What should I spray on the cables and crank of my wheelhouse??

[BLACKJACK]

Thinking of spraying either silicone or graphite on the cables and crank of my ice castle to protect and lubricate them, don't want to spray oil on it, that will just collect dust and dirt - what do you think?? I have already oiled the pulleys, is that ok?

Also, I'm not an engineer, but why can't they build the frames with the cranks and cables in front of the tires so it doens't gather so much road gunk??

[Dave4760]

The last 2 wheel houses that I built, I did put the winch in front. I never did know why some are built with the winches behind the wheel.

As far as lubrication on the cables and crank, I always use axial grease. It did collect some dirt and dust but never created a problem.

[Hawg]

Mine broke last year from rust or fraying. All those guys with houses 2-3 years old better be checking also. I've had two friends this year have broken cables. My vote is that they should be replaced every couple years. Even if they don't break it seems the swedges are coming apart. This will be a big topic as some of these wheelhouses get older.

[bak2MN]

Use stainless steel cables.

[Gordie]

Also, I'm not an engineer, but why can't they build the frames with the cranks and cables in front of the tires so it doens't gather so much road gunk??

I have built many of these frames and that one of the biggest reasons I put the winch assemblys in front of the tire but they sill take a beating.

stainless steel cable is the way to go and nylon winch straps work also but I would always carry a spare strap. It doesnt help that we pull these down the roads that have all the chemicals and salt spread out on them either. If you find something that stops the cables from rusting then the auto industrie should use for our trucks and cars

[efgh]

I have built a few frames and always put the winch behind the wheel, reason,there is always a little play in the pivot arm where the arm and pivot shaft meet. The wheel will self aline this way when pulled down the road. The other way, the wheel will pull to one side or the other, because of the play, and wear out the tire real quick.

[fsnrod]

I put a small floor jack in the house to lift the house in case cable breaks. I' ve had to use it twice in last ten years because of breaks.

[BartmanMN]

Someone on this forum built their own house and used the winch straps on his. The nicest thing about his house was it had removable winches that you take off during travel so they don't get caked in road gunk. That was a nice house.

Sorry, that doesn't help with what to put on the cables. Was just something that I saw and really liked.

[BLACKJACK]

As far as lubrication on the cables and crank, I always use axial grease. It did collect some dirt and dust but never created a problem.

So just slathering with grease and/or replacing every few years is the best option?

[Tipupdown]

I've had my house for three years now replaced 3 cables on it.. Reason being my fish house sits out all year round.. Does yours? If it dosen't you should have to much of a problem and if it does alot, buy some type of waterproof bag to cover the cranks. Makes a big difference not only on the wire but also you winches in general!