Abstract: A wheel-operated winch assembly which includes in a preferred embodiment and as a first element, a generally cylindrically-shaped cable drum divided by spaced flanges which define a cable seat and a drum base extending from the cable drum and having base tabs for mounting to a base plate which is bolted to the wheel rim of an automobile. A cable is wound on the cable seat, the free end of the cable is attached to a tree or other point of anchor and the vehicle wheel is rotated to wind the cable on the cable drum and extract the vehicle from mud, snow, sand or ice. As a second element in the assembly, a cable guide is attached to the bumper of the vehicle and the cable is extended through a guide tube in the cable guide from the drum to the point of attachment.