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 Kuat NV 2 Bike Tray Receiver Hitch Rack 2 Black Chrome $608.33 Time Remaining: 26d 9h 2m Buy It Now for only: $608.33 |
 Kuat NV 2 Bike Tray Receiver Hitch Rack 2 Black Chrome $529.99 Time Remaining: 12d 22h 26m Buy It Now for only: $529.99 |
 Kuat NV 2 Bike Tray Receiver Hitch Rack 2 Black Chrome $558.45 Time Remaining: 23d 12h 25m Buy It Now for only: $558.45 |
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 Kuat NV 2 Bike Tray Receiver Hitch Rack 2 Black Chrome $529.91 Time Remaining: 19d 19h Buy It Now for only: $529.91 |
 Yakima Swingdaddy 2 Receiver Hitch Rack 4 Bike $506.67 Time Remaining: 28d 12m Buy It Now for only: $506.67 |
 Kuat NV Rack Carries 2 Bicycles Fits 2 Hitch Receiver NEW + FREE SHIPPING $499.99 Time Remaining: 4d 18h |
 Swagman XP 4 Bike Standard Hitch Mount Rack 2 Receiver Sports Cycling Travel $499.99 Time Remaining: 26d 22h 32m Buy It Now for only: $499.99 |
 Saris Cycle On Pro Receiver Locking Bike Rack 2 Mountain Road Full Suspension $498.88 Time Remaining: 20d 36m Buy It Now for only: $498.88 |
 Kuat Sherpa 2 Bike Tray Receiver Hitch Rack Black Chrome $491.67 Time Remaining: 26d 9h 2m Buy It Now for only: $491.67 |
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 Yakima Swingdaddy 2 Receiver Hitch Rack 4 Bike $479.00 Time Remaining: 14d 8h 16m Buy It Now for only: $479.00 |
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 Thule Apex Swingaway 4 Bike Hitch Rack 2 Receiver 9027 Brand New In Box 2012 $400.00 Time Remaining: 5d 16h 5m Buy It Now for only: $440.00 |
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 RAMP KING 3 BIKE SWING DOWN CARRIER BICYCLE RACK FOR 2 RECEIVER HITCH $399.97 Time Remaining: 23d 18h 44m Buy It Now for only: $399.97 |
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 Kuat Alpha 3 Bike Mast Receiver Hitch Rack White 125 NEW $334.99 Time Remaining: 10d 14h 22m Buy It Now for only: $334.99 |
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 Thule Apex 4 Bike Hitch Rack 2 or 1 1 4 Receiver 9025 Brand New In Box 2012 $330.00 Time Remaining: 1d 14h 10m Buy It Now for only: $363.00 |
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 Yakima HighLite Receiver Hitch Rack 2 Bike $309.00 Time Remaining: 6d 10h 24m Buy It Now for only: $309.00 |
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Winch theft is a major concern for many winch owners, especially if you park your rig in the yard or leave it in the Wal-Mart parking lot for a few hours. You've invested a good chunk of change in your winch. Now how can you make sure it won't get ripped off?
Here are 7 ways to prevent winch theft.
- Buy a winch lock or a security bolt lock. They prevent access to the bolt and can only be removed with a special key. Just make sure you don't lose the key, in case you ever need to take your winch off!
- Weld a section of C-Channel over the bolt heads to prevent access to the bolts.
- Weld a cap over one or several of the bolts. If you ever need to remove your winch to repair or replace it, you'll need to grind off the cap.
- Weld the bolts and nuts together. Some have done this and it's worked just fine; others claim that the extreme heat can weaken the bolts. So while it's not the best option, it is an option. Most winch manufacturers advise against welding the bolts because it could compromise the strength of the bolts.
- Secure the winch with a cable and lock. While it's not the most secure option by far, it may be enough to discourage the casual thief looking for an easy target. At the very least, it slows down the thief and gives you a better chance of catching them in the act.
- Use a winch cover. Sometimes the best way to keep your stuff from getting ripped off is to keep it out of sight. Out of sight, out of mind.
- Take the winch off and put it back on only when you go offroading. Sound like too much work? That's what I thought. But it's an option. If you mount your winch with a receiver hitch instead of a permanent winch mount, this option sounds a little more realistic.
If you have another way to protect your winch from theft, let me know in the comments!
Copyright 2009 PROMARK OFFROAD (formerly Gorilla Winches). Get a limited lifetime warranty and FREE SHIPPING on all off road winches and winch covers for ATVs, UTVs, Jeeps, and trucks from ProMark Offroad (formerly Gorilla Winches).
For more information on winch maintenance and off road recovery, visit the ProMark Offroad Blog.
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