into it. Just remember that a hydro winch will only work if the engine is running, same with PTO. This could be an issue if you hydro-lock.

Now, the bare minimum capacity of your winch should be 1.5x the weight you are pulling. My Land Cruiser (for example) weighs just shy of 6k lbs loaded for wheeling. That means in need at least a 9k lb winch.

 

OK I like the MILEMARKER hydrolic, But I've been told by people that had them, that their power steering pump has broken

 

With block n tackle you can also double and even triple the pulling ratio of these winches.

I don't know about Texas mud, but I know this old river bottom goo we have around me, if you get stuck and dug in with one a these trucks, you better have the 20 ton winch ready to roll and hope you don't rip the truck apart gettin it out.

 

Oh, that reminds me. We usually don't run hydro winches because we usually are running full hydro or hydro assist steering. I know that doesn't help you in your case, I just wanted to give you a glimps of where my experience is coming from.

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What is the formula for both axles sandwiched between rocks?

I'm just playin', those are good formulas to have. Personally, we very rarely use a winch. Most of the time a good kinetic strap is faster, easier and safer... Unless it's a roll over. But you gotta remember, I don't wheel in mud unless it's in between the rocks I'm climbing!

 

Lol, I have taken these numbers out of a TM.
I guess I never have seen so many formulas. I'm pretty sure they have one for rocks!

If both of your axles are sandwiched between rocks it's time for wiskey on the rocks- seriously.

Power steering pumps that brake apart? These pumps deliver more than 1200psi - constantly!

 

Man, I've been sandwiched between 2 rocks like that more times than I care to remember...

As for the steering pumps, I can't say about the one in my Dodge. However, I have seen pumps explode in wheeling rigs running hydro steering so I would imagine it would be possible running a hydro winch. Again, not sure because I've never even wheeled with a rig running one.

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another great hydrolic winch is made by Braden......most of the wrecker service uses them