Truck winches are essential tools for off-road enthusiasts, rescue workers, and heavy-duty truck owners. They provide the necessary pulling power to pull out a stuck truck or to move heavy loads. In this article, we will be discussing the 10 best truck winches available on the market based on performance, reliability, and affordability. If you’re looking for a winch for your truck, this article will provide you with the information you need to make an informed decision.
Which is the Best Truck Winch?
Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC 17500 Lbs winch is the best winch for truck for several reasons. It features a powerful 17,500 lb. load capacity, a waterproof IP67 rating, and a 6.6 horsepower motor for quick and efficient operation. The winch also comes with a state-of-the-art remote control system, providing safe and convenient control from a distance.
Thorough multi-level testing is done by my team to ensure the highest product standards before I recommend anything. Learn more about our process here.
Scorecard: To curate a scorecard, I considered the load capacity needed to handle the truck’s weight, the overall performance, the build quality to see durability. Only products that scored more than 6 were chosen.
Best Truck Winches
Best winch
Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC
- IP67 Waterproof
- Abrasion resistant
- Good hook quality
1. Best Truck Winch: Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC 17500 Lbs
According to the research, Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC is the best truck winch if you want to buy a high-quality device at a reasonable price. The pulling capacity is about 17500 lbs. The winch dimensions are 24.4 x 8.4 x 10.7 inches, respectively. Dual-stage, powder-coated[1] goods with 5 year warranty. The 500AMP Solenoid Kit is entirely waterproof and includes all wires needed for installation.
Magnetic remote control that is hardwired. The magnetic remote connects to a winch, vehicle, or accessory. The package includes a reasonably sized and functional wired (12-feet long) handheld remote with an epicyclic gear system. The 94-foot stainless steel wire rope works beautifully and will not tangle.
Larger clutch lever for easier usage when wearing gloves. A special coating prevents slippage. A protective sleeve is also included to avoid overheating. This truck winch is competitively priced due to its use, craftsmanship, and performance.
This heavy duty winch has a movable control pack and comes with three mounting options. Because it has a 17,500 pounds winch, you need to limit the overall weight of the truck to 11666 pounds. It will provide you with the optimum performance and ensure the winch’s longevity.
All things considered, this truck winch is a solid option for general use. With all the other standard features, it also gives a smooth and secured winching experience.
Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC winch kit comes in 9500, 12000, and 15500-pound capacities. Almost everything else is the same, with the exception of a higher/lower load capacity. If you enjoy this winch but don’t want a truck winch with very high pull capacity, there are reduced capacity variants available.
My opinion
I feel the Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC winch kit is an excellent choice. The winch controller is a durable and reliable option for off-road enthusiasts and heavy-duty truck owners. It features waterproof design, adjustable control sensitivity, and a dynamic brake control system, making it the safest and the best option for winching operations.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on May 14, 2012 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- IP67 waterproof protection
- Large size of the spooling clutch lever makes usage effortless
- Excellent hook quality
- Comes with UV and abrasion resistance
CONS
- Minor defects in the layout of the prongs and the connector
It is a synthetic rope electric winch with a rated pull of 13000 lbs and a 12-volt motor. It comes with a new generation of wireless remote control that is not impacted by variables like geography or weather to accomplish distant accurate control, and its waterproof grade is IP66. This versatile controller combines wired and wireless control (Up to 35m).
The dimensions are 530mm×160mm×218mm. It has a 6-horsepower series wound motor with a 3 stage planetary gear system[2] with a free spooling clutch to give powerful traction under load and a quicker line speed, making it an invaluable companion on your journey.
The engine is waterproof and powered by a high-tensile rope that is said to be one-tenth the weight of steel cable. This trailer winch is corrosion durable, composed of chromated steel coating, and comes with brand new components and accompanying equipment. It is incredibly easy to install on your automobile as a conventional work winch and has excellent traction. It is appropriate for a variety of off-road vehicles as well as other compact SUVs.
This winch is a wonderful solution for people who still want to go muddin’ but are on a tight budget. It provides many of the same benefits as its name-brand competitors but for a fraction of the price.
Some consumers have complained about poorly built parts breaking readily and bad customer service when attempting to repair them. This winch may be useful in a pinch but isn’t the most durable.
My opinion
Load capacity
Performance
Build Quality
I’ve used the X-BULL 12V Synthetic Rope Winch at a friend’s backyard and will admit that it is a high-quality and reliable winch with a load capacity of 13,000 lbs. You get a waterproof design, a powerful motor, and a synthetic rope for added safety and durability. The winch also comes with a remote control for convenient operation from a healthy distance.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on January 28, 2022 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Moderately priced as per competition
-
Comes with a moisture resistant synthetic rope which can withstand twist and minor damage
CONS
-
Poor customer service
- Customers reported low-cost parts broke quickly
3. Best truck winch for the money: Traveler 12,000 Lbs winch kit
This is a reliable winch that is essential for every pickup truck. It can carry up to 12,000 pounds, which is ideal for most Jeeps, pick-up vehicles, and snowplows. This comes with 3 horsepower with a 12-volt series wound motor.
The braking system is automatic with a heavily rubberized remote switch. It comes with a connected remote and automated braking action for added security. The cable is 83 feet long with the product dimensions of 10 x 9.6 x 6.3 inches.
The roller fairlead prevents wire damage while pulled from various angles. The line speed of the cable is approximately 4.9 feet per minute. The entire set is covered by a one-year guarantee.
This is the best budget truck winch for money-tight buyers or first-timers looking for a cheap but efficient winch. For an honest review, many clients were initially suspicious about Traveler winches because of its cheap pricing and many functions.
But looking at several customer ratings and reviews, you might want to reconsider your assumptions.
These winches are capable of competing with high-end winches and come with a weather-resistant rubberized remote. You can spend more money on the synthetic cable, but the cable model’s pricing is too wonderful to pass up.
My opinion
Load capacity
Performance
Build Quality
In my opinion you shouldn’t compromise much if you are on a tight budget, Traveller 12V Truck Electric Winch is a high-quality winch that doesn’t burn a hole. You get a great load capacity, making it a great choice for lighter trucks and heavy SUVs. The winch features a durable design, a waterproof rating, and a powerful motor for quick and efficient operation. I felt no compromise in its operation.
Product Timeline: There isn’t much information on their product page to know when the product was first launched.
PROS
- Affordable and budget-friendly
- Durable with waterproof rating
- Convenient operation with remote control
CONS
- Quality of the winch cable isn’t good
4. Best winch for 1 ton truck: X-BULL 12V 12000 lbs winch with steel cable
This 12000 Lbs electric winch includes all expected features, such as free spooling, a 3 stage planetary gear system, and an automatic load holding brake system. It can retrieve your vehicle weighing up to 12000 lbs. However, it is preferable if you can limit the weight to 8000 lbs.
It includes a 26-meter steel cable to guarantee that the entire operation runs smoothly. It has a high pulling power and is ideal for many off-road vehicles. This winch features a powerful motor for smooth operation. This device also contains a power-in/power-out motor.
The exquisite design of the entire body is made of high-quality steel for quick working. It includes two completely functioning wired and wireless remote controls. Everything is fully protected, even the solenoid. A circuit breaker protects the solenoid for further safety.
The wireless system may be operated from a fair distance. It provides the greatest level of satisfaction as well as efficient, fast, and courteous customer service. In addition, with technical support and quality assurance services for the contract duration.
This is considered the best winch for a 1-ton truck. Overall, this winch is a high-quality, strong answer for any vehicle owner. It includes everything needed for smooth winching. If you seldom need a winch, this is the ideal option for you. Yes, it is suitable for frequent use as well, although there are several better solutions on our list above that are more expensive but more suited to heavy duty.
My opinion
Load capacity
Performance
Build Quality
When using a winch for a 1 ton truck, you are dealing with 1000 kgs. The Warn 89020 ProVantage ATV/UTV Winch proved to have a heavy load capacity, a durable design, and a fast line speed for quick and efficient operation. What struck with me was the customer service you get since I had a few questions regarding the motor when reviewing it, they were prompt.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on January 1, 2017 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Has IP67 standards
- Comes with a stainless-steel cable wire that goes through the roller fairlead
- Operation of winch is quiet
- Competitively priced
CONS
- The cord occasionally knots
Smittybilt X2O COMP is considered a very well-made and well-finished winch. This heavy duty winch is one of the better alternatives to an expensive brand. This winch series’ look and construction quality appeal more than any other winch series.
The weight pulling capacity is 10000 lbs, and you should keep your truck’s gross weight up to 6666 lbs to guarantee the best performance and lifespan. And the choice between steel wire rope and synthetic rope, with everything else remaining the same. It has a rapid spooling speed. The control box has several mounting possibilities and is also reasonably priced.
The installation is relatively simple, and the instructions are detailed. The quality of the forged hook is exceptional. The remote plug is protected by a remote plug cover. The high-quality synthetic rope is sufficiently long (98.5 feet) and sturdy to pull a vehicle such as a truck.
Overall, this is a beautiful beast for you at a reasonable price. This is seen to be the best winch for a 3/4 tonne truck. It is worth noticing the premium remote’s perfect performance. This model is also available in many various capacities. This winch also has great customer support except for its wireless range, which has been picked out quite a lot.
My opinion
Load capacity
Performance
Build Quality
During my testing I felt Superwinch 1145220 Terra 45 Winch was a versatile and dependable winch that could handle tough conditions with ease. It’s 4,500 lb load capacity and fast line speed makes it also the best winch for small truck, SUVs, ATVs. The winch’s rugged design, combined with its intuitive wired remote control, makes it an excellent choice.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on April 30, 2014 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Inductive braking mechanism to prevent overheating
- IP68 waterproof rating
- Single remote control which has both wireless and wired (12 ft) control options
CONS
- -
WARN 92820 winch is quite an excellent choice for towing any truck. It is a powerful heavy duty winch. This warn winch has a pull capacity of 12,000 pounds and comes with 100 feet of 3/8″ steel rope with a 4 way roller fairlead. The dimensions of this winch are 26.13 x 8.25 x 20 inches. The durable, adjustable LCD control tower puts the control in your hands and may be tailored to your specific needs.
These winches do away with manual clutches. The advanced wireless remote controls the winch, clutch, and other accessories. It puts entire control in your palm from the winch, clutch, and up to the attachments. This powerful Advanced Wireless Remote controls the remote clutch, and the winch pulls, among other things.
The durability and waterproofing of this winch set a new standard for its class. It also comes in a lower-cost steel cable version. The main distinction is that instead of rope, steel cable is used.
It comes with a USB charging cord and a vehicle charger adaptor, and it can also read the temperature of the motor. So, if the remote’s battery dies, you can simply connect it to a USB source or the truck’s charging adaptor. It’s a convenient solution for frequent usage.
This model deserves to be in the best winches list. This winch is twice as durable as prior ones. And you can certainly expect it to continue for decades. It is one of the best premium choices in the winch category. The quality is uncompromised, as one would expect from a premium brand.
It can resist a lot of abuse. This one is expensive, so you know these traits must be there to justify the price. The cordless control is the best feature of this winch. However, the pricing is not ideal for someone searching for a low-cost winch.
My opinion
Load capacity
Performance
Build Quality
The WARN 92820 ZEON Platinum 12 Winch is a top-of-the-line winch that offers exceptional performance and versatility. The winch’s innovative design, combined with its advanced features such as integrated control box and hawse fairlead, make it an excellent choice for anyone in need of a powerful and reliable winch.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on November 22, 2014 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Rechargeable wireless remote
- IP68 waterproof rating
CONS
- Expensive
Other great Picks:
Both a tethered and a wireless model are available. The remote covers up to 65 feet. The product dimensions are 24 x 13 x 10 inches. The device has an IP67 waterproof rating. That is, it is another waterproof synthetic rope winch on this list. This winch is very cost-effective, light in weight floats in water due to its streamed body structure.
A 78-foot lightweight synthetic rope works well without bunching up and performs well in temperatures below -20 degrees Celsius[3]. It is pretty simple to deal with and has no jagged corners. It can even function in extremely cold conditions.
The motor in this winch is made up of pure copper and has a high magnetic inductive melting point with high-temperature resistance, high pulling power, safe operation, and high efficiency. A wiring diagram is not supplied in the handbook. Nonetheless, wiring is a breeze, thanks to the color-coded wires.
My opinion
Load capacity
Performance
Build Quality
Upon testing I found ZESUPER 13000 lb. Capacity Electric Winch is a high-quality winch that has multiple new technologies involved in its chassis. With a powerful motor and fast line speed, this winch was very capable of handling rough muddy jobs with ease. The waterproof design and wireless remote control make it easy to use, while the automatic load-holding brakes ensure safety during operation.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on June 25, 2019 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Moderate Price
- Easy to install
- Comes with both a wireless and a wired remote
- Weather-sealed control box
CONS
- louder than normal
- The free spooling clutch lever occasionally lacks smoothness
This winch is one of the best winches from the firm that is a market leader in various winch brands. This Warn winch can handle weight up to 12,000 pounds or 6 tons which is available in both steel cable and synthetic rope. The dimensions are 21 x 6.3 x 10.1 inches, and the body is electric and wireless controlled.
This winch was built and engineered in the United States, and it has a series-wound motor, which allows it to offer quicker line speed without drawing excessive amps. The winch is IP68-rated[4] waterproof and comes with a two-in-one remote that can function wired or remotely to assist you in getting out of any jam.
It is considered a powerful series with a wounded motor and three stage planetary gear system, providing quicker line speed under load while using less power. The winch has a high-performing contractor that ensures utmost dependability with increased convenience and adaptability.
Because of its choices, reputation, features, and power, this winch earns our highest rating. Warn’s outstanding reputation for producing high-quality products that are easy to install and use sets this winch apart.
My opinion
Load capacity
Performance
Build quality
I feel anything from the WARN brand always delivers. WARN 103254 VR EVO is no exception. Its powerful motor and fast line speed make it ideal for a range of heavy-duty applications, from pulling vehicles out of ditches to towing heavy loads. The winch’s wireless remote control and automatic load-holding brakes make it easy and safe to operate.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on May 14, 2017 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Excellent design and construction
- IP68 waterproof rating
- 7 years limited lifetime warranty
CONS
- Expensive
This Patriot winch has a pull capacity of 12,000 lbs with a 125 feet long cable. It is also a wireless remote efficient of 5.5 horsepower with a 12-volt direct current series. The electric wounding reversible motor creates an excellent pulling strength. The line speed can go up to 29 feet per minute.
A 3 stage planetary gear system with high line speed has been developed. The gear system disengages for free spooling. This truck winch is available with a 12-foot pendant or a unique wireless remote. The winch battery comes with cables for better connections, about 6 feet and 2 gauge. It also contains a 4 way fairlead roller with a lifetime warranty.
My opinion
Load capacity
Line SpeedPerformance
Build Quality
I remember using The Ramsey Patriot Profile 12000 2 recently for a friend’s truck. I feel it is a high-performance winch that offers exceptional reliability and versatility. The winch’s powerful motor and fast line speed make it ideal for a range of heavy-duty applications, from pulling vehicles out of ditches to towing heavy loads.
Product Timeline: There is no information available for when the product was first available.
PROS
- Motor and solenoids are directly grounded to the battery
- Automatic load holding brake
- Remote mounted solenoid assembly that is weather resistant
CONS
- Hand driven clutch
This VIPER Recovery Winch is ideal for jeeps, tow trucks, and other recovery vehicles. Its pulling capacity of 13,000 lbs for winching is built with permanent magnet motors and steel gears, providing dependable performance that consumers understand and trust. The product dimensions are 8.6 x 8.6 x 8.6 inches.
It is completely sealed for security and can withstand strong workloads. This truck winch is equipped with synthetic rope and comes with 11 inches cabled remote switch that too with 85′ x 3/8″ steel wire and roller fairlead. This metal-bodied winch includes a standard mounting bolt pattern of 10″ x 4.5″ and is backed by a limited lifetime warranty.
My opinion
Load capacity
Performance
Build Quality
I was fairly surprised by the load capacity of Motoalliance VIPER 13,000 Recovery Winch. The kit includes everything you need for a successful winching experience, from the powerful 13,000 lb winch to the wireless remote control and heavy-duty winch rope. The winch’s fast line speed and automatic load-holding brakes ensure safe, efficient operation.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on June 14, 2017 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Has Non-Integrated Solenoid
- Wireless Remote Switch & Damper Blanket & Winch Cover
CONS
- Not fairly priced
How to choose the right size winch for your truck?
To get an approximation of the right truck winch size, first, multiply the weight of the vehicle by 1.5, and then the resulting number is the amount of capacity that fits your requirements for shopping.
Right Truck Winch Size = (Weight of Truck) * 1.5.
Purchasing an ideal truck winch is to look for great affordability and endurability. It would be even better if it were light and tiny yet powerful enough to move the big vehicles. It would always run cool and never put undue pressure on the vehicle’s electrical system.
Buyer’s Guide
Pulling Capacity
You cannot draw a big-duty vehicle with a winch designed to haul merely a tiny passenger car. As a result, you must comprehend the vehicle’s weight. It is best not to pick a winch with a weight pulling capacity of fewer than 8000 pounds for hauling trucks. We propose that you start with 10,000 pounds. Select a winch that has a minimum 1.5 times strength greater than your truck.
The 1.5X rule establishes a minimum rating. For greater safety, choose one with a higher pulling capacity. If you’re still unsure, acquire a winch with a higher pull capability. When selecting a truck winch, we recommend that you at least twice the weight of your truck. As a result, the winch experiences less stress and lasts longer.
Type of rope or cable
It is a key consideration when selecting a truck winch. There are two options: wire cable or synthetic rope.
Steel Cable
The most common rope is constructed of carbon steel strands. It is widely used because it is resistant to heat and abrasion, is affordable, and requires little care. Wire cable has a longer lifespan than synthetic rope.
When handling a wire cable, users must wear gloves. One significant issue with wire cable is that it retains energy. That implies that if a wire cable snaps, it has the potential to serve someone in half. It is also denser than synthetic rope. To improve safety, you must purchase a winch dampener.
Synthetic Rope
Synthetic rope first appeared in the offroad business in the 1990s. Because of its safety features, it has grown in popularity among off-roaders. Synthetic rope is lightweight, flexible, safer, and simpler to handle than wire cable.
The key advantage is that it does not retain energy in the same way as wire cable does. That is, if it snaps, it will not do significant harm. Furthermore, if it breaks, you may fix it immediately. This is a significant advantage of synthetic rope, particularly in emergency circumstances.
Electric vs Hydraulic
Electric Winch
This is the most common form of the winch and is the first option for most truck owners. Most of the truck winches on this list are electric. The most significant benefit of an electric winch is its adaptability.
Though electric winches are not as strong as hydraulic winches, it is quite popular because of its adaptability and efficiency. It is incredibly simple to set up. You can quickly reinstall the electric winch if you need to move it from your truck to another vehicle.
The battery in the truck powers the electric winch. As a consequence, you can power it without adding a hydraulic pump. You will also want a robust winch battery for this purpose. An electric winch has a huge additional benefit because of the lack of need for the vehicle’s engine. The electric one costs less than a hydraulic winch even though both have the same pull capacity.
Hydraulic Winch
These are less popular in the trucking industry. The running of the truck engine is required to power a hydraulic winch[5] to tow your car. Hydraulic truck winches are more costly than electric winches and more complex to install. However, it has a lot of pulling strength.
Size
Choosing the correct size winch for your vehicle or SUV isn’t as difficult as you would think. The overall objective is to increase the operating mass of your car from 9,000 lbs to 10,000 lbs. The winch works perfectly. Full-size vehicles should be able to tow 12,000 pounds or more.
The bigger the vehicle, the bigger the winch. You can shift to a smaller one if it suits your taste. The minimum would be to multiply your vehicle’s weight by 1.5 and find the closest match. This is a circumstance where you spot a great offer on a winch but aren’t sure if it will fit your vehicle.
Remember that the pulling power of the winch is evaluated with one layer of winch cable remaining on the spool. The winch’s maximum pulling power is not available with a full spool.
Well that’s all about truck winch. If you wish to read more about what is truck winch and how to use it properly then you can refer the below mentioned guides
Verdict
After testing more than 15 truck winches, I feel the Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC 17500 lbs is the best truck winch for its 17,500 lb capacity, high-performance 6.6 hp motor and durable construction. This winch is known for its reliability and has quickly become a top choice among truck owners who demand the best in terms of power and longevity.
Summary
You learned about the 10 best truck winches in the market, based on factors such as capacity, performance, durability, and affordability. The top picks included companies like Smittybilt and winches by Warn. Each winch is unique in its features and capabilities, but they all have one thing in common: they are reliable, durable, and powerful. Whether you’re an off-roading enthusiast or just need a winch for your truck, this article provides a comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision.
References
What is Powder Coating? – Powder Coating Institute. (n.d.). The Powder Coating Institute. https://www.powdercoating.org/page/WhatIsPC
Lesics. (2017, February 28). Understanding PLANETARY GEAR set ! [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ARd-Om2VyiE
Monza Media . (n.d.). Rope Info. Southern Ropes. https://southernropes.com/ropeinfo
Beyer, M. (2022, November 29). Definition of the IP68 rating in theory and practice – WIKA blog. WIKA Blog. https://blog.wika.com/general/definition-ip-68-rating/?doing_wp_cron=1692800370.4523510932922363281250
Smith-Wong, K. (2015, August 7). Which winch – hydraulic or electric? Offshore Technology. https://www.offshore-technology.com/contractors/lifting/winches-inc/pressreleases/presswhich-winch-hydraulic-electric/#:~:text=A%20hydraulic%20winch%20is%20powered,power%20to%20handle%20it%20effectively
