Winches FAQ

What size winch do I need for my trailer?

Match the winch's rated line pull to the load. A rolling vehicle takes far less pull than its weight, but dead weight, an incline, or a stuck machine takes much more — so leave real margin above your typical load rather than sizing to the bare minimum. Remember a winch is rated on the first layer of cable; the pull drops as the drum fills. The parts counter can size one if you bring what you load and how.

Electric or hand winch — which should I get?

A hand winch is cheap, simple, and plenty for boats and light equipment you load occasionally. An electric winch earns its cost when the loads are heavy, frequent, or dead weight — it wires to a battery and pulls at the push of a switch. If you load disabled vehicles, electric is the practical answer.

Should I run steel cable or a synthetic strap on my winch?

Steel cable is durable and abrasion-resistant but stores enormous energy if it snaps, and frayed strands will cut bare hands. Synthetic rope and straps are lighter, safer if they fail, and easier to handle, but they need protection from sharp edges and UV. Either way, replace it at the first sign of kinks, broken strands, or fraying — the line is the cheapest part of the winch.