Off-RoadDiagnostic helpCommunity Starter

2024 Ram 1500 — winch size and recovery points before accessories

NoMarkupDaily893Community StarterAug 17, 20262024 Ram 1500 LimitedHouston
I am building a basic recovery setup and would rather get the fundamentals right than collect gear. How do you size a winch and evaluate factory versus aftermarket recovery points?
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11 replies

CommuterCommuter3Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 18, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Ram 1500 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. This is from a 2024 Ram 1500 in Houston. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. I'd sleep better after that step, even if it finds nothing. That's my plan before I call anyone.
OldSchoolDIYer812Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 18, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Two 2024 Ram 1500s can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. Save the big job until that test fails. On “winch size and recovery points before accessories,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
UsedCarFan193Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 18, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Capture voltage while the 2024 Ram 1500 is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Heat soak after errands is the other window.
OldSchoolDad400Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 19, 2026permalink
I'd push back a little: If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2024 Ram 1500, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Verbal 'we'll take care of it' is not a plan. If the story changes I'll post the new data.
RustBeltDetailer958Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 19, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2024 Ram 1500 is losing coolant with no puddle. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “winch size and recovery points before accessories,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Just my two cents from doing this recently. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
RustBeltDetailer958Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 18, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2024 Ram 1500 catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2024 Ram 1500 in Houston. Just my two cents from doing this recently. Cold start is when I can actually reproduce it.
EVDaily29Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 18, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2024 Ram 1500, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. Save the big job until that test fails. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Only after sitting overnight so far.
EVDaily29Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 19, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Ram 1500 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Save the big job until that test fails. On “winch size and recovery points before accessories,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2024 Ram 1500 in Houston. Was this after sitting overnight? Checking again after work.
QuietRoadie94Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 18, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2024 Ram 1500 is losing coolant with no puddle. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “winch size and recovery points before accessories,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the whole play. This is the filter I use when the thread starts repeating itself. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
OldSchoolDIYer812Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 20, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2024 Ram 1500 does it — then decide on parts. Save the big job until that test fails. This is from a 2024 Ram 1500 in Houston. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Checking again after work.
CommuterCommuter3Community StarterCommunity StarterAug 19, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Move a coil or plug on the 2024 Ram 1500 if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
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