Which electric winch should you choose for your vehicle? Here’s what to consider
If you’re just starting with off-roading, you’ll probably find yourself driving into rough terrain completely unprepared. In fact, this will likely happen in most cases. At least until the moment when you get stuck for good and can’t get out without extra help. That’s when you’ll most likely realize that you need a winch. Alternatively, you can skip that stage by learning about winches now. So, why should you have one?
Why you need electric winch for your off-road vehicle
An electric winch is essential equipment for off-road vehicles. It allows you to pull your vehicle out of most traps, whether you’re stuck on rocks, sand, mud, snow, etc. It helps you recover from soft ground and lets you pull yourself onto solid surfaces when you’re hung up in a rut. Additionally, it can help you remove obstacles blocking your path.
Important!
Keep in mind, a winch is for pulling vehicles, not lifting loads.
Having a winch isn’t just helping others, you need to be able to help yourself too. This is why it’s crucial for at least one vehicle in your off-road group to have a winch installed. If you’re driving solo, it’s an absolute must.
Characteristics of a car winch: key features to consider
Now that we’ve discussed why a winch is essential for off-roading, it’s time to figure out which one to choose and what factors to consider when buying. Take your time here, because choosing the right winch for your vehicle, your needs, and your driving style is key for optimal performance and satisfaction.
Power source: Hydraulic or electric winch
First, let’s break down the two main types of winches: hydraulic and electric. Just to clarify, there are also manual winches, but it’s highly unlikely you’ll be able to pull your car with just muscle power—no matter how strong you are or how much adrenaline is rushing through your veins.
- Hydraulic winches – best known for high starting torque and high load capacity at low operating speeds. This means they are very precise for continuous work and for pulling extremely heavy loads out of tough situations. Hydraulic winch design requires the use of hydraulic oil, which means installing an additional pump or using a power steering pump, complicating the entire process. As a result, hydraulic winches are typically used for large, specialized vehicles, such as fire trucks, forestry vehicles, tow trucks, etc.
- Electric winches – with their own motor are usually a better choice for more general, everyday use with offroad vehicles. While they are prone to overheating and require breaks during intense use, they offer fast drum speeds, meaning quicker rope winding. Electric winches operation depends entirely on your vehicle’s battery, and they don’t need additional lubrication. They also provide enough pulling power for heavy, often highly modified off-road cars. Plus, they’re easier to install and use (especially with remote-controlled operation).
Important!
Winches rely on your vehicle’s battery, so you’ll need to upgrade it if the current one doesn’t meet the minimum power requirement (at least 650 amps). Also, don’t turn off your engine while using the winch.
Winch pulling capacity – can it handle the load?
When choosing a winch, the first question you should ask is: Can it handle the weight? The pulling capacity (rated line pull) is the most crucial factor when selecting the right model. It determines whether the winch and its rope can pull your vehicle. Be sure to account for your vehicle’s gross weight, but don’t stop there. You also need to consider the actual weight of the vehicle, including any added accessories (such as roof racks, rooftop tents, or other modifications).
Winch pulling capacity is usually measured in pounds (lbs) or kilograms (kg). For example, a winch with a 12,500 lbs capacity can pull 5669 kg.
How to calculate the required pulling capacity
To calculate the minimum pulling capacity needed for your vehicle, multiply its actual weight by 1.5. This means the winch’s pulling power should be 1.5 times the gross vehicle weight.
Important!
Min. Pulling Capacity = Vehicle Weight x 1.5
This formula will help you determine the right pulling capacity. If you’re unsure of your vehicle’s weight, here’s a tip: winches with a 9,500 lbs capacity work well for lighter off-road vehicles, mid-sized pickups, and SUVs with minimal modifications. Winches with a 12,500 lbs capacity are suitable for heavy cars, large pickups, expedition vehicles, and those with extensive modifications, like steel bumpers, rooftop tents, lifts, etc.
A fun fact: accessories like a snatch block can double your winch’s pulling capacity.
Winch rope – steel or synthetic?
Another important factor when choosing a winch is the type of rope. This decision shouldn’t be taken lightly, as the rope is the most crucial part of the winch—it bears the load while pulling the vehicle. You might think steel ropes are the better option due to their durability.
Steel ropes are known for their strength. However, they are prone to micro-damage, leading to rust and degradation if not properly maintained. They require regular care, such as oiling, to remain in good shape.
Despite their toughness and moisture resistance, steel ropes can store kinetic energy, making them dangerous if they snap, potentially causing severe injury. One reason for this is their tendency to fray, which can lead to painful injuries to the hands. But it can cause more serious harm. This is not just empty warning – improper use of a winch can result in fatal accidents, from broken teeth to even death. Steel ropes increase the risk of injury, although they are generally less likely to break.
Pros
- High durability and resistance to abrasion (provided the rope is regularly maintained)
- Doesn’t require frequent cleaning
- Resistant to sunlight and temperature changes
- Less likely to break
- Lower cost
Cons
- Low elasticity
- Prone to corrosion (requires frequent maintenance)
- Heavy
- Stores kinetic energy, making it less safe
- High friction during operation leads to faster wear of components
Synthetic ropes in most cases seem to be a more intuitive choice. These ropes are made from advanced polyethylene, not fabric. They are primarily appreciated for their light weight, ease of repair and untangling, ability to join with other ropes. However, its drawbacks include moisture and dirt absorption, a higher risk of breaking, higher cost, and lower resistance when in contact with challenging terrain elements.
Pros
- High flexibility and easy to wind onto a drum
- Lightweight
- Safer to use with a proper line damper
- Easy to repair quickly
Cons
- Low resistance to environmental conditions and temperatures (it can even freeze)
- Higher cost
- Higher risk of breaking
- Collects dirt, requires frequent cleaning
Rope length
You might think that the longest winch rope is the best, as it offers more options for connecting to distant anchor points. However, the more wraps the drum, the higher the risk of twisting and consequently damaging the rope. That’s one problem. The second issue is that the greatest grip of the winch is found in the first layer of winding, but to achieve this, the entire rope must be unwound. Thus, the longer the rope, the more it needs to be pulled out to achieve the best effect. So, consider whether you prioritize a larger operating range or greater convenience in handling and maintaining the rope.
Motor and gearbox
If you’re not a patient person, choose winches with efficient motors and a planetary gearbox (preferably multi-stage) and high voltage (12 or 24V). These features are crucial for effectiveness and speed, mainly concerning the speed at which the rope winds onto the drum. However, you should be aware that the winch operates quickly without any load, but it behaves differently when pulling a vehicle. In this case, higher power and gear ratio, along with voltage, lead to smoother operation, though not necessarily faster. But how much is considered “a lot” in this case?
We refer to the most efficient winches when the motor power is at least 5 HP and the pulling force is defined by a high gear ratio (e.g., 265:1). A high gear ratio is mainly responsible for effective power management and less strain on the motor, which is especially important during intense and prolonged use. The higher the gear ratio, the slower the winch operates, but it also requires less power from the motor. As a result, these winches can work effectively for many years.
Electric winch weight and installation
When selecting a electric winch, consider its weight and installation process. Regarding weight, the lower the weight, the better. Any additional weight on the vehicle affects its handling, and a winch is not one of the lightest accessories. Many drivers often report problems with the front axle sagging after installing a winch.
Therefore, winches weighing around 30 kg can be considered truly lightweight models in their class. However, this does not guarantee that you won’t overload the front of your vehicle. It’s also important to note that winch installation requires a special mounting plate, and in some cases, you may need to replace the bumper—especially if the factory bumper doesn’t allow for proper installation. Furthermore, an alternative bumper might offer better protection for the winch against potential damage. Additionally, an aftermarket steel bumper can improve the winch’s usability, making it easier to access the winch lever (handle), which often needs to be relocated in the factory setup.
Controlling the electric winch
Winches are typically controlled using a wired remote. This applies to both winding and unwinding the rope. However, there are winches on the market that can be operated wirelessly. Wireless control makes the process easier and safer. It allows you to move away from the vehicle during use. While there may be slight delays in signal transmission, especially at the edge of the wireless remote’s range, it is still a useful feature worth considering.
Accessories for safe electric winch use
Some people buy all the necessary gear before they even start using their winch, while others wait until after they’ve encountered problems or injuries. Regardless of which type of person you are, remember that investing in a winch doesn’t end with the winch itself. To use it properly and safely, you will need some additional accessories, including:
- Tactical gloves: Protect your hands from cuts while handling the rope.
- Shackles and hooks: Secure ropes and straps for more secure efficient pulling.
- Snatch blocks: Reduce the winch’s workload and increase pulling power.
- Tree saver strap: Anchor the winch safely without damaging trees.
- Winch rope dampers: absorb some of the kinetic energy minimalizing the risk of injury if the rope snaps.
Summary and price – how much does a electric winch cost?
As noted in our overview of the key winch features, price is not the most important factor. What matters most is selecting a winch that suits your specific requirements and prioritizing safety in your choice. You should avoid cheap, low-quality products of unknown origin.
Therefore, you should expect a good car winch may cost you several thousand. A recommended winch typically will cost around 800–1000 EU range. While it’s not a cheap accessory, the investment will quickly prove worthwhile in the field. If you frequently go off-roading, it’s not worth trying to save money in this area.
Klaudia Kusy
Author of the article
Comments ()