Recently had an experience where I needed to use my Ironman 12000lb pull winch to extract myself from a water table. Ran the cable out and found it was wrapping over itself on the winch drum so pulled it all out to re-spool it only to have the end come out through the fairlead! It is secured by a bolt through the side of the drum and this bolt had fallen out. Luckily I was on a job so had a bolt kit with me and was able to extricate myself. Dealer that fitted the winch did not even bother to respond to my email about the experience and the suggestion they fit Loctite to these bolts.
I have since replaced the steel cable with Dynice synthetic rope, it spools on much more easily (not fighting the spring), no sprags and can fit more rope on the drum. I opted to keep it at 20m to have more clearance between rope on drum and bodywork.