A car trailer winch is a helpful accessory to have for a number of reasons. It’s useful for lifting, towing, pulling, and getting yourself out of some tricky situations. Even though they are a helpful product to own, that doesn’t mean they will all prove useful for your unique needs. Read on to learn what car trailer winches are available, and how to buy the right one for you.
1. Zeak Electric Automatic Off Road Winch
If a reliable car trailer winch has been on the cards for some time, then it might be time to check out this option from Zeak. This electric winch comes packed full of convenient accessories – and all without a high price tag.
You get to enjoy a 50-foot galvanized steel rope, powerful 1.6HP motor, and a three-stage planetary gear train to last the distance. People also like the 5,500-pound pulling power and a one-year warranty that comes with this car trailer winch.
The motor housing is weatherproof for peace of mind, while it also helps that it’s fast-cooling after ongoing use. You even get a remote with this winch. While it doesn’t come with instructions, it won’t be hard to install this car trailer winch and put it to work.
- Galvanized steel rope
- Mount included
- Remote included
- 1.6HP, 12-volt motor
- Three-stage planetary gear train
- 50-foot cable
- 5,500-lb winch
- One-year warranty
- It comes with a lot of accessories
- It has a long cable for safety
- Affordable to buy
- Generous warranty period
- The motor is fast-cooling
- The motor housing is weatherproof
- No instructions for wiring or installation
2. Reese Trailer Winch
While you might have problems with the hook opening of this car trailer winch, it’s otherwise an ideal option for many people. Don’t spend the earth on a trailer winch when you don’t have to.
This model from Reese has a 1,500-pound capacity and a 20-foot strap and hook. Before you buy it, though, make sure the hook size is going to work with what you are attaching it to.
It’s ideal for use on trailers, can handle a lot of pressure, and even has a comfortable handle you are bound to appreciate. For longevity, the manufacturer has included a full-length drum bushing and oiled shaft bushings.
This corrosion-resistant car trailer winch with carbon steel gears will not disappoint. Spend a little and get a lot of value from Reese.
- 1,500-pound capacity
- 20-foot strap and hook
- Zinc-plated finish
- Corrosion-resistant
- Comfort grip handle
- High carbon steel gears
- The drum bushing is full length, while the shaft bushings have oil
- The handle is comfortable to use
- Affordable to buy
- The gears resist wear and tear
- It can handle a lot of pressure
- Ideal for use on trailers
- The hook opening is too small
3. Fulton Trailer Winch with Strap
Whether you need to winch a boat or something else, this car trailer winch from Fulton could be the right tool for the job. Not only is it affordable to buy, but it’s a sturdy, well-made, and stunning piece of engineering that can’t help but impress.
It has an aluminum frame and two-position handle, a center-drive enclosed ratchet system, and powerful 2,000-pound capacity. The addition of the mounting hardware and 15-foot winch strap is much-appreciated, as well.
People love how salt and moisture is not a problem for this car trailer winch, and that the handle is comfortable whether you are left-handed or right-handed. Even though you will need a sizeable mounting surface for this car trailer winch, it’s well worth your inspection all the same.
- Aluminum frame and handle
- Center-drive enclosed ratchet system
- Two-position handle
- 2,000-pound capacity
- 15-foot winch strap
- Mounting hardware included
- Affordable to buy
- Sleek and elegant design
- Generous capacity
- It resists damage from moisture and salt
- The handle is comfortable
- It’s easy to use with your left or right hand
- You need a large mounting surface
4. Smittybilt Steel Cable Winch
Even though the claims of waterproofing leave a lot to be desired, according to some Smittybilt car trailer winch owners, there are still many reasons why you would buy it.
If it’s not the 10,000-pound load capacity and three style options that pique your curiosity, then it will be the six sizes, remote and manual operation, and powerful 6.6HP motor that does.
This car trailer winch benefits from stainless-steel hardware, a four-way roller fairlead, and an abundance of convenient features to make your winching job easy.
The final deal maker is the warranty period. Enjoy a lifetime warranty on the mechanics and a five-year electrical warranty. Check this car trailer winch out for yourself and see if it ticks all the boxes.
- 10,000-pound load capacity
- Waterproof steel
- Three style options
- Six size options
- Four-way roller fairlead
- Wireless remote
- Remote or manual operation
- 6.6HP motor
- Stainless-steel hardware
- Lifetime mechanical warranty
- Five-year electrical warranty
- Suitable for a range of winching tasks
- Generous warranty periods
- You can choose from different sizes and styles
- Powerful motor
- You can operate it with a remote or manually
- It’s easy to install
- It can rust easily
5. Openroad Hand Winch
If you don’t plan on doing too much heavy winching, then there’s every reason to believe this car trailer winch from Openroad is right for you. It’s of a hand design, which means it doesn’t have a motor for you to deal with the hassle of maintaining.
It has a 1,600-pound load capacity, high-carbon steel gears, and a zinc-plated finish for durability. The anti-slip handle is a nice touch for comfort and grip, and you can use this car trailer winch for a multitude of different tasks.
People enjoy how easy it is to install, its competitive price tag, and simplistic design. It might not have the power of a larger winch, but you will surely see its value all the same.
- 1,600-pound load capacity
- 4:1:1 gear ratio
- High carbon steel gears
- Zinc-plated finish
- Anti-slip handle
- Boat and ATV compatibility
- It’s affordable to buy
- You can use it for pickup trucks, boats, ATVs, and more
- It resists rust and corrosion
- Easy to install
- The handle is comfortable
- Generous load capacity
- Better suited to light applications
6. TR Industrial Trailer Winch with Hook and Strap
Not everyone is confident with the strap of this car trailer winch, but if you can look past how thin it is, you might still be impressed with this winch.
It boasts a 1,200-pound capacity and comes with all steel components, including the gears and frame. The zinc and black plating give it additional strength. The rotating handle is even a feature that’s bound to impress, for it’s both comfortable and easy to use.
Given that it’s suitable for a variety of applications and ticks all the boxes for durability, you’ll be pleased you decided to buy this car trailer winch from TR Industrial.
- 1,200-pound capacity
- 20-foot strap and hook
- Steel frame
- Steel gears
- Zinc and black plating
- Rotating handle
- 4:1 gear ratio
- Affordable to buy
- Strong materials
- Easy to install
- Ideal for a variety of applications
- Generous load capacity
- Durable steel
- Comfortable handle
- The strap is thin
7. Superwinch Winch
If you’ve been on the hunt for an easy-to-use, reliable, and functional car trailer winch, then you will get all that and more with this winch from Superwinch.
With a 3,000-pound load capacity to suit all manner of vehicles, it’s hard not to be impressed with it. Users enjoy the simplistic mount plate, handlebar rocker switch, and handheld remote to make winching more convenient. Even the mechanical and dynamic brakes are a talking point.
The competitive price tag of this winch also helps, as does the durable motor and strong lead. However, customer support is a bit lacking, and the instructions can be hard to follow. Weigh up the pros and cons before you decide if this car trailer winch is right for you.
- 3,000-pound load capacity
- Roller fairlead
- Mount plate
- Handlebar rocker switch
- Handheld remote
- Sealed magnet motor
- Mechanical and dynamic brake
- Packed full of convenient features
- Strong lead
- The motor is durable
- You can use a remote or the handle
- Competitive price tag
- Easy to mount
- The instructions are hard to follow
- Customer support is lacking
8. Orcish Electric Truck Winch
Not everyone is impressed with the hardware and cable quality of this car trailer winch, but that doesn’t mean it’s not a standout product on the market. If you have to winch a truck, such as a jeep, this car trailer winch could be the right product for the job.
It has a load capacity of 13,000 pounds and is even waterproof rated for peace of mind. It comes with gloves, a sealed contactor, and an overload protector, as well. This car trailer winch is affordable and has all the power you need, which you can operate from a remote. There are plenty of reasons why it’s going to work well for your needs.
- 13,000-pound load capacity
- Waterproof rating
- Overload protector
- Gloves included
- Sealed contactor
- 85-foot steel cable
- Suitable for jeeps, trucks, and more
- Generous cable length
- It comes with accessories to make you more comfortable
- You can power the motor with a remote
- Affordable to buy
- It’s heavy-duty to last the distance
- The mounting hardware feels cheap
- The cable quality is lacking
9. Warn VR EVO Electric Winch
If you are looking for the best of the best in the car trailer winch world, regardless of cost, then check out this electric winch from Warn. Running on a 12-volt motor with a variety of convenient features, it stands out from the crowd.
You can use it for pickup trucks and large frame rigs thanks to its 12,000-pound load capacity, and it has a series of features designed for heavy vehicles. Enjoy the series-wound motor, planetary gear train, and relocatable control packs for low-profile installations.
Even the warranties are something to write home about, for you get a lifetime mechanical warranty and a seven-year one for the electrics. This high-performance car trailer winch, while expensive, is bound to meet the mark for your needs.
- 12 volts
- 12,000-pound load capacity
- Three sizes
- Two rope types
- Series-wound motor
- Planetary gear train
- Waterproof construction
- Remote control included
- Lifetime mechanical warranty
- Seven-year electrical warranty
- It’s a high-performance winch
- You can choose a size or style
- You can use it for pickup trucks and large frame rigs
- You can relocate the control packs for low-profile installations
- You can use it wired or wireless
- Generous warranty periods
- Strong and well made
- Expensive to buy
10. Warn Portable Drill Winch
If you only need a small car trailer winch for jobs around the yard, then check out this portable drill winch from Warn. It operates with your portable drill and has a 500-pound load capacity. That means it’s suitable for hauling loads onto trailers, and even stock.
This car trailer winch comes with a 30-foot wire rope, free-spool clutch, and both front and rear rigging hooks. The integrated hawse fairlead and competitive price tag are bound to capture your attention, as well.
Some people say the cable isn’t all that strong, and the pulling power is lacking, but it’s a desirable option for many. Dust off your power drill and put this car trailer winch to work.
- 30-foot wire rope
- 500-pound load capacity
- Three styles
- Standard portable drill-powered
- Free-spool clutch
- Front and rear rigging hooks
- Integrated hawse fairlead
- Easy to power on a portable drill
- You can choose a capacity
- Generous wire length
- Easy to use
- It has hooks in the front and rear
- You can use it for stock and hauling loads onto trailers
- Rigging is fast and easy
- Competitive price tag
- The cable is not as strong as it could be
- The pulling power is lacking
Considerations for Purchasing a Car Trailer Winch
It won’t take you long to realize that there is no single car winch that will be suitable for your needs. There are several different ones on the market, and they are all designed to achieve different results.
That’s why it’s paramount to look at the various options and compare them to your needs. The more you know, the better your chances of buying the right one. Read on to learn what to factor into the decision-making process.
Use of Winch
The first thing you need to think about is why you need a car trailer winch in the first place. What will you be doing with it? Believe it or not, what you use your winch for can determine the type you buy. So, are you pulling vehicles out of challenging terrain? What about unloading and loading heavy vehicles like boats? Are you using one to lift and hold items off the ground? Let your use guide your decision.
Winch Types
There are several winch types on the market, including car trailer, recovery, utility, crane, boat, and ATV. Base your decision on the section above relating to the use of your winch. A car trailer winch is going to be useful for loading and unloading heavy boats and vehicles off trailers.
Winch Load
The amount of force you will be using on your car winch can be a significant deciding factor when buying a new winch. It’s a good idea to match the winch rating to the rolling load weight. Many things can impact this, such as the vehicle weight, ramp slope, the rope layers around the winch drum, and if you are using a pulley block or not.
The majority of car trailer winches for sale have a load capacity of between 2,000 pounds and 12,000 pounds. However, there are some outliers, such as a 500-pound drill-powered winch and winches you can use for trucks.
Determining Your Rolling Weight
Before you buy a new car trailer winch, you have to work out your rolling weight. Otherwise, you are at risk of buying one that isn’t fit for purpose. Your rolling weight determines the minimum rated line pull your winch needs to roll a load onto a trailer.
To work it out, refer to a Rated Line Pull graph, of which there are plenty online. In it, you can find out the RLP based on the slope percent of between ten percent and 100 percent.
Electric Winch Accessories
When you are buying a new electric winch, it helps if you get as many accessories with it as possible. Otherwise, you may find your winch is not as convenient or easy to use as others on the market.
Look out for mention of winch accessory kits that come with recovery straps, shackles, gloves, pulley blocks, and tree savers. Mounting plates and roller fairleads, along with tow straps and tow hooks, are all helpful things to own, as well. Not every car trailer winch will come with these, so work out what you need before you go ahead with your purchase.
Minimum Vehicle Requirements
If you decide to buy a car trailer winch with a 12-volt motor, there are a few things you need to consider. Believe it or not, there are minimum vehicle requirements to make sure you can manage the winch you buy.
For example, when you buy a 12-volt winch for your trailer or vehicle, your towing vehicle needs to have either 440 to 660 cold-cranking-amp batteries. Alternatively, the alternator needs to be at least 60 amps.
If you plan on using your winch often, it might help to have a heavy-duty alternator or auxiliary battery. Two batteries with an isolator can make sure your vehicle can handle more winching without the challenge of not being able to start your vehicle battery afterward.
Mechanical vs. Dynamic Braking
Some car trailer winches for sale will come with dynamic braking, while others come with mechanical. Do you know which one you prefer or will be the best option for you?
The best type of braking for strength is mechanical, and it’s far better for holding a load. Dynamic braking, on the other hand, adds resistance to the drunk through the use of the winch motor. Typically, it’s not strong enough to hold a load.
Planetary Gears vs. Worm Gears
A car trailer winch can come with worm gears or planetary gears, so you must decide which is the most practical option for you. The worm gear or planetary gear is responsible for rotating the winch drum.
The worm gear is of a screw design, and as the screw rotates, it turns the sprockets or gears. In the case of a planetary gear, though, there is a single gear or sprocket in the middle. When it’s turned, three or four sprockets turn around the center sprocket.
Planetary gears are not as powerful as worm gears, but they tend to turn faster and generate more speed. As a result, you are more likely to come across a car trailer winch with a planetary gear than one with a worm gear.
Mounts
A car trailer winch is going to be of no use to you if you can’t mount it. As a result, the mount is one of the most important factors to consider before you buy a new winch. Your winch mount must be able to handle the winch capacity.
You can buy custom-fit mounts for ATVs and similar, but one of the most desirable options is a trailer hitch winch mount. You can attach it to your vehicle and remove it with ease. The beauty of such a hitch, too, is that you can mount it on the front and rear of your vehicle, depending on where it’s going to be most convenient.
If you have a trailer, then a steel plate welded to the frame of the trailer is going to be the strongest and safest option for the use of your car trailer winch.
Price
Finally, don’t forget to pay attention to the price tag. In most cases, the more expensive the winch, the stronger and more robust it is. If you need a winch that lasts the distance, then be prepared to pay more for the privilege.
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