Winches and Recovery

What to Look Out for When Buying Ford Bronco Sport Recovery Gear?

Load Capacity and Weight

Buying heavy-duty, durable, and reliable Ford Bronco Sport recovery gear means that you first need to take care of the essential factor and that is the weight of your vehicle and the load capacity of your recovery gear.

It's recommended to select gear that can handle twice the weight of the heaviest vehicle in your group if you prefer going in a group or twice the weight of the Bronco Sport (3,400 to 3,700 pounds).

Load capacity is typically stated as a working load limit (WLL) on various pieces of recovery gear, so be sure to double-check it.

Heavy-duty recovery straps can withstand up to 35,000 to 45,000 pounds, whereas most heavy-duty shackles and D-rings can handle up to 20,000 pounds. 

Last, but certainly not least, your entire setup is as strong as the weakest link within it, so don’t skimp on some parts while overspending on others as that is not guaranteed to help you in either way.

Build Materials and Durability

The world of recovery gear is filled with high-strength materials for a reason as these pieces of hardware can often be the difference between staying in a ditch and continuing on with your journey.

As such, make sure to only go for Ford Bronco Sport recovery gear built with strong materials such as chromoly steel, iron, or forged materials.

Nylon, polyester, Dyneema, and other tensile high-strength fabrics should be your choice for straps and other softer recovery gear items.

Reinforced construction, extra material layering, and industry certifications should also be considered when shopping for Ford Bronco Sport recovery gear.

Safety

The last thing you need to pay extra attention to is safety as pulling thousands upon thousands of pounds is certainly something you can’t do without adhering to all the safety recommendations out there.

To make your life easier, you should consider features such as synthetic winch ropes, safety thimbles, and kinetically-powered recovery ropes.

Don’t forget about recovery gloves, marked with high-visibility colors, non-slip handles, and other features that offer added protection during off-road recovery.

What to Look Out for When Buying Ford Bronco Sport Winches?

Maximum Capacity

The capacity of the winch is the maximum weight that it can pull. It's important to choose a winch with a capacity that is appropriate for the weight of your vehicle and any additional weight that you may be towing or hauling. Also, it is always a good idea to pay a bit more for a higher-capacity winch just to be 100% sure that your Bronco can always recover.

Length and Material of the Cable

The length of the winch cable is another important consideration. A longer cable allows you to winch from a greater distance, but it can also be more prone to tangling or damage. A steel cable is strong and long-lasting but can break under heavy loads while requiring constant maintenance to stop corrosion and rust.

Dyneema, Spectra, or Kevlar synthetic cables are lighter than steel cables and more flexible, which makes them easier to work with and less likely to kink. A synthetic cable is also safer to use than steel cable, as it won't recoil or snap under tension like steel cable can. However, they are more expensive.

Mounting Location and Installation

Most winches are designed to be mounted directly onto the vehicle's frame or bumper, while others can be mounted on factory-installed two hooks or mounting plates. Be sure to always go for a professional installation as it can often require drilling and various other modifications in order to make it as safe as possible. 

Durability 

Look for a winch that is built with high-quality materials and designed to withstand the rigors of off-road use. A winch with a sealed motor and heavy-duty housing will be more resistant to water, dirt, and other contaminants.