When it comes to transporting vehicles like a car trailer, a winch can be an invaluable tool for loading and unloading cars and trailers. There are many winches on the market, but not all are equal. In this article, we will explore the top seven winches for car trailers, taking into account factors such as weight capacity, durability, and ease of use. Whether you’re a professional car hauler or a DIY enthusiast, there’s sure to be a winch on this list that will meet your needs.
Which is Best winch for car trailer?
Smittybilt X2O COMP (10,000lbs) winch is the best car trailer winch due to its high capacity and fast line speed, allowing for quick and efficient vehicle recovery. Additionally, its waterproof construction and durable design make it reliable in even the toughest conditions.
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 pull capacity needed to handle the trailer’s weight, Line speed and the build quality to see durability. Only products that scored more than 7 were chosen.
Best car trailer winches
FOR ENCLOSED TRAILER
Champion 4500 lbs
- Two-year guarantee
- Heavy duty winch
- Dynamic braking
Best winch
Smittybilt X2O COMP
- IP68 rating
- Remote controllable
- Inductive braking system
BEST FOR MONEY
Bravex 12V 3500lb
- Wired and wireless control
- 5 yr warranty
- Weather resistance
This winch features a 6.6 hp motor with a load-hauling capability of 10,000 lbs. It has an IP68[1] classification, which means it is dust and water proof. It has a dimension of 14.5 x 24 x 11.5 inches.
The length of the cord in this winch is about 98 feet, with a thickness of 9.5mm.
It boasts high efficiency, outstanding build quality, hawse fairlead, a large motor capacity, and numerous other attributes that make it a good car trailer winch. It’s main body is made of aluminum and comes with nylon synthetic rope.
Synthetic ropes have the strength to lift extremely big weights. The wireless system of this winch gives an upper hand to manage it from a range. Ultimately, it’s an excellent winch that will always come in handy for both on and off-road trailer towing and vehicle rescue.
It is a near-perfect car trailer winch. It is intended to suit the majority of vehicles like jeeps and cars. However, if any parts are broken, the cost of replacement parts might be rather significant. Come with a warranty of whopping 5 years. It is the best winch for car trailer.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Durability
In my experience of using the Smittybilt X2O COMP winch, I was thoroughly impressed with the performance. The high weight capacity and fast line speed make vehicle recovery quick and efficient. The wireless remote control is convenient, and the durable construction gave me confidence in its reliability for years to come.
Product Timeline : The winch was first launched on April 30, 2014 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- IP68 waterproof rating
- Remote controllable
- Inductive braking system
- Electrical warranty of 5 years
CONS
- Spare components are expensive.
2. Best winch for enclosed car trailer: Champion Power Equipment (4500 lbs)
Getting an auto winch from a trusted organization then this is a solid choice. This winch kit provides an excellent performance as well as all of the attachments required for an uncomplicated winching experience, even for a first-timer.
It has an adaptable 12-volt DC engine and a rated line draw of 2000 pounds. It’s dimensions are 9.5 x 7.5 x 10 inches. If you need to operate the winch manually, Champion has you covered with the integrated hand crank. It includes an epicyclic gear system[2] with a line speed that ranges from 1.7 to 4.5 feet per minute at full weight to no load.
It also includes an adapter plate so you may quickly attach your winch or to your trailer. It may be easily removed and stored without any complicated procedures. The incorporated carry handle simplifies the transfer of this winch kit in the worst circumstances. It comes with an extended battery wire for easy connection to the automobile and a remote switch to operate it from a safe distance.
This is very apt for abrasive terrain like rocks or sand, which is equipped with a 30-foot steel cable that is very less prone to fraying. Shop this winch with conviction, including free lifetime technical assistance and a two-year limited guarantee.
The ideal winch for a covered vehicle is this one. This car hauler winch that hasn’t gotten too many grievances is this one. The majority of past purchasers were pleased with this product. They appreciated it because of the winch’s load capacity, heavy duty build quality, and extra features that are uncommon in all other alternatives in this category.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Durability
My friend had an enclosed car trailer and I tested Champion Power Equipment-12090 Winch Kit to get the experience. I found it to be a reliable and versatile product. The 2000-lb weight capacity is suitable for small vehicles, and the winch compact size makes it easy to store. However, the line speed is quite slow, which can be frustrating when in a hurry. Overall, it’s a good product for its price point.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on May 29, 2014 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- It includes free lifetime technical assistance and a two-year limited guarantee.
- Heavy duty winch at a reasonable price
- Dynamic braking system
CONS
- The installation supplies are of poor quality.
3. Best warn winch for car trailer: Warn 5000 DC Electric Winch (5000 Lbs)
They offer so many high-quality winches that it would be hard to include just one Warn winch. It has a load capacity of 5000 pounds. It has both the function of wired and wireless remote control system. It includes 60 feet of steel wire rope and a strong 3 stage planetary gear system, making it an unrivaled load capacity.
Features a powerful 1. 9 horsepower permanent magnet motor, hawse fairlead, long-lasting, dynamic, and hydraulic brakes for superior control, holding power, and other features. This electric winch is available in both corded and cordless versions. The design and characteristics of this winch are its key selling points. This was designed to be both compact and mobile.
This is by far the most effective electric winch for car trailers. The customers stated that the 5000-pound loading capacity was an important factor and sufficient for them. Many prior purchasers like it due to its unique features, such as its portability and performance. You should absolutely look into this one.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Durability
Of the many electric winches Warn 5000 DC Electric Winch was the one I picked and found it is near to perfect for most small to mid-sized vehicles, and the line speed is impressively fast. The winch is durable and reliable, making it a great investment for those who need to tow vehicles regularly and are seeking an electric winch. The only drawback is its high price point.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on April 17, 2018 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- It has an electric winch
- It is quite strong and has a great pulling force
- Portable but potent
- The performance is quick and smooth
CONS
- Expensive
4. Best car trailer winch for the money: Bravex Electric 12V 3500lb
The Bravex electric winch might be a genuine deal if you’re seeking a high-end electrical winch. It has a hauling force of 3500 pounds. It also features a cabled as well as a wireless remote control system. It is compatible with a 3.13-inch mounting bolt pattern.
This winch comes with a 12v DC series wound motor, 3 stage planetary gear train, a four-way roller fairlead, a forged metal hook, an auto-in-drum brake, a permanent magnet motor, and other features. This car trailer winch’s key characteristic is that it may be used as both a movable and a perpetual winch.
The winch comes with a galvanized steel wire rope with a diameter of 5.3 mm and a length of 40 feet. Everything in this trailer is sealed fully from any damage. As a result, no outside factors will be able to harm those critical components of the equipment.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Durability
In my opinion, Bravex Electric 12V 3500lb winch is a product that does justice to its price point. The weight capacity is sufficient for most small to mid-sized vehicles, and the line speed is decent. The winch is compact and easy to install, making it a great option for those with limited storage space and are looking for a budget winch. However, the remote control’s range is quite limited, which can be inconvenient at times.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on June 13, 2017 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Both wired and wireless remote control
- 5-year limited lifetime warranty
- Water and weather resistance
- It is simple to install and may also be used as a portable winch.
CONS
- You must go slowly when rewinding the cord to the drum.
Other Top picks
5. RUGCEL (3500 lbs)
The RUGCEL is a versatile car trailer winch with many useful functions. The drawing range of this winch is 3500 lbs. It also has a 1.2 horsepower series wound motor.
Many innovative features are also included, such as a 3 stage planetary system with a 153:1 gear ratio, a cam-triggered clutch, an IP68 waterproof rating, blue-white zinc plated clevis hook, 4 way roller fairlead, an auto-in-drum braking system[3], and so on.
The finest feature of this winch is that it has two wireless remote controls. It has a wired remote control to use from a certain reach. It may be operated from a distance of around 50 feet. It also has a 48-foot-long steel rope attached to it.
Most people we interacted to expressed their opinions regarding both the favorable and bad elements of this winch. To begin with, many of them grumbled about the inadequate instruction booklet. However, the majority of satisfied customers stated the polar opposite.
They claim it is a strong winch but must be carefully mounted. In that scenario, you can seek expert assistance. They also noted that the cost of this winch is really affordable in comparison to the functions it provides.
If you are facing problems in mounting your winch on trailer, refer this guide
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Durability
After using the RUGCEL (3500 lbs) winch, I can say that it’s a reliable and affordable product. The weight capacity is suitable for small vehicles, and the line speed is near to decent. The winch is durable and easy to install, making it a great option for those who need a simple yet functional winch. The only drawback is the lack of a wireless remote control.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on April 21, 2018 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- Very reasonable in pricing
- It has two wireless remote controls.
- Completely waterproof winch.
CONS
- The instruction booklet is not sufficiently clear.
- The rope's quality is subpar.
6. Superwinch 1331200 UT3000 (3000 lbs)
It has a rated pulling capacity of 3000 pounds with a 0.9 Kw power motor. This includes attachments and features such as a differential planetary gear train, a 4-way roller fairlead, a 40-foot wire steel rope, a portable remote with a 12-foot cable, dynamic brakes, a clevis hook and more.
It is safeguarded against rain and wind in both solenoid and circuit breaker.
The Superwinch UT3000 is designed for most utility applications and may be permanently placed or used as a portable winch.
This item was admired by the present owners of this winch system. They noted that it is worthwhile because it has some significant high-end and uncommon features. When you combine these qualities with the UT3000’s low price, you get an excellent winch for light to medium circumstances, both recreational and professional. As a consequence, it is transparent that it is not a risky choice after all.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Durability
I have first hand experience of owning Superwinch 1331200 UT3000 (3000 lbs) winch, I found it to be a solid and dependable product. The weight capacity is suitable for most small vehicles, and the line speed is at par with the best. The winch is durable and easy to use, making it a great option for those who need a reliable winch at an affordable price. However, the wire rope is prone to fraying, which can be a safety hazard if not addressed.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on September 14, 2004 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- It is reasonably priced.
- Dynamic braking system
- Adjustable free spooling clutch.
CONS
- The instruction manual is deficient.
- The wire isn't of excellent quality.
7. WARN 92000 (2000 lbs)
Warn is very well-known for providing high-performance and high-quality off-roading equipment and gear. Similarly, this winch is a small, feature-rich, and strong vehicle trailer winch. It may be utilized in a variety of confined spaces because of its compact form factor. It has a loading capacity of up to 2000 pounds.
It has a 1.6 hp permanent magnet motor with a 35-foot-long stainless steel rope. It comes with a metal hook for more sturdiness and reliability. The gear of this winch is an epicyclic system. It also comes with a wired controller. Therefore, it is suitable for use on attachment installations or other restricted regions of a trailer.
Some consumers have complained that the rope’s quality was subpar. Also, the length of the remote’s cord might be increased. Other purchasers, on the other hand, were pleased.
They claim it is ideal if you need a winch that does not require a lot of areas to operate. In addition, one of them used this winch to load logs onto his trailer easily. It can vary its functions for numerous utilities for a car hauler winch.
My Opinion
Pull Capacity
Line Speed
Durability
I feel the brand Warn is one of those brands that require the least introduction. When reviewing WARN 92000 (2000 lbs) winch, I felt it was a reliable and durable product. The weight capacity is suitable for small vehicles, and the line speed is good. The winch is easy to use and install, and its compact size makes it easy to store. However, the remote control is not wireless, which can be inconvenient at times.
Product Timeline: The winch was first launched on February 14, 2014 and there have been slight revisions but nothing fundamentally.
PROS
- It is a well-known brand.
- Extremely affordable pricing
- Considering its diminutive form, it has incredible pulling power.
CONS
- Remote’s wire length is short
- Low grade steel cable
How to choose the right size winch for your car trailer?
Winch Size = Maximum weight of your vehicle x 1.5
The 1.5X rule is the standard across all winches. So if your vehicle is 3000 lbs then you should opt for 1.5 x 3000 = 4500 lbs capacity winch. This is just one aspect, there are several other factors you have to keep in mind when deciding the right size winch for your car trailer .
Crux: The winch load capacity should be 1.5 times the gross vehicle weight[4].
Buyer’s Guide
Pulling capacity
Every winch has its own weight pulling capacity, which is specified by the manufacturer. However, it is recommended that the load stay under 500 pounds. A winch with a load capacity of one-fourth of your vehicle’s curb weight is excellent. Any product that surpasses that ratio will be just acceptable.
Type of rope
You have two choices for pulling rope for the winch: synthetic rope or steel cable. For winching tasks, synthetic cables are extremely robust and lightweight. Furthermore, it adds a welcoming touch. On the other hand, synthetic ropes are easily accessible with electric winches and have a reasonable load capacity.
Steel cables, on the other hand, are ideal for carrying heavier loads. Stainless steel ropes are less challenging to sustain than other types of rope. Stainless Steel ropes are strong, inexpensive, and incredibly long-lasting.
Type of Winch - Electric vs Hydraulic
There are 2 types of winches in market: hydraulic and electric. Hydraulic winches, as the name implies, run on hydraulic pressure and do not require a large battery to function. These gadgets are extremely sturdy and are built to handle heavy duty jobs. These winches operate manually, giving you complete control over the pulling strength.
Hydraulic winch can support more weight than its electric competitors.
On the other hand, electric winches require external power sources and may support low to medium weight. They are quite simple to use. The electric winch is the most often utilized form of winch for jeeps, SUVs, and other offroad vehicles.
The electric motor placed in it is powered by the vehicle’s battery. These winches are capable of hauling numerous thousand-pound items, which is extremely useful in a trapped scenario. If you need to draw hefty loads, hydraulic winches are the way to go; otherwise, electrical winches will suffice.
Waterproof
Waterproofing is a means of keeping water out of your winch. Waterproofing is critical because it saves your winch from corrosion. It helps to minimize humidity within the winch, protecting goods from harm caused by humidity or water exposure. Winches are typically employed in difficult situations where your car is stuck in mud or loading and unloading car on a trailer, so ensure that the winch you choose should be properly insulated and completely waterproof.
FAQs
1. What do I need to know before buying?
Find out the winch’s load capacity that is appropriate for your vehicle. Make sure the product has a robust engine, an effective gear train, a sturdy rope, and waterproofing by carefully reading the product description. If you purchase an expensive winch, adequate warranty protection is required.
2. What should you not do with a winch?
Never cross a winch line, and when winching, keep a safe distance from the anchor point of the vehicle. It shouldn’t be used continually for extended periods since it might overheat and harm the motor. When you begin the winding procedure, you shouldn’t lose the rope because doing so might affect both the rope and the gear train.
3. How often should you run your winch?
Although electric winches may use up to 150 to 200 amps, they are seldom left running for very long. Use might last no longer than 10 minutes every day. Many sailors compute their electrical demands, multiply it by the amp-hours required by each electrical gadget, and then compare the result to the battery’s capacity.
4. How much pulling power do I require?
Even though electric winches may use 150–200 amps, they are rarely kept running for extended periods. No more than 10 minutes per day may be used. Many sailors estimate their total electrical needs, multiply that number by the number of amp-hours needed by each electrical device and then contrast the result with the battery’s capacity.
5. How to best attach a winch to the car trailer?
The mounting options for various car trailers vary. However, one of these two methods can be used to attach it to the car trailer:
- Mount the winch using a receiver hitch on the railing of your trailer.
- Install the mounting plate for the winch on the trailer’s floor bed.
6. How big of a winch do I need for a car trailer?
The weight of your car should be doubled as a rule of thumb. A winch with a 9,000–9,500 lbs load capacity may be used with midsize trucks. For full-size trucks, a winch with a minimum capability of 12,000 or 12,500 pounds is required.
7. Where do electric winches get power?
An electric winch generally uses a vehicle’s battery to power its motor. It will only function if the vehicle’s battery is charged, and an electric winch has the potential to deplete a battery quickly.
8. Is a deep-cycle battery good for winches?
Yes, winches benefit from deep-cycle batteries. The winches receive considerably greater pulling power from it, and they operate flawlessly. In this case, a 12V battery is an option.
9. How to take care of a winch cable?
Maintaining the set carrying capacity and taking care of a winch wire is incredibly simple. Using it correctly will also be beneficial. Avoid applying grease or lubricant to the cable since they are dangerous.
10. Should I choose synthetic ropes?
Yes, you must select synthetic ropes since they are sturdy, safe, lightweight and portable. If you often use the winch, its life expectancy will be between two and three years. Synthetic rope won’t rust, and maintenance is easy.
Verdict
The Smittybilt X2O COMP winch is considered the best for car trailers due to its high weight capacity of 10,000 lbs, fast line speed, and durable design. Its wireless remote control and synthetic rope also make it a convenient and safe option for those who need a high-performance winch.
Summary
While reviewing the winches for car trailers, we have included a range of winches in terms of pulling power, usefulness, and even price. Consequently, choosing the ideal product for your car trailer will be simple.
As a result, we can assure you that selecting any of the things on our list will leave you satisfied. Hopefully, this post has helped you comprehend the functions and attributes that you should consider before making a buying decision.
References
Polycase. (n.d.). IP68 waterproof rating. TechTalk Blog. https://www.polycase.com/techtalk/ip-rated-enclosures/ip68-waterproof-rating.html
Skill Lync. (2020, August 13). What is an Epicyclic Gearbox? | Skill-Lync [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDnATml2lHQ
speedkar99. (2017, September 28). How drum brakes work [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7aptDmOQ7U
Gonderman, J. (2021). GVWR vs. GCWR: What’s the Difference, and Why Does It Matter? MotorTrend. https://www.motortrend.com/how-to/gvwr-vs-gcwr/
