Questions? Email Us or call (888)-657-9997
(Hours: M-F 8am - 6pm Central)

  • Friend Us on Facebook
  • Follow Us on Twitter
  • Watch Us on YouTube
Free Shipping Limited Lifetime Warranty

ProMark Offroad Blog

Superwinch ATV and Recovery Winches Now at ProMark

Superwinch ATV winch

Superwinch Terra Series ATV winch

Superwinch ATV and recovery winches are now available at ProMark Offroad! Superwinch is a well-respected brand in the offroad industry. Besides offroad recovery, their winches are used in a wide variety of applications, from commercial and industrial use to trucking and large machinery operation.

ATV Winches

Superwinch ATV winches available at ProMarkOffroad.com include the LT Series and the Terra Series. Synthetic winch rope packages are available on the Terra Series for offroaders concerned with safety and ease of use.

Truck, 4×4 and Jeep Recovery Winches

Superwinch

Superwinch Talon Series Recovery Winch

Superwinch recovery winches available at ProMark include the LP Series and the high-powered Talon Series. The LP Series winches are designed for entry-level buyers and come with a powerful series wound motor and weather-sealed solenoid. The Talon Series is fully sealed for waterproof performance and resists overheating with a heat sink-styled motor cap.

Free shipping on all orders to the lower 48 U.S.!

Mile Marker Winches Now Available at ProMarkOffroad.com

Mile Marker ATV winch

Mile Marker ATV winch

ProMark Offroad is now carrying Mile Marker ATV and recovery winches. Mile Marker is well respected in the offroad and automotive industries. They are also an approved supplier for the US military, and their hydraulic winches are one of the best known in the market.

ATV Winches

Mile Marker ATV winches are available with steel or synthetic cable. The synthetic rope makes winching safer, as well as easier on your hands. 2500 lb and 3500 lb winch models are available from ProMark, each with a redesigned braking system and top-of-the-line winching speeds.

Recovery Winches

Mile Marker recovery winch

Mile Marker recovery winch

Mile Marker recovery winches are available from ProMark in 8000, 9500, and 12,000 pound models. The series wound motor offers rugged power and works longer without burning out. A remote control switch is included with these recovery winch packages for more convenient winching.

Winch Theft Prevention

After you’ve spent all the time and money to install a winch on your ATV, Jeep or truck, it’s maddening to think somebody could swipe it within a few minutes. Winches and other accessories can become targets for thieves. But with a few precautions, you can prevent your winch from getting stolen…or at least make it a lot tougher to steal! Here’s how:

Winch behind bumper

Prevent winch theft with these ideas.

  • Weld a small piece of scrap metal, a cap, or something similar over one or more of the bolts. Don’t tack weld the bolts themselves. The high heat can compromise the strength of the bolt.
  • a
  • Use Loctite(R) Threadlocker Red or a similar product to prevent tampering with the bolts. Loctite Red can only be removed by heating the parts up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • a
  • Buy a security bolt lock. Some manufacturers, such as Tuffy, sell bolt locks that can only be removed with a special key, making it nearly impossible to steal your winch.
  • a
  • Use a receiver hitch mount and quick connect wiring that allows you to take the winch off when it’s not needed. Another benefit of receiver mounted winches is that you can move the winch from front to rear, and you can use the winch on more than one vehicle.
  • a
  • Use a hidden mount for your winch. Not only is it harder to see, but it’s harder to get at. The downside is that it’s also harder for you to get at your winch when you need to.
  • a
  • Drill a small hole through the back of the winch mount and the frame. Then insert a receiver hitch lock through the holes to secure the mounting plate and bumper and prevent access to the winch bolts.
a

Winch Repair and Troubleshooting

We know how frustrating it can be when your winch won’t work right. But before you take a hammer to it, try working through the troubleshooting steps below to test the winch motor, contactor, and rocker thumb switch. Repairing your electric winch may be as simple as ensuring a proper battery connection or replacing a blown fuse. And if it’s more complicated than that, we’re always here to help.

Note: The troubleshooting flowchart and instructions below apply specifically to ProMark ATV winches with color-coded wiring but may also apply to similar style winches.

Winch Troubleshooting Flowchart

Winch Troubleshooting Flowchart

  1. Testing the Winch Motor

  2. The first step in troubleshooting is to test out the winch motor by connecting a 12 volt battery directly to the power terminals on the winch. Test the motor in both directions. To do this, connect the red wire to the positive (red) battery terminal and the black wire to the negative (black) battery terminal; then test the motor in the other direction by connecting the black wire to the positive battery terminal and the red wire to the negative battery terminal.

    Results

    • If your winch motor works in both directions, the next step is to test the contactor.
    • If your winch motor does not work in both directions, ensure that the problem is not caused by faulty wiring or power source. Check for incorrect or improper wiring, damaged wires, weak battery, and poor battery connection. After ruling out all other causes, repair or replace the motor.
    ATV winch wiring

    ATV winch wiring

  3. Testing the Winch Contactor

  4. The next step is to isolate the contactor by disconnecting the rocker switch to eliminate it as part of the problem.

    With the contactor and winch wired according to the instruction manual, disconnect the black (or red) and green wires leading to the rocker switch. Then take the green wire that is connected to the contactor and touch it to the positive battery (red) post on the contactor (Note: you may need to use an extra piece of wire to make the connection). This should force the winch motor to operate. Repeat with the black rocker switch lead to the positive battery (red) post.

    Results

    • If the winch doesn’t work at all or only works in one direction, the contactor is faulty and needs to be replaced.
    • If the winch motor works in both directions, the contactor is functioning properly. Move to the next step to check the rocker switch wiring.
  5. Testing the Thumb Rocker Switch

  6. There are two possibilities for the rocker switch not working. One is faulty wiring, and the other is a blown fuse. Electric ATV winches draw a lot of power and are capable of blowing fuses. If this is the problem, you may want to consider stepping the fuse up another 5 amps or finding a new power source.

    To check for faulty wiring, connect the switch’s red wire directly to the positive battery terminal of the contactor to make sure that you are getting power to the switch. The red wire coming out of the switch needs a power source to work—either a keyed power source or a ‘hot’ one such as the positive battery terminal. If you spliced the wire into a keyed power source, double check that you spliced into the correct wire by using a voltmeter or test light.

    After you have checked the red wire for a good power source to the switch, you need to check the green and black switch wires for power coming out. Using a voltmeter or test light, touch one end to the green wire connection terminal and the other end of your test light to ground; then push the rocker switch in both directions. Repeat for the rocker switch’s black wire.

    Results

    • If you got a reading off of both wires, reconnect the switch to the contactor and try the motor again. It should work. If not, contact the winch company’s technical service department for further assistance, or consult a qualified repair technician.
    • If you did not get a reading at all or only on one of the wires, the switch is faulty. Replace the rocker switch. If the winch still does not work properly, request technical assistance.

Why Does My Plow Slip Down? Winch Back-Driving and Cable Nesting

Lately we’ve been hearing from customers who are having problems with their ATV plow slipping down as the winch line creeps out. This problem can be caused by one of two things: 1) winch back-driving, or 2) cable nesting.

Troubleshooting Winch Creep on ATV Plows

Troubleshooting Winch Creep on ATV Plows

Winch Back-Driving

a

If your ATV winch is controlled by a mechanical brake (and not a dynamic brake), there is a chance you may be experiencing back-driving when the plow is in the up position. Winches with mechanical brakes are designed to slip under excessive load to protect the winch gears. Under the weight of a heavy plow blade, the cable may slowly creep out and allow the blade to slip down a few inches.

If this happens, simply spool in the winch line to take up the slack. Using a snatch block can also reduce the load on the winch and prevent the plow from slipping.

Cable Nesting

Cable nesting is when the winch cable becomes tangled up on the drum like a bird’s nest. As you plow, the cable can slowly tighten around the drum as it works its way into the inner layers of cable.

If this happens, spool out the cable until all the messed up layers are unwound. Then spool the cable back onto the drum in tight, even rows.

How Do I Know if My Winch is Back-Driving or Nesting?

Since both back-driving and nesting cause the plow to slip, the two can easily be confused. The best way to find the cause of the problem is to observe the winch drum as the plow slips. If the drum turns, the problem is back-driving. If the drum does not turn as the winch line creeps, then the problem is cable nesting, where the winch line needs to be properly re-spooled around the drum.

Plow Winch Troubleshooting

Symptom Possible Causes Solution
Winch line creeps out,
causing the plow to slip down
1. Winch back-driving
2. Cable nesting
1. If drum turns, winch in slack, reduce load, or double line.
2. If drum does NOT turn, re-spool cable in tight, even rows.

Related Posts:

Dynamic vs Mechanical Winch Brakes

The Outback Series winches have both dynamic and mechanical brakes.

The Outback Series winches have both dynamic and mechanical brakes.

A dynamic winch brake uses the resistance from the winch motor to prevent the drum from turning. It’s a natural braking mechanism built into the winch.

a

Unless you plan to use your winch as a hoist, a dynamic brake should be all you need. Winches with dynamic brakes should never be used for a hoist system.

The excessive force on the winch cable caused by hoisted weight will cause the line to “bleed” out, making the load unsafe and endangering the user. If you plan to use your winch as a hoist, make sure the winch you purchase is specifically designed for this purpose.

A mechanical winch brake is a physical brake, like on a car, that stops the drum from turning when there is a load on the cable. Mechanical brakes are optional on most ATV winches, although some winches come with both dynamic and mechanical brakes.

Which Is Better: Dynamic or Mechanical?

The dynamic braking system is sufficient for most ATV winch owners; however, a mechanical brake can be installed in addition to the dynamic brake in order to offer better control and prevent roll back. The XT 1500 winch and the Outback Series winches are designed with a mechanical winch braking system.

The downside of a mechanical brake is the added weight (winches are heavy enough as it is) and the increased size of the winch body. The weight and size issue can be a big deal for ATVs and UTVs with tight mounting spaces.

If you plan to use your winch as a hoist, however, you will need a winch with a mechanical brake to securely hold a vertical load.

Winch Installation Tips

Polaris Sportsman ATV Winch

Polaris Sportsman ATV Winch


Choose a Solid Structural Mounting Point

Always choose a mounting location that is strong enough to withstand the load you will be pulling with the electric winch. Installing the winch on an insufficient structural support may cause major damage to the vehicle and winch.

a
Install the Winch Correctly for Your Vehicle Model

Install the winch with the proper orientation as stated by the manufacturer for your vehicle model. Installing a winch or part of the winch backwards, upside down, or in any other incorrect way will cause the winch to operate incorrectly or not operate at all. Mount the winch before connecting the wiring.

a
Install the Winch Cable in the Underwound Position

The winch cable must spool onto the drum in the underwound position. The winch is designed to spool in and out in one direction only. Reversing the direction of the cable as it spools onto the drum may damage the winch. If your winch is equipped with an automatic brake, the underwound position is required for the brake to work correctly.

a
Keep Tension on the Cable to Install

Spool the winch cable onto the drum with adequate tension on the cable. A tightly wound cable is less likely to work its way down into the inner layers of rope. Without any tension, the cable will spool loosely and can easily tangle or be damaged.

a

Note: For more detailed instructions, see the model-specific winch installation instructions from ProMark Offroad (formerly Gorilla Winches) or contact your winch manufacturer.

YouTube Testimonial for ProMark Offroad (formerly Gorilla Winches)

One of our customers uploaded a YouTube video about his experience with ProMark Offroad (formerly Gorilla Winches) after ordering one of our ATV winches. Here’s what he had to say:

“About a year ago I ordered a Winch from Ebay called the Gorilla [now ProMark Offroad]. It worked excellent for a year but then I had some problems with it. I sent a youtube video into Gorilla [now ProMark Offroad] explaining my problem. They responded fast, sent me parts and instructions, and now I have an excellent working Winch!”

Watch the video now!

ATV Rider Chooses Gorilla [now ProMark] XT 2500 Winch for Swamp Build

Waterproof winch for swamp bogging

Waterproof winch for swamp bogging

New article just out on the XT 2500 ATV winch from Gorilla Winches (now PROMARK OFFROAD)! ATV Rider put together a swamp build with a 2009 Kawasaki Brute Force 650i and documented the build in an article by Rick Sosebee. The build included a lift, mud tires, snorkel kit, new exhaust system, and a waterproof ATV winch from Gorilla Winches (now PROMARK OFFROAD).

a

After describing the process of building this swamp machine, Rick reveals the finishing touch:

“The final must-have item for our Brute Force 650i was a strong winch to get us out of some sticky predicaments. Gorilla Winch [now ProMark Offroad] supplied us with one of its XT 2500 units that we secured on a winch mounting plate supplied to us by Kawasaki. This setup gave us the confidence we needed to attempt the murkiest pits knowing that we could get ourselves out.”

This Kawasaki “bad creek bottom bogger” needed a waterproof winch. The XT 2500 winch was the answer. As for the hard-core riding that the guys do over at ATV Rider, Rick says, “If you are anything like us, you’ll need a Gorilla [now ProMark Offroad] winch to get you out at some point.”

Read the full article with photos online at ATV Rider Online.

ATV Winch Warranty Comparison

What’s in a warranty for ATV winches? Part of what makes the warranty agreement so important is that it gives you an idea of just how much the company stands behind its product. In most cases, the better the warranty is, the better the quality of the product will be.

Another factor to consider is just how much of a hassle it is to claim your warranty. If the manufacturer determines that your winch was abused in any way, your warranty can be voided on the spot. If the company has a “no questions asked” policy, on the other hand, you can easily send your winch in for replacement or repair without being grilled about how you’ve used or abused it.

We dug in and did a little research on winch warranties for the major manufacturers in the industry. Here’s what we found.

a

Comparison of ATV Winch Warranties

ATV Winch Brands Mechanical Components Electrical Components No Questions Asked Policy?
Gorilla Winches (now ProMark Offroad) Limited Lifetime Warranty 1 ½ Year Limited Warranty Yes
Warn Limited Lifetime Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty No
Superwinch
(excluding LT2000, UT3000)
Limited Lifetime Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty No
Ramsey Limited Lifetime Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty No
Mile Marker 2 Year Limited Warranty 1 Year Limited Warranty No
Venom 12 Month Limited Warranty 6 Month Limited Warranty No
Viper Classic 6 Month Limited Warranty 60 Day Warranty No
Viper Max 12 Month Limited Warranty 60 Day Warranty No
Viper Elite 18 Month Limited Warranty 60 Day Warranty No
Xtreme 6 Month Limited Warranty 3 Month Limited Warranty No
a

Note: All warranty information is based on the warranty stated on the manufacturer’s website at time of posting.