Winches (this is for you, Alec)

[TheGoodHummerMan]

Does this make sense? Probably not...

The H2's maximum trailer weight limit is up to 6,700 pounds, and its gross combination weight rating (GCWR) is listed at 14,000 pounds.

I've read that "most" winches never actually achieve full-rated pulling power so if you figure that your 8,000# winch developed 7,000# and was then doubled by using the block, the force exerted on your hitch should not have exceeded its rated (GCWR) strength? Looking at the pictures, it's obvious that this was NOT the case though, but why?

Maybe your winch DID achieve a full 8,000# effort and then doubling that the force exerted would have reached 16,000# --- a full ton over the H2 hitch's (GCWR) rated strength???

I think that I'll pass on using snatch blocks, or, is there a way to attach them so that the effort is not solely being exerted on the truck's hitch?

Then too, consider that the front hitch is about one third as strong as the rear hitch... The relatively wimpy front hitch would be easily over-stressed by using just the winch itself, without any snatch block. Is it adviseable to always use the rear winch whenever possible, reserving the front hitch for very light-weight pulling only?

Sorry for so much conjecture, but as you can probably tell --- I am new to the world of winching...

Thanks, Ed