Top 8 Truck Winch Products for Outdoor Adventures and Heavy Lifting
With regards to Truck Winch, Even if you’re an excellent driver, frequent driving on off-road conditions may result in unwanted situations like getting stuck in a mud pit, difficulty in crossing over a steep incline, or struggling to traverse a rocky terrain. Truck winches are great tools that will get you out of these emergency situations and work requirements.
Aside from that, it can also be used for heavy lifting of loads as well as assisting unfortunate fellow drivers that are literally in a rut.
To help you acquire the best for both outdoor adventure and heavy lifting, we have prepared this guide on what to consider during a truck winch selection and what are the best currently available truck winch products. Let’s get into it!
How to Select the Best Truck Winch Product
When talking about the best truck winch products, it does not necessarily mean it’s the most expensive. What the best truck winch product means is that it’s the ideal tool fit for your needs.
To select the ideal truck winch, you’ll need to consider three factors: load capacity, wire rope type, and mode of power. We will discuss this in detail below to give you a better understanding.
Load Capacity
This factor refers to the pulling power a truck winch has. Load capacity usually is in the unit of pounds and it’s almost always the largest factor considered when selecting a truck winch.
The ideal load capacity of a truck winch is mostly dependent on the weight of your truck and the load it carries. And as a rule of thumb, your truck winch should be 1.5 to 2 times the weight of your truck.
For example, let’s say that you own an off-road Ford Raptor truck which has a gross weight of 3090 kilograms. When you convert that to pounds and multiply it by 1.5 or 2, then you’ll need a winch of around 10,000 pounds to 14,000 pounds.
Type Of Wire Ropes
The next factor to consider is what type of wire ropes to use. There are two types that you can choose from: a steel cable and a synthetic one. Each one having its own set of pros and cons.
A steel cable wire rope is the most common type and is generally the cheaper one out of the two options. It is highly abrasion-resistant, durable, better performing in cold temperatures, and has a longer equipment life. But due to steel being prone to oxidation, it corrodes very easily. And at times, can create significant damage from snapbacks when the line is broken.
Synthetic cables, on the other hand, are corrosion-resistant and safe from snapbacks which is why it is usually recommended by organizers of off-road events. But they are highly prone to abrasions, loses durability in freezing temperatures, and pricier in general.
Mode of Power
Lastly, there are two modes of power that you can choose during truck winch selection-electric and hydraulic.
An electric truck winch, like what its name implies, gets its power from electricity drawn from your batteries to move the drum spool through a gear train. Due to the very limited power that a vehicle battery has, electric truck winches are mostly used in low loading capacities.
Hydraulic winches, on the other hand, operate by using a hydraulic system to move the drum spool of the wire rope. Usually, hydraulic truck winches have high load capacities. To accommodate this power need, there two ways in which they are powered. One is it’s connected to the batteries while the other type is powered by the truck’s engine.
For pros and cons, hydraulic truck winches are generally pricier than electric winches due to their more complex build. However, over an extended period of use, electric winches aren’t reliable because they can easily drain out your batteries as compared to the power-efficient hydraulic winch.
Best Truck Winches in the Market
After careful consideration of what load capacity, wire rope type, and mode of power you need, then it’s time to select the best truck winches the market has to offer. When we say best, these are the truck winch products that have garnered high reviews from a myriad of truck users and critics.
The order of the truck winches below will be in increasing load capacity. We will be discussing its best features, advantages, disadvantages, and mounting requirements.
Warn 2000 DC 12V Electric Truck Winch – Model 92000
- 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; outstanding duty cycle
- Ideal for use on trailers or hitch mounts
- 35 feet of 3/16" (10.7m of 4.7mm) wire rope with hook and clasp included
Let’s first start off with the Warn 2000 DC 12V Electric Winch, which has a 1 ton or 2,000 pounds of loading capacity with a pull speed of 4.2 feet per minute. For the wire rope specifications, it uses a 3/16 diameter steel with a length of 35 feet.
Let’s talk about the winch’s safety features. First, it comes with a 12 feet wired remote control that you can use to make the spool power in or power out. It also has a clutch to engage and disengage the gear train to prevent accidental line pulls. Aside from that, the gear train on the winch has self-locking brakes to prevent any unwanted spool movement.
One of the downsides of this truck winch is that it lacks the load capacity to pull your truck out of emergency situations. What it can mainly do is serve as a heavy lifter for your truck. For example, loading up heavy equipment or items on your truck and towing other cars that weigh around 1,000 pounds.
SuperWinch LT4000 12V Wire Rope Winch – Model 1140220 – Truck Winch
- Sealed solenoid
- Fit type: Universal Fit
- Mechanical and dynamic brake
- Rated line pull of 4,000 pounds
Upping the capacity, next is the SuperWinch LT4000 which has a 4,000-pound pulling capacity and a 3/16 inch diameter steel wire with a length of 50 feet. Again, this is not ideal for pulling your truck in a sticky situation. Rather, this winch is useful for lifting, towing, and hauling purposes.
For the SuperWinch LT4000’s safety features, it uses a free-spooling control clutch to prevent accidental engagement. The winch also comes with a 12 feet handheld control with a handlebar rocker switch. Aside from that, it has solenoid protection that prevents damage to your motor and batteries due to sudden power draws.
On its usability, it’s quite easy to use this truck winch due to a number of reasons. The first one it is allows free-spooling so you can easily drag and set up the wire rope as need. Next, is the implementation of a heavy-duty 4-way roller that smoothly handles the wire rope movement which results in mitigating frictional damage on the steel cables. Lastly, the clevis pinned latched hook ensures no slip-ups will happen.
Warn M8 Winch – Model 26502 – Truck Winch
- low-profile design and separate control box allows for a wide range of mounting options
- powers load in and out via 100 ft of 5/16 in wire rope;electrical controls: contactor
- efficient, 3-stage planetary gear box and automatic direct drive cone brake system
- powerful 4.8 hp series wound motor, with a 8,000 lb pull rating and sliding ring gear freespooling clutch
- electrical control box and hand-held remote with 12 ft (3.7m) lead
Next up on our list is the Warn M8 Electric Winch which has an 8,000-pound pulling capacity and a steel cable that is 5/16 in diameter and 100 feet in length. Although powerful than the previous truck winches, this can only be used to pull light truck classifications that are 6,000-pounds in weight. So if you’re truck belongs in that weight category then you can use this to pull your vehicles in emergency situations.
As for safety features it has, there are a few. The first one is the contactor box that protects your winch motor and vehicle battery. Aside from that, it also has an engagement clutch and cone brake assembly to prevent sudden spool movement. Also, it has a twelve feet handheld wired switch that you can use to remotely control the winch.
Superwinch Tiger Shark 9500 12V Wire Rope Winch – Truck Winch
- Weather sealed 5.2 HP motor reduces damage from rain, snow and blowing dust
- Weather sealed solenoid (contactor) reduces damage from rain, snow and blowing dust
- Heavy duty 12 feet rubber hand-held remote; field proven design provides effortless switching
- Heavy duty stainless steel roller fairlead; brushed finish endures weather and wire rope abuse
- Ergonomically shaped free-spool control; easy to grip and effortless to operate
Stepping up the capacity, the next one is Superwinch Tiger Shark 9500 which has a 9,500 pounds pull capability and a 21/64 inch diameter stainless steel wire rope that is 95 feet in length. From this point onwards, the winches you’ll see on the list can be recommended for a truck’s self-recovery, thus, fit for off-road adventures.
Safety features include an automatic load-holding brake as well as a weatherproof handheld remote, perfect even under rugged conditions. The winch’s circuit breaker is also sealed so it’ll keep running even when submerged underwater.
For usability, it has a heavy-duty stainless steel 4-way roller as its fairlead. So you don’t have to worry about frictional damage during the operation. With regards to the hook, it is a heavy-duty clevis pinned latched, perfect for any self-recovery setup you’ll need.
SmittyBilt X2O Comp Waterproof Winch – Model 97510 – Truck Winch
- Your purchase includes: Smittybilt X20 Comp Synthetic Rope Winch, hawse fairlead with forged hook, All required power cables to hook up to your vehicle, Rope Sleeve and Wireless Remote
- Winch can be operated with the remote or manually
- Technical Specification: 6.6 HP Amphibious motor, 3-Stage Planetary Gear System, Stainless Steel Hardware, Dynamic Braking System, 2 Solenoid Mounting Options
- Overall Dimensions: 22.3"L x 5.4"W x 9.4" H. Mounting Bolt Pattern: 10” x 4.5”. Net weight: 67lbs.
- Completely Waterproof, state-of-the-art 500AMP Solenoid
The next up on our list is a 10,000-pound truck winch from SmittyBilt, the X20. This truck winch was designed for heavy-duty performance. Its waterproof wire rope is 98.5 feet long, 3/8 in diameter, and made from state-of-the-art synthetic materials. As proof of their claims and confidence, the SmittyBilt company offers a lifetime mechanical warranty for the X20.
For the safety features, the X20 has an improved heat reduction braking system that ensures a strong grip during operation. It also has a clutch to prevent accidental engagement as well as a wireless remote control for the winch.
When it comes to usability, it is easy to free spool due to its well-built internal system and the fairlead which uses competition aluminum. You also don’t have to worry about the durability of the hook as it is a forged metal.
Superwinch LP10000 12V Wire Rope Winch – Model 1510200 – Truck Winch
- 12 VDC/5.1 hp weather-sealed series wound motor with a 10,000-lb pull rating
- 85' of 3/8" steel wire rope with heavy-duty latched hook and rope thimble and automatic, mechanical load holding braking
- 12' rubber handheld remote for safe operating distances
- Weather-sealed solenoid and circuit breaker
- Powder-coated 4-way roller fairlead and a free spooling lever action clutch
If you don’t like synthetic wire ropes for your winches, then take a look at this other 10,000-pound truck winch, the Superwinch LP10000. It uses a steel wire rope that is 3/8 inches in diameter and 85 feet in length.
As for its safety features, the Superwinch LP10000 uses an automatic load-holding braking system and a free spooling clutch that prevents accidental rope slippage during operation or sudden power interruption. The electrical components are also safe from the weather due to the sealed solenoid and circuit breakers. It also has a 12-feet remote control system allowing you to carry out operations at safe distances.
Warn VR Evo 12-S Winch – Model 103255 – Truck Winch
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The Warn 12-S is the top-of-the-line product of the Warn EVO product series. It offers state-of-the-art flexibility as well as incredible pull strength. The Warn EVO 12-S has a load capacity of 12,000 pounds that can be used to self-recover almost every type of outdoor truck. The wire rope of the EVO 12-S is made from a synthetic material that is 3/8 inch in diameter and 90 feet in length.
For its safety features, all of its electrical components are rated at IP68. So you don’t have to worry about using it on different types of terrain. Aside from that, it also uses has a wireless remote control giving you flexibility when maneuvering. If you have the budget, we recommend getting this winch.
Zeak 13000 LB. Premium Electric Winch – Truck Winch
- Winch Load Capacity: 13,000 Pounds; 6.0 Horsepower; Gear Ratio: 236:1; With a 3-stage planetary gear system for strong pulling; The unique design is very suitable for your jeep Wrangler, SUVs, trucks...
- Winch Size: 21.5 x 6.3 x 9.8 inches; Mounting Bolt Pattern Size: 10 x 4.5 inches; Winch Synthetic Rope Size: 3/8 inch x 86 feet; This powerful winch is equipped with the stronger synthetic rope to...
- IP 68 waterproof design; 400 AMP 12V DC Series Wound; No load traction drag speed at 21.3 feet /min, the Full load 13000 lbs drag speed at 5 feet /min; comes with a upgrade version remote control, the...
- Package included a electric winch; 11.8 x 2.7 x 10.03 inches hawse fairlead; control box; mounting bolts; 3/8 inch clevis hook; 73.2 inches battery leads; circuit breaker; 137.4 inches corded remote...
- To install the winch and fairlead, getting a mounting bracket set up which not includes in this product; Please read the instructions carefully before operating the winch; Using the snatch block to...
If you’re looking for a stronger pull capacity, then the Zeak Premium Electric Winch can give you 13,000 pounds of pure pulling force. Even the heaviest trucks can be pulled out from the worst stuck-up conditions, given that you have enough battery.
With regards to its safety, all electrical components are rated at IP68 due to their seal and finish that are weather-resistant and corrosion-resistant. It has a dynamic brake system and a free-spooling clutch.
Although almost all of its features and design are good, there’s only one minor downside. And that is the winch still uses a hawse fairlead, which is not ideal under heavy loading conditions.
Final Thoughts
In summary, before you buy a truck winch, consider your needs. Ask yourself: Is it for work? Or is it for outdoor adventures? Afterward, consider what pulling capacity you’ll need, the type of wire, and the mode of power most suited for your needs. You’ll also need to consider your budget because there is no use in selecting one if you can’t afford it.
There are many excellent truck winches out there, and we’ve laid out before you the best winches you can find on the market. Still skeptical of our recommendations? Then personally researching and visiting shops are the things that you can do to assure of your product selection.
Related Questions
Can My Heavy-Duty Truck Drive For Uber?
It depends on what type of heavy-duty truck you have. As stated on Uber guidelines, an Uber vehicle must have four doors, not a rental vehicle, no damages, no commercial branding, and must be a 15 year or newer truck model.
What Other Safety Items Can I Install Or Should Have In My Truck?
There’s really no point in installing any additional safety parts for your truck aside from what the manufacturer has included. But there are some essential items that you can always bring with you for emergencies, such as a fire extinguisher, a hydraulic jack, jumper cables, tool kits, and extra vehicle batteries.