Steel Cable vs. Synthetic Winch Rope: Which is Stronger when Towing with Your Car?
It’s safe to assume that the only thing all jeepers agree on is a love of all things Jeep. Beyond that, consensus is few and far between. When it comes to accessories like winches, debate runs rampant, particularly rope type.
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With so many great products like warn winches for sale, find out the advantages of each rope type and make the verdict yourself.
Which is Stronger when Towing with Your Car?
Steel Cables
Known for its tensile strength and durability, steel has been the traditional rope material for decades. Because of its resilience, steel is the preferred material for rugged, rocky terrain. It is tear-resistant and less prone to fraying. As a result, it can be used time and time again without replacement.
However, since steel is made from iron, it is prone to rust and corrosion. It’s two greatest weaknesses are moisture and time. Steel is also quite heavy, and longer ropes can quickly tack on weight to your front end. Unless you have a reinforced Dana 44 axle or similar, consider a lighter material.
Synthetic Rope
Engineered from polyethylene, synthetic winch ropes are becoming the industry standard. Flexible and lightweight, these cables are resistant to kinking and knotting. They are also much safer to handle without gloves. Since it weighs much less than steel, synthetic fibers put less stress on your wheels and tires.
Unlike steel cables, however, synthetic rope is prone to stress and fraying. Rougher terrains can wear away at the plastic, eventually leading to failure. Nevertheless, it is easier and less expensive to replace that traditional steel cable.
How Much Strength Do You Need?
Unless you take your Jeep hardtop into the most extreme conditions, then you probably don’t need a steel winch cable. Because synthetic cables are lighter and safer, they are required at most off-road events.
While they sacrifice some tensile strength, the durable polymer rope is sufficient to handle most everyday tow loads. Find the winch cables you need to tow out of sticky situations.