Ok, the first rule of thumb when selecting a winch is not whether we choose electric or hydraulic, or one company or another, but we is the rated line pull. (Just in case you need to better understand the terms I refer too here is a link that will help;
http://www.offroaders.com/tech/winches/ ... nology.htm )
Now to determine the appropriate rated line pull for your Hummer you need to do the following:
1. Determine the G.V.W.R.- Gross Vehicle Weight Ratio, notice this is not the curb weight as that will vary for every one depending on equipment, the GVWR is the max rating of the chassis without trailer but with a full load of fuel, passengers, and stuff. On most vehicles the curb weight and the GVWR can be different from 1500lbs to 6000lbs!
For those who don't want to spend time looking for data, here you go:
GVWR for H3: 6000lbs.
GVWR for H2: 8600lbs.
GVWR for H1: 10,300lbs or 10,800lbs or 12,100lbs (but most civilian H1s are either 10,300 or 10,800 the 12,100 where mostly fleet)
2. Now with the above info mulitiply the GVWR by 1.5 and you get the
minimum recommended winch for your Hummer.
So let's do the math:
H3 = 6000 x 1.5 = 9000lbs minimum rated line pull.
H2 = 8600 x 1.5 = 12900lbs minimum rated line pull (closest winch would be a 12500lbs rating)
H1 = 10300 x 1.5 = 15450lbs minimum rated line pull (closest winch would be a 15000lbs rating)
Now I know many of you are already PMing me a very nasty letter since these numbers don't match what the factory installs but that is because cost is a factor, nothing else and one other factor also comes into play...most people won't use the winch often enough nor in extreme enough conditions to really "see" the difference and in most cases they would just chalk it up to some other reason for the poor perfromance or total failure of the winch.
3. Now that you have gotten pass the shock start shopping and remember
"Bigger is Better" when it comes to choosing a winch!
4. If you already have a winch their is no need to wallow in a puddle of tears, unless of course yours really really really sucks! <img src='
http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/grin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';D' /> Remember you can always compensate for a weak winch by using a snatch block but I will get to that.
So as the first installment, hope this helps to stimulate the topic and stay tuned!
Kev
PS: BTW D...WARN SUCK!!!! <img src='
http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/grin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';D' /> <img src='
http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/grin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';D' /> <img src='
http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/grin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';D' /> <img src='
http://www.canadianhummerclub.com/forum ... >/grin.gif' class='bbc_emoticon' alt=';D' />
