Will a roller fairlead work with synthetic rope?

The steel rollers on a conventional roller fairlead are not compatible to synthetic rope As they can cause chafing and abrasion. Most rope manufacturers recommend using an aluminum Hawse-type fairlead.

Do I need a different fairlead for synthetic rope?

You can still use synthetic winch rope with a steel fairlead, but more on that below. Aluminum fairleads are only used with synthetic winch rope. To sum up: Steel roller and hawse fairleads can be used with steel winch cable or synthetic winch rope.

Which is better Hawse fairlead or roller fairlead?

Running steel cable can often “scar” a roller, so you should clean it up if you want to use it with synthetic line. Hawse fairleads give you a slightly better approach angle since they stick out a little less from your bumper.

What does a fairlead roller do?

The main purpose of a fairlead is to prevent the winch line from becoming damaged or frayed while the winch is in use. Generally, the winch goes in or on the bumper, and the fairlead sits in front of the winch. Without a fairlead, the life span of your winch line is greatly reduced.

Can I switch my winch cable with rope?

Yes, you can put synthetic rope on a winch designed for steel cable. However, the brake drum in the winch might not be able to cool as well because steel cable acts like a heat sink, while synthetic rope may act more like an insulator trapping heat. Heat can damage synthetic rope—not to mention the winch.

What is the recommended size for a pedestal roller?

Pedestal roller fairleads should have a minimum radius equal to ten times the radius of wire mooring ropes with a fiber core, seven times of wire mooring ropes with a steel core or three times the radius of synthetic mooring ropes.

What is a Hawse fairlead?

Hawse Fairleads are a simple, straight forward guide for the rope to the winch drum. They protect and reduce wear on the rope and at the same time protect the winch from unneccessary damage. Aluminum Hawse Fairleads: recommended for synthetic ropes.

What is an aluminum Hawse fairlead?

Aluminum Hawse Fairlead – Standard A Winch Fairlead for synthetic rope is called a Hawse Fairlead. It guides your synthetic winch rope out the front of your winch. Made from 6061-T6 light-weight, heavy duty aircraft grade aluminum.

Can I replace my ATV winch cable with rope?

Here’s how to replace the original cable with a synthetic rope on your winch: Step 1: Release the drum brake. Step 2: Pull out some length of the cable with protective gloves. Step 3: Loosen the roller guide retaining bolts and remove it.

Is synthetic winch rope worth it?

Synthetic rope is a great product for many vehicle recovery situations. If you winch a lot and are concerned about weight, synthetic can be a great option since it is lightweight and easy to handle. It doesn’t develop sharp burrs like steel rope, and doesn’t store as much potential energy when under load.

What is a Panama fairlead?

A non-roller type fairlead mounted at the ship’s side and enclosed so that mooring lines may be led to shore with equal facility either above or below the horizontal.