Another trailer question

[nielsenwa]

I have an easyloader trailer for my 22' hewes hardtop. It's looking like soon will be the time to change the winch strap, so heres the question should I stay with the strap or get a cable like I've seen on other trailers?
Any horror stories with either one? Thanks
William

 

[skydiver]

Good question. I have a cable (relatively new) and wonder if a strap would be better. But my boat weighs about 6,000 lbs.

Things that I don't like about a cable is that it can get broken strands that can poke you, it gets kinks, and you have to wind it back and forth evenly on the drum as you're reeling in. Plus I wonder if/when a strap breaks while you're reeling in, would it not be as dangerous as when a metal cable snaps.

 

[Snowwolfe]

I would think the new syn rope would be the best of both choices. Strong, light, small diameter, and it does not store energy.
But, I wonder if the small diameter would cause it to dig into the winch as pressure is applied. Maybe thats why they use straps on the big rigs!

 

[Doug from Anchorage]

I prefer strap over cable

I prefer strap over cable

Straps are rated for camparable ratings as cables, yet are much more user friendly. As far as stored energy goes, the length of the exposed strapping is not enough to worry about should it snap. I've had both, and straps beat cables IMHO.

 

[aksalcha]

I agree, Straps work best for me.

 

[Prybar]

Straps win hands down. Much easier to use than cable or rope for this application.

 

[nielsenwa]

Thanks

Thanks

Thanks for the good info, looks like I'll just go with a direct replacement and get the strap again. I don't know why it frayed so fast though.

 

[Prybar]

Not sure where your strap freyed, but if it was up close to the hook you can probably just cut that end section off since I imagine you don't use the entire length. Then, cut the hook free and tie a simple overhand knot to re-attach the hook. Dress the knot well and melt the end of the cable so it doesn't unravel and you are good for another few years. Anything that is remotely sharp that the strap rubs on is likely to cause it to frey.