Which Winch for a Car Trailer?
Choosing the right winch for a car trailer depends mainly on the weight of the vehicles you plan to load. The most important factor is pulling capacity – as a rule of thumb, it should be at least 1.5 times greater than the gross weight of the heaviest vehicle you’ll be pulling.
Key factors to consider when selecting a trailer winch:
Rated pulling power – For standard passenger cars, a 4,000–6,000 lbs winch is usually sufficient. If you often load SUVs or vans, go for 8,000–12,000 lbs.
Rope type – Steel cable is more resistant to abrasion and less expensive, but requires gloves for safe handling. Synthetic rope is lighter, safer if it snaps, and easier to work with.
Line speed – Faster winches make loading more efficient, which is important for commercial use.
Power supply – Most trailer winches are 12V and connect to the towing vehicle’s battery; in some cases, a 24V system may be worth considering.
Mounting style – The winch can be permanently fixed to the front of the trailer or mounted on a plate for quick removal.
Control method – Wired remotes are highly reliable, while wireless remotes add convenience.
Example selection:
If you mainly load passenger cars up to 1.5 tons, a 4,500–6,000 lbs winch will be sufficient. For vehicles over 2 tons, a 9,000–12,000 lbs model is a safer choice, giving you enough power for difficult situations (e.g., a car with seized wheels).