If you're a four wheel driver and enjoy the great outdoors, chances are you've been bogged once or twice, or found yourself in a situation where the engine power and traction you can apply to the ground isn't sufficient to get you moving again. If that hasn't happened to you you're probably not going to the type of country that I enjoy! Nevertheless you'll probably (and should) be fully kitted-out with recovery gear. And if you're into more serious driving or often do solo trips into rough-country terrain that'll probably include a power winch.
If this sounds like you, you might even have done a 4WD Training Course (and if not, why not?), so you're aware that that trusty winch, even when matched to your maximum vehicle weight as it should be, most definitely isn't unbreakable - either the steel wire cable or synthetic rope can break and become a safety hazard, and the winch itself is rated for a maximum load that varies according to which layer of cable/rope is being wound onto the drum. That load isn't just the weight of your vehicle and contents either - other factors to be considered include the slope or gradient, the type of ground, whether you're bogged or not and if so, how deeply, and more...
This is where our Recovery Load Calculator is invaluable. Configure it with the rated values for your winch, the weight of your vehicle and other factors and it'll calculate, using industry-standard methodology*, the approximate total recovery load. If you've also configured your winch in the app, it'll also tell you if that's within the rated limits for each layer on the drum.
And the best part? It's free! Although supported by ads, all revenue after development and other costs are accounted for is donated to the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia.
The Recovery Load Calculator is currently undergoing the closed group testing required before it can be made available generally on the Google Play Store. Click here if you'd like to join the closed test group, or to register your interest and we'll let you know when it's publically available.
Screen captures
*This calculator uses algorithms published by the International 4WD Trainers Association, also as used by the Royal Australian Electrical & Mechanical Engineers Corps. It is not a substitute for formal training in vehicle recovery techniques, and is supplied for guidance only and for equipment in good condition, in the interests of safer vehicle recovery. You are responsible for your own safety and that of others nearby. You should be fully aware of the inherent risks in vehicle recovery operations, and procedures and precautions to be taken to minimise those risks. The results so calculated are estimates only, and no warranty, either express or implied, is given that they will result in a successful recovery, nor that they will not result in damage or injury.
You can also click here to read our Privacy Policy for the app.