A weekend get-away could turn downright ugly the minute your trailer gets stuck in the mud or snow, and you don't have a car trailer winch. Especially when you realize it's just you and your partner and daughter outback- no bros to help you push, you're all on your own. To avoid scenarios along with this strain of nightmares, you'll need to invest in the best winch for car trailer hauling to help you effortlessly pull your car or truck from pitfalls.
What is the best winch to put on a car trailer?
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What is a Car Trailer or Hauler Winch?
A trailer winch is a device that's used to pull and lift either a dead car, pull your car out of the mud snow or pull car trailers. The winch for car trailer hauling comes with a hook attached to the cable and with a motor as well. A car trailer winch is also referred to as a buckle.
As a tool that hauls your car, a trailer winch has to be also heavy-duty. By attaching it to your car's bumper or on the trailer ramp, you can use it to haul away your car. The cable's hook is then used to hold the other car that you're pulling or towing. Then a powerful winch motor that matches your winch capacity is used to remove the car or heavy object.
1. Smittybilt X2O COMP - Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch - 10,000 lb. Load Capacity
Smittybilt X2O COMP - Waterproof Synthetic Rope Winch - 10,000 lb. Load Capacity
- Your purchase includes: Smittybilt X20 Comp Synthetic Rope Winch,...
- Winch can be operated with the remote or manually
- Technical Specification: 6.6 HP Amphibious motor, 3-Stage...
- Overall Dimensions: 22.3"L x 5.4"W x 9.4" H. Mounting Bolt...
- Completely Waterproof, state-of-the-art 500AMP Solenoid
The Smittybilt (98510) x2o comp is efficient, strong, and one of the best high-quality winches in the market that comes as a waterproof synthetic rope winch. In addition, it comes with a rated pulling capacity of 10,000 lbs. load capacity, an IPX8 waterproof rating, and several more impressive features, such as an incomparably higher HP motor. Overall, these features make it one of the strongest winches that are perfect if you're planning on pulling car trailers or hauling huge vehicles.
Additionally, this winch for car trailer hauling comes in stainless steel hardware with a synthetic rope, making it even more efficient and powerful. It also has a rope sleeve, a forged hook, an integrated wireless remote control that allows you to use it at a safe distance. Finally, it has a revolutionary 3-stage differential planetary gear train system for ultimate power and a quiet operation.
It has a quick and super easy installation process that not only easily fits jeeps but trucks and SUVS as well. As a great quality winch, you'd be happy to know that it's an affordable winch making it an excellent pick.
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2. Superwinch 1585202 LP8500 Winch
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Superwinch 1585202 LP8500 Winch
- 12 VDC/4.5 hp weather-sealed series wound motor with a 8,500-lb...
- 94' of 5/16" steel wire rope with heavy-duty latched hook and...
- 15' rubber handheld remote for safe operating distances
- Weather-sealed solenoid and circuit breaker
- Powder-coated hawse fairlead and a free spooling lever action...
The Superwinch car trailer winch is one of the best car trailer winches in the market. It's an outstanding hauling option for a lot of trucks and cars that are stuck on off-road terrain. On top of its huge load-hauling capacity at 8,500 lb, it also comes with multiple features that top over rival off-road haulers.
For a start, it comes with a 4.5 hp motor, which is a monster winch capacity for incredible hauling power. So as not to fail you, it has a breezy and easy connection to the car battery it's backed by. Additionally, it comes with an all-metal 3-stage circular gear train and a lever-action-free spooling clutch that will allow you to manually pull out the winch rope if you need to.
It also comes with an impressive trailer winch rope length that's metallic and 94 inches in length. This makes it possible to haul whatever you want from a good distance. In addition, its trailer winch stands out since it has safety features such as an auto-load holding brake mechanism.
This greatly minimizes the possibility of your rope slipping even in situations such as a power failure. It also comes with a rubber remote switch that's connected to the 15-foot long cable, which enables you to operate the winch while still maintaining a safe distance between the hauler and you as the user. Overall, this is the best winch for car trailer pick, especially if you have a truck and car that's stuck on off-road terrain.
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3. Superwinch 1130220 LT3000 12V DC Winch
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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're looking for a durable, good-quality car hauler that's both lightweight and has great winch features at a reasonable price, then this is also a great option to consider. The Superwinch 1130220 LT3000 12V DC winch comes with a 3000lbs of load capacity, a low amperage permanent magnet motor, and 1.2 HP.
It uses both a mechanical and dynamic braking system for a fully automatic load-holding mechanism. With these features, the Superwinch (1130220) LT3000atv winch is perfect if you want to use it for an ATV or UTV or any other small application. Although it's designed to be mounted on an ATV using a winch mount plate kit, you can also easily install it on your UTV or put them side-by-side.
It also comes with a durable, heavy-duty 3/16-inch 50 feet long stainless-steel rope, a handlebar-mounted rocker switch, and a heavy-duty 4-way roller fairlead. The inclusion of all these features and an additional handheld remote makes this one of the best electric winches, based on its price to performance ratio.
Overall, the user will enjoy how user-friendly and quiet it is. Moreover, as one of the best car winches, its excellent power motor makes it such a reliable and highly versatile winch that's all-purpose for either trailers or sports vehicles.
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4. WARN 103250 VR EVO 8 Electric 12V DC Winch
WARN 103250 VR EVO 8 Electric 12V DC Winch with Steel Cable Wire Rope: 5/16" Diameter x 90' Length,...
- Standard duty winch with a steel cable and an 8, 000 lb....
- Powerful series-wound motor and planetary gear train deliver...
- High-performance Albright contactor delivers maximum reliability;...
- Features IP68-rated waterproof construction, two-in-one remote...
- Designed, engineered, and tested in the USA; Limited lifetime for...
WARN is one of the USA's best car hauler winches and off-road product manufacturers. This model was proudly designed and engineered in the USA. The WARN 103250 VR EVO 8 12v is an electric winch that's top-tier in the line of heavy-duty hauler winches that can either pull out or lift 2-door jeeps or relatively light SUVs from whatever situation.
This is the best car hauler winch in the standard-duty section, with a stable 8 000 lb winch capacity. It is stable and also uses a durable steel wire rope. Moreover, it's a high-performance Albright contactor with a powerful series-wound motor that uses a lower amp draw to deliver a faster line speed for maximum reliability.
This is more than enough for most jeeps and medium-scale trucks. Additionally, you don't have to worry about the installation. It has an easy installation and operation that's aided by the dual remote control mode that gives you both wired and wireless remote control options.
This trailer winch is constructed using highly waterproof and corrosion-resistant materials and durable and mechanical parts. Like all reputable trailer winches, it also comes with an impressive warranty.
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5. Superwinch 1145220 Terra 45 Winch
Superwinch 1145220 Terra 45 ATV & Utility Winch (4500lbs/2046kg Rating)
- Sealed solenoid with circuit breaker
- Fit type: Vehicle Specific
- 55' of 1/4" steel wire rope with ergonomic cam action...
- High-efficiency, low amp draw, sealed 1.6 hp permanent magnet...
The Superwinch 1145220 Terra 45 winch is another one of the best winch for car trailers that's durable and electric. It's rated line pull is at 2046kg/ 4,500-lb. This powerful trailer winch efficiently supplies high-end power with better efficiency, durability and versatility.
It not only functions perfectly with ATVs but also with other small vehicles, in whatever weather. Besides its Smart design clock motors, Terra winches also come with steel reinforced drums on both its steel cable and synthetic ropes versions. It has all the standard features that make it an efficient car trailer winch that's ideal for light to medium-heavy vehicles.
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6. Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Winch | 9,500 Pound Load Capacity
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...
The Smittybilt 97495 XRC is also one of the best car trailer winch options that's durably built, powerful, weatherproof, and affordably priced. This is a popular, high-quality, electric trailer winch with reliable performance for easy winching or pulling of heavy load cars and trucks. This is definitely the right car trailer winch for whatever weather, even if it's raining or muddy or if the car is in shallow waters.
This is a high capacity winch with a relatively high, rated line pull that uses a 6.6hp amphibious motor with a 9500lbs load capacity, making it powerful enough for heavy-duty operations. In addition, it also has an IPX7 waterproof rating, 4-way roller fairlead, uses a state-of-the-art 5000 amp solenoid, and 3-stage planetary gear train system \that makes it even more ideal for all-terrain winching.
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7. WARN (89120) ZEON 12 Multi-Mount Trailer Winch
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Warn 89120 ZEON 12 Winch with Wire Rope - 12000 lb. Capacity
- Uniquely balanced 12000 pounds winch with wire rope and roller...
- Design is consistent throughout the entire winch with the same...
- Convertible control pack can be attached to winch or remotely...
- Black powder-coated finish and stainless steel fasteners and...
- Large aluminum winch drum is lightweight and reduces rope wear
The WARN (89120) ZEON 12 multi-mount trailer winch is another product from WARN, a reputable brand that's known for its winches for car trailers and off-road products. This 12000-pound new WARN winch is advanced, reliable and capable enough to haul away car trailers in whatever situation. It comes with a newly designed planetary gear train and a series-wound motor that can.
This is one of the best car trailer winches that comes in a satin-black cast-aluminum finish that uses stainless steel fasteners and a clutch. It also comes in an improved muck-busting seal that makes it completely weatherproof and corrosion-resistant.
WARN (89120) ZEON 12 is a multi-mount trailer that comes with a convertible control pack. This control pack can be separately mounted or attached by distributing the car's weight on different winch mounting options. Additionally, it comes with a large diameter winch aluminum drum and an integrated rope anchor point that protects its rope from damage by not adding too much weight and gives you an easy rope replacement.
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8. Superwinch (1595200) Tiger Shark Car Winch
Superwinch 1595200 Tiger Shark 9500 Winch
- Weather sealed 5.2 HP motor reduces damage from rain, snow and...
- Weather sealed solenoid (contactor) reduces damage from rain,...
- Heavy duty 12 feet rubber hand-held remote; field proven design...
- Heavy duty stainless steel roller fairlead; brushed finish...
- Ergonomically shaped free-spool control; easy to grip and...
The Superwinch (1595200) Tiger Shark car winch is another robust, sturdy, and durable trailer winch option. Like the other Superwinch car trailers equipped with high-quality parts, this particular winch is also high in quality and comes with a 9,500-pound hauling power. In addition, it uses 3 stages and includes a 4-stage speed control planetary gear system that makes this perfect for smoothly hauling away small vehicles.
Additionally, it has a unique stainless steel design that's ergonomically designed using a free-spool control and weatherproof protection features. These features not only make it ultra-reliable but also easy to use. This also makes it durable compared to the standard winches since there are reduced chances of damage from rain, dust, or snow.
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9. WARN (87800) M8000-S Series 12V Electric Winch
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WARN 87800 M8000-S Series Electric 12V Winch with Synthetic Rope: 3/8" Diameter x 100' Length, 4 Ton...
- Equipped with 100 feet of Warn Spydura synthetic rope
- Includes a ballistic nylon sliding sleeve that provides extra...
- 8,000 pounds of pulling capacity
- Rubberized ergonomic pistol-grip remote control handle is weather...
- Series-wound high speed motor provides fast line speed and strong...
This is an 8000-pound pull capacity hailing wich that comes with a 3-stage gearbox and 100-ft long warn Spydura synthetic rope that's heavy-duty. Additionally, the synthetic ropes are polished aluminum hawse fairlead and a roller fairlead making the WARN (87800) M8000-s series 12v electric winch one of the best options for most jeeps or other relatively small off-road vehicles since it gives a fast line speed and a strong pull in the perfect alignment.
This electric winch comes in a relatively low-weight construction design with a separate control box. This feature not only allows a wide range of mounting options but also makes it an ideal pick for a lot of SUVs, jeeps, trucks, or 4×4-wheel drives. It also features an automatic brake and 12-foot lead rubber pistol-grip, and remote control handle for a more ergonomic and comfortable grip. But, again, this is most ideal for a lot of scenarios.
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When Buying The Best Winch For A Car Trailer
A) What's The Purpose?
Different winches cater for different uses. For instance, you'll use different winches to haul vehicles that are in different situations, such as getting out of deep mud or hauling it onto the back of a truck.
B) What's The Winch Size?
The size of your car determines which type of winch and size will suit your vehicle. So, a smaller SUV or lightweight truck will need a smaller winch and vice versa.
C) What's The Winch Type?
There are two main types of winches, which include;
i) Hydraulic winch
A hydraulic winch gives you a high load-carrying capacity with considerably far more power, but it also comes with a higher cost and level of maintenance. On the other hand, hydraulic winches are highly versatile, durable, and powerful enough to pull out heavy-duty cars without experiencing any issues such as overheating. It can also be used for long periods.
ii) Electric winch
Basically, an electric winch doesn't come with a power source of its own. Instead, it's linked and powered by linked your car or truck's battery. It works great for low to mid-size cars. They are generally lightweight and cheaper to buy, but on the downside, they can't operate for long periods continuously.
D) What Rope Types?
Rope types come in 2 options that can be used to pull different weight capacities. These include;
i) Synthetic rope
The synthetic rope is a relatively new trend and type of cable that's used in winching nowadays. It's super strong, much lighter and friendlier to use. It usually comes in an electric winch, so it also saves on cost while increasing the frequency in a reasonably decent load capacity.
ii) Steel cable
Compared to the synthetic ropes, a galvanized steel rope or wire cable rope is an old-school traditional rope that's much easier to maintain. These cables are more suited for pulling heavy-duty and have a higher pull capacity. They are extremely durable and much cheaper.
Frequently Asked Questions On The Best Winch For Car Trailer Hauling
1. How to best attach a winch to the car trailer?
Different trailers come with different mounting options. However, the car trailer winch can be installed in either of these ways;
i) Put the winch on your trailer railing with a receiver hitch mount
ii) Mount on the trailer's floor bed by placing the mounting plate for the winch
2. How do you wire the winch on the trailer?
To do this, you'll need the proper wiring to your car trailer winch that connects to the vehicle battery or an auxiliary battery. You can follow these steps;
i) Connect your power cable to the (+ve) terminal of the winch
ii) The ground wire to the (–ve) post
iii) Drive the opposite wire ends to your trailer coupler
PS: You can also wire a winch without the solenoid