By securing the rope or chain to a boulder or tree, an off-road vehicle's winch positioned on the front or rear bumper can be used to pull that car out of the muck as well as other vehicles. You should buy a winch with the right amount of power when purchasing one for off-roading. Winches are straightforward mechanical devices used to tighten, loosen, or change the tension of a rope, wire rope, or cable. A hand crank and a spool or drum are the basic components of a winch. They serve as the foundation for devices like elevators, steam shovels, and tow trucks.