Are you having a hard time loading heavy objects on your truck bed? Would you like to use a simplified option to avoid using your muscle? Use a 12-volt winch to maximize your truck's full capabilities and avoid breaking a sweat where not needed.
In this article, we have examined and come up with 12-volt winches that can fit on your truck bed and give you the benefit of towing, pulling and hoisting. However, before we get into the product review, let us discuss some of the features and applications of a 12-volt winch so that you can get a clear understanding of this article.
Features And Applications Of A 12 Volt Winch
dirty hook winch bumper atv in the forest
You can use an electric winch for a vehicle with a 12-volt system. In addition, you can also mount a winch on the mounting plate of a trailer. If you use a volt battery, you will get enough power supply. The electricity from the battery provides 12 volts that can power an electric motor.
The motor drives a reduction gear that turns the winch drum with a high traction force. The force tightens and spools the steel winch cable or the synthetic winch rope onto the winch drum.
A 12-volt winch has a traction force that ranges from 800 to 5200kgs. It is worth noting that the electrical current consumption of a 12-volt winch can be very high; thus, you should size the electrical cables accordingly. All winch vehicles have a freewheel mechanism that houses the winch drum. The freewheel function allows the coiled cable to unroll very quickly manually.
If you mount a winch on a vehicle, ensure that the mounting can withstand the car's maximum load.
In most cases, you can operate a 12-volt electric winch using a wired remote control that its manufacturer usually provides. You can use the wired remote to gear the winch forward or backward. The only downside of the wired remote control is that it has a limited cable length, limiting you to observing the object you are pulling from a distance.
However, if you want to solve this problem, you can opt for wireless remote control. Using the handheld wireless remote control is easier and more convenient since you can carry it around with you; it helps you work near the object you pull. The wireless remote control operates up to 50 meters away from the winch.
You can use a 12-volt winch for a wide variety of applications. These types of winches are usually used with a cable or a rope. You have to put a hook at the end of the wire cable or the synthetic rope and then attach it to the object you want to pull.
The hook connects the object securely, enabling the inching process to succeed. For instance, if you use a recovery vehicle, you can use a 12-volt electric winch to pull a car to a ramp or rescue a stranded vehicle on the roadside. In addition, you can use the winches on the trailer parts to help load heavy rollable objects such as a quad bike or a car.
If you are in the forestry sector, a 12-volt winch can come in handy when you want to pull felled trees out of the forest. In the fire brigades and relief organizations sector, a 12-volt winch can be useful in carrying out rescue operations or providing adequate disaster relief.
If you wonder how a 12-volt electrical winch can be useful to you, then the applications are numerous. Since there are already different 12-volt winches in the market that offer a variety of traction forces, you are sure to get the right winch for your intended applications.
Differences Between The Gearing Systems For 12 Volt Winches
A 12-volt winch has a reduction gear system that regulates the power transmission from the motor to the winch drum. In most cases, electric winches have a 3 stage planetary gearbox. A planetary gearbox is unique in its features and efficient in performance. In addition, it is advantageous since it is situated on one level parallel to the motor.
This makes it easier to mount a winch on a flat surface such as a mounting plate. First, however, you need to install a braking mechanism to hold the winch loading—the brake functions by preventing unintentional spooling out of the winch drum. You can opt for the worm gears at this stage since they have a major design advantage.
Worm gears are self-braking making it impossible for a winch drum to spool out under the load. Secondly, worm gears are particularly unique. The only downside of using the worm gears is that the gearbox sits lower than the feet of the 12-volt winch due to its construction, thus making it cumbersome during its installation; you may require extra effort in installation. Below are some of the best 12-volt electric winches in the market that you can shop for.
Is 12 volt winch worth it?
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The Best 12 Volt Winches
1. Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV
Sale
Superwinch 1130220 LT3000 12V DC WInch 3,000lb/1361kg Single Line Pull with Roller Fairlead, 3/16in...
- Rated line pull of 3,000 pounds
- Roller fairlead and mounting plate
- Sealed low amperage permanent magnet motor
- Includes both handle bar mounted rocker switch and handheld...
- Mechanical and dynamic brake
If you are looking for a brand that has been on the market for decades but still displays lasting quality, then there is no doubt that you should settle for the Superwinch. Over time, Superwinch has become a household name in the winching business due to the quality and affordability attributed by most customers. Of course, other winches provide top-notch winch experience, but the quality comes in exchange for a hefty price that not every customer can meet.
dirty hook winch bumper atv in the forest
This specific makes it inbuilt with a 12-volt current motor that is carefully sealed and protected. It draws a very low amperage of 180 Amps at a 3000 lbs pull while at the same time rocking the permanent magnet technology. It has a pulling capacity of 3000 lbs, perfect for pulling off-road vehicles such as ATVs and UTVs.
The Superwinch has a mechanical dynamic brake with a handle, bar-mounted rocker switch and a handheld remote with a 12-foot lead range. Apart from the feature mentioned above, Superwinch 12 volt winch has a mounting plate, a sealed solenoid, a free spooling clutch and a clevis pinned latched hook that comes in the whole package.
The cable is a steel wire 50 feet long and 3/16 " thick. In addition, the Superwinch 12-volt winch comes with a 2-year limited warranty on its mechanical components and a year warranty on its electrical components.
The winch has a sleek design that makes the installation process to be a little easier. Also, the unit follows a universal mounting pattern that makes it easier for you to mount it on most winch mounts. Generally, if you purchase the Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV, be certain that you will regret it. However, you will be getting value for your money by purchasing a quality product for an affordable price.
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2. Smittybilt Gen 2 XRC
Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch | 9,500 Pound Load Capacity
- Your purchase includes One Smittybilt GEN2 XRC Winch, 97495 model...
- Winch dimensions: 22.3” L x 5.4” W x 9.4” H | Product...
- Completely Waterproof, state-of-the-art 500AMP Solenoid
- Kit comes complete with all wiring required for installation....
- Smittybilt offers a limited lifetime for replacement to the...
If you are looking for a winch brand that will give you value for your money, then it is time you settled for the Smittybilt brand. Smittybilt provides a great value at a very lower cost. Over the year, manufacturers from the Smittybilt winch category have come up with winches, but none of them can beat the XRC model that has proven to be the best.
The 12-volt electric winch packs more power than the previous model, with a pulling capacity of up to 9500 lbs. It has a three-stage planetary gear system, a four-way roller fairlead and a 6.6 HP in the 12-volt series motor. Every material you may require for the installation process is included in the package. The solenoid is completely sealed and is waterproof with an IP67 rating.
The product has a limited lifetime warranty on most mechanical parts and a 3-year warranty on the electrical components. Another additional information is that the winch rock a sliding ring gear, an automatic in the drum brake and a textured black finish.
As for the winch cable, the Smittybilt comes with a 94 feet long 5/16-long steel cable. Compared to other 12-volt winches in the market, the Smittybilt GEN XRC packs many punches. It is very easy to install and gives you maximum performance. Its exceptional waterproofing does not hurt either.
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3. WARN 92000 Winch
Sale
WARN 92000 Vehicle Mounted 2000 Series 12V DC Electric Utility Winch with Steel Cable: 1 Ton (2,000...
- Small in size so you can mount in tight spots
- 1.6 horsepower permanent magnet DC motor
- Differential planetary gear train; 12-volt power for portability;...
- Ideal for use on trailers or hitch mounts
- 35 feet of 3/16" (10.7m of 4.7mm) wire rope with hook and clasp...
If you are an off-road rider, Warn's brand name is familiar to you in terms of the best electric winches. You can compare Warn in the winching industry to Rolex in the watch industry. Of all the best winches manufacturers, Warn stands out as the most trusted brand by many winch users. Although Warn products tend to be generally more expensive than other brands, their prices justify the quality of their winches.
The Warn moel 92000 is a small size with a pulling power of 2000 lbs. The size of this winch makes it perfect to fit anywhere on your trailer. In addition, it has a 1.6 HP permanent magnet that has a direct current motor, making it ideal for use in small vehicles.
The Warn 92000 feature a differential planetary gear train. Since it is a compact utility winch, it has a 3-foot-long steel wire cable 3/16 inches in diameter. Its package includes a hook, clasp, corded remote control and a hawse fairlead.
Although the winch is very small but portable, it boasts a lot of pulling power that makes it convenient.
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4. Keeper Corporation KT2000 Trakker
KEEPER Electric Winch, 2,000 lb. Single Line Pull, 12V DC, Black
- 50’ of 5/32” Galvanized Wire Rope with hook and safety latch
- 2,000 lbs. Single layer line pull, 13.5 FPM line speed (no load)
- 1.2 HP 12V motor
- Single stage planetary gear box, 153:1 gear ratio, all metal gear...
- Full-load holding dynamic brake
Here is another 12-volt winch from a highly recognized brand by winch manufacturers. The Keeper corporation manufactures the Keeper 12-volt electric winch, and it is known for its affordability. The unit is known for its 2000 pulling capacity, and its manufacturers have proven that it can last up to 20% longer than average winches. The motor can only pack one horsepower, but from its appearance, it looks quite powerful for its size and price. It features a handheld remote control and a hand-saver strap as part of the package.
It can serve you as a utility winch as you can use it for other purposes apart from pulling vehicles. For example, you can use it for ATV snow plowing. The 12-volt winch also boasts a robust design as it has its drum mounted on the side. It doesn't have a fairlead, but it is a portable winch that you can use at your convenience.
The installation process of this winch is quite easy, considering that the wires come in color codes. The winch also features an in-built circuit breaker that protects it from common electrical issues. In addition, it has a dynamic brake system that can hold a fully loaded cable. The KT2000 Trakker includes a football wire cable, a hook, a manual and a hardware kit.
The product may be from a fairly unknown brand, but the winch will shock you with its ultimate performance.
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5. PACIFIC 12 VOLT WINCH DH-120
Landworks Electric Towing Winch Hoist Portable Cordless 1000 lbs 1/2 Ton Max Weight Brushless Motor...
- PROFESSIONAL SPECS - This Portable Winch is a DC 48V 550W 12A...
- POWERFUL DESIGN - Our Brushless Motor utilizes Steel planetary...
- EXCELLENT EFFICIENCY - Fast charge times and versatile climate...
- SAFE and PROPER USE - Utilize the Locking Knob and Emergency Shut...
The pacific 12-volt winch is a heavy-duty electrical winch that works perfectly in small trucks and other utilities to eliminate the need for manual lifting and pulling.
The winch is constructed from heavy-duty material that creates a high performance with low maintenance. As a result, the winch is suited for various applications apart from loading and heavy loading materials.