Here are the best 12V ATV winches on the market to buy today to tow vehicles and trailers or use on off-road journeys.
The ATV winch is handy for those who travel off-road and tackle adventurous routes. Fixed to the car, it is an emergency tool to overcome difficult terrain. In addition, with the ATV winch, we can tow cars, quads, trailers, and boats.
We can use it in the most rugged off-road journeys where it is common to get stuck. It is beneficial in many ordinary situations to eliminate pushing vehicles or dragging weights of any kind.
It can also move wheeled equipment and vehicles with the engine off or out of order, such as tractors, caravans, and trailers. The ATV winch is also very useful fixed on the boats’ trailers to tow them and position them correctly on the trailer without effort (different from the winch for boats, horizontal or vertical) used to moor or sail).
Finally, it can also use excellent results to free the road or other areas from bulky objects—for example, tree trunks, tools, pipes, and large boulders.
Table of Contents
How to choose an ATV winch
To choose the best ATV winch to buy, it is important to know what use it will be used for and what weights it will have to tow. The winch consists of a rotating drum on which a steel cable is a wound. In the end, there is a load hook.
Unlike the manual winch, equipped with a crank, the electric one uses the driving force and gears system to operate the drum, a solution that multiplies its power. Let’s consider the most important features of buying the best ATV winch.
Supply
In most cases, we are talking about a 12 V winch, ATV winches connected to the car’s cigarette lighter, or other backup batteries for those who want to avoid using the car battery. Battery power is also essential when using the winch for work in the countryside or other areas without electricity.
To safeguard the battery, the correct use of the winch should be intermittent. Some models already have this system, so the engine does not run continuously. If not, you must operate the winch briefly at a time.
Using the winch for an extended period can drain the battery, place excessive strain on it, and strain the motor and drum too much. We must add that the best ATV winches are equipped with an emergency crank, operating the machine when the car battery is low. In this case, it could not exploit the maximum traction force.
Fixed winch
The fixed winch is mounted on the car, quad, or trailer. Likewise, it can be fixed to a garage, cellar, or garden wall if we need it for housework, such as carrying lumber or other tools. The fixed winch stands out for its large size and important weight.
It can weigh 65 and 100 lbs and size between 19-24 inches long and 12-16 inches in-depth. But, of course, the Anchor Point must also be just as sturdy and strong, including the car bumper. Often to mount a fixed ATV winch, support plates are sold that offer the optimal attachment points.
Portable winch
The portable winch is a smaller and lighter tool. It can weigh less than 22 lbs and have the longest side that does not exceed 12 inches. This winch is held in the car for emergencies and is mounted via clamps. Being more compact, it has a much shorter cable length than fixed winches, but a good model can offer the same pulling power as many fixed winches.
Engine
The ATV winch motor can have power between 300 and 5,000 watts, between 1 and 7 hp. The wide range of motor types indicates different winches, from the lightest and most portable to the best models for professional use.
The greater the power, the greater the towing capacity and the ability to use the winch longer without the engine overheating. The same can be said of the gear ratios, from 130:1 for medium power winches to over 200:1 in the most performing winches.
Regarding the structure, planetary or epicycloidal gears, with 1, 2, or 3 stages, are very common. This type of gear allows you to multiply the driving force to obtain effective tractive power.
Traction power
To correctly evaluate which ATV winch to buy, it is necessary to evaluate the traction power, i.e., the maximum load the winch can tow.
The pulling power is expressed in pounds or kg; for example, a 12v 12000lb ATV winch can tow 12,000 lbs or 5443 kg. This figure is a nominal value, indicating towing a wheeled vehicle on ground level. Thus, when choosing the winch type, it is never important to reach the limit load.
For example, if we intend to tow a 5,500 lbs vehicle, we will not choose a winch with a maximum load of 5,500 lbs, but we must go much further.
This is because the rated traction power decreases as the slope of the terrain increases. Thus the towing capacity of our winch could decrease up to 1/5 on steep slopes.
Of course, the towing capacity is also lowered when we drag a weight not equipped with wheels. For example, a winch designed to tow a 5,500 lbs vehicle can tow a fixed load, such as a tree trunk or boulder, of only 2,200 lbs.
Pulley
Some models of ATV winches are equipped with a pulley. This can be purchased separately when it is not supplied because it improves the performance of the winch. Next, we can connect the winch and proceed to tow; in this case, we are talking about a single traction line.
If we need more towing force, we can hook a pulley to the Anchor Point, pass the cable through it, bring it back to the car, and hang it up. In this case, we have a double pulling line to get double the pulling power.
Another possibility is to use two pulleys to create a triple draw line and triple the pulling power. All these operations must be carried out with the cable at 90° concerning the towed object. This is the best condition to correctly wind the cable and the drum and obtain maximum performance without subjecting the tool to excessive efforts.
In some cases, it is impossible to maintain this position between the cable and the object being towed, and it may be necessary to change the direction of pulling. So, again, a pulley is fixed, this time at a point away from the winch and the object, so that the cable forms a right angle.
Traction speed
The pulling speed or unwinding speed is indicated in meters per minute. Depending on the power, we can have a speed from 22-32 feet1 per minute in a professional ATV winch up to 3-7 feet per minute in a portable ATV winch.
This data indicates the speed without load, i.e., without the load and on level ground. Consequently, the speed decreases as the load increases and decreases as the slope increases. The unwinding speed is also reduced when pulling a load without wheels.
Rope or cable
The ATV winch works thanks to a cable or rope wrapped in the drum. But first, let’s see its most important features.
Length and diameter
The cable can be about 10 meters long and a few millimeters thick in portable or cheap winches, while it can reach 95-130 feet in length and 0.4 inches thick in the most powerful winches. As we have seen, doubling or tripling the cable allows you to increase the pulling force.
It is important to consider this aspect as well when choosing the winch. With a cable only 32 feet long, once doubled, we will have more power, but at this point, we will be able to count on just 5 meters available, which in some conditions may not be enough to anchor the vehicle at a suitable point.
Material
The cable can be made of steel or synthetic material. The steel cable is robust and is the most suitable choice if used in contact with sand or mud because it resists abrasion. However, even if it is anti-rust, it needs maintenance and oil to guarantee prolonged use.
Synthetic cable has been used frequently because it is lighter than steel cable and wraps better on the drum without deforming over time. It also heats up less than steel and is often coated with suitable material. However, it tends to absorb a lot of water, which over time, could ruin it.
The winch cable should always be clean, dry, and debris-free, regardless of the materials. For this reason, in the presence of mud, debris, or water, it is necessary to completely unwind the cable and clean it with a cloth as soon as possible after use.
The winding operation is equally important to keep the cable and winch in top condition. The cable must be in tension with the hands and accompanied to distribute evenly on the drum to prevent bending or loosening.
Waterproof
Given the conditions under which will use the winch, it must be waterproof. The best off-road winch is built with a highly water-resistant sealed structure that can guarantee operation in any condition.
From splashes of mud to pouring rain, many environmental factors can damage the winch in the long run and make it useless just when needed. For this, it should adequately protect the structure.
Some models are designed to be used even in extreme conditions completely covered by water or under severe storms. After such situations, it is always useful to periodically check the winch with a technician.
Remote control and Control
Control of the winch can be done by remote control. This can be powered by cable or wireless. If the remote control is equipped with a cable, it must have a length that allows you to operate safely, for example, 3 meters, to follow the operations at a safe distance.
The wireless remote control has been viral lately, the best choice for working with maximum autonomy even when you are alone and forced to move from the car to the Anchor Point. Thus can operate the winch from a much greater distance.
For some vehicles, such as quad bikes, the controls can be integrated into the handlebar to maximize safety and drive the vehicle by orienting the wheels while towing using a winch.
Accessories
Given the situations in which you use an ATV winch for cars, it is advisable always to carry the right tools. Without them, the winch’s use would be too difficult, sometimes impossible, and other times hazardous.
Some accessories are included, especially in the kits of the top-of-the-range models. I will purchase others separately.
Gloves
Work gloves are essential for easy operation. Sometimes it will be necessary to fasten the cable to trees and rocks. But the most important thing is to be able to handle the cable safely.
The steel cable, especially dated, could have deteriorated parts that could injure your hands. In addition to protecting your hands, the gloves offer a better grip on the cord, hook, and other equipment.
Strap with loop
The strap with a loop holds the hook when we unwind the cable, hook it to the chosen point, and rewind it on the winch.
The hook should not be held with the hands during this operation and should not touch the drum; it must be accompanied by maintaining the wire’s tension and then fixing the other end of the strap to the winch.
Cricket
The shackle is a kind of horseshoe closure hook. Unlike the hook, it is closed manually with a pin. The shackle is used to secure the straps with eyelets, such as trees, and provide the attachment point to the load hook.
Protection strap
Created this type of belt to safeguard tree trunks when used as an Anchor Point. Chains and cables could seriously damage the trunk during towing. On the other hand, the strap does not damage the cortex and provides more stable support.
These straps are durable nylon, wrapped around the trunk, and close with the shackle. They can also surround large rocks or boulders, ensuring they do not come out during towing.
Support plate
The support plate is a specific slot for the winch. It is made of metal specially designed to be combined with different types (some models may be compatible with different brands). The plate has several holes to be fixed to bumpers, other parts of the car, or other structures.
In this way, the winch will have stable and safe housing. The plate reports the maximum pulling power for which it was designed in pounds or kg.
Winch and Hoist: Differences?
Unlike the electric hoist or other lifting systems, the ATV winch for cars is designed for towing weights horizontally, with a tolerance on the slope that can more or less accentuate. As a result, some adapt the winch to lift weights vertically. However, many manufacturers advise against this use, as tools are designed specifically for this.
The Best ATV Winch to Buy
Below is the complete selection of the best ATV winch to buy with their respective characteristics.
- Powerful – 3000-lb. rated line pull powered by a 1.3-horsepower (12-volt) DC motor
- Efficient – Line speed of 4.3 feet per minute with a full load, and 8.9 feet per minute...
- Convenient – Included mounting channel, remote control and roller fairlead create an...
- 【Easy to Install】： The installation of our ZOSTERA 2000LBS electric winch 12v is...
- 【1.0-HORSEPOWER MOTOR】：ZOSTERA 2000lb small atv winch with remote features a...
- 【Complete Control System】：The hand-held, plastic remote has a relay switch inside...
- XPV AUTO 2500lbs Winch integrate the Remote Control and the Control Box into one, for...
- Pure Copper Motor: 12V DC 1HP permanent magnet, and winch motor is made of pure copper...
- AUTOMATIC MECHANICAL BRAKE: This brake system will hold a load when losing pulling power...
- Precise 3-stage planetary gear: True 3-Stage Planetary can decelerate (grow), reverse, and...
- 12V DC 1.0kw/1.3hp Copper Wire Permanent Magnet Motor: Pure copper motor has the...
- Safety guarantee: XPV will offer efficient, timely and friendly customer service. In...
- 3500 pounds pulling capacity
- Includes 50 feet of 3/16 inch wire rope
- Three-stage planetary gear train for smooth, efficient operation
- With a pull force of more than 3000lbs, this electric winch delivers a 1.0kw/ 1.3HP 210...
- Waterproof powder coated surface, resistant to corrosion. Durable 3/16" x 32' synthetic...
- Each lead wire is connected to the corresponding position, the connection is clear, the...
- 【Pro Safety Tips】The pulling force of a winch does not equal the load weight.Actual...
- 【Powerful Upgrade】3500 lb electric winch powered by a 1.3 kW (1.7 HP) permanent magnet...
- 【Simple to Install】Unlike complex relay wiring diagrams, we’ve pre-wired the relay...
- 50 feet of 5/32 inch wire rope with roller fairlead
- Fully sealed motor and drive train to keep the elements out
- Differential planetary gear train, dynamic brake; permanent magnet motor
- [Features] It's a larger more powerful motor that delivers 1.5 horsepower, the impressive...
- [Gear System] 136:1 gear ratio, low vibration, a dynamic brake holding mechanism keeps...
- [Electric Winch] Includes a 82 feet range wireless remote control; 8 feet handlebar mini...
- High-efficiency: The STEGODON 2500 lbs line pull powered by a 0.9 kw/1.2 hp output...
- New Control: Comes with two operating modes: wireless remote control and manual...
- Powerfull:The STEGODON winch features 3-stage planetary gear train, dynamic brake,...
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