How to Choose the Correct Size Trailer Winch For a Boat Trailer

Question

Question:

I HAVE A 27 PONTOON TRACKER THE WINCH THAT CAN WITH IT BROKE, I FELT IT WAS CHEAP AND NOT FOR THE WEIGHT OF BOAT,I PULL IT WITH A 2004 CHEV Z71 TAHOE. PLEASE TELL ME WHAT SIZE WINCH I NEED. THANKS

asked by: DARLENE G

0

Expert Reply:

The size winch that you will need depends on a couple of different factors. I have included part of our hand winch FAQ below regarding boat winches and have linked the FAQ article for you to view.

Finding the Right Capacity Winch for your Boat Trailer

Boat-size-to-winch capacity is generally 2 to 1
With good rollers and short winching distances, increase the ratio to 3 to 1
With wooden bunks and long winching distances, reduce the ratio to 1 to 1

For example, a 2,200-lb boat generally requires a 1,100-lb winch. If the same boat were winched a short distance with a low incline and with rollers in good condition, it can be safely winched with a 900-lb winch. The boat requires a winch with a 2,200-lb capacity if you are winching a longer distance with more resistance; for example, if the trailer had carpeted, wooden bunks or was set on a steeper incline.

So based on the above information, the Fulton XLT Winch, # F142425, could potentially handle a boat that weighs 9,600 pounds at a 3 to 1 ratio. But is probably safer to say that it can handle a boat that weighs between 3,200 pounds and 6,400 pounds.

expert reply by: Michael H

0

David

5/30/2020

I have a 27' 5000 lbs. boat on bunk style trailer and need a replacement winch strap. What poundage should I be looking for and what do you offer? Thanks

Reply

Chris R.

6/3/2020

The Extra Heavy Duty Winch Strap # DL24251 will work well for that size boat. It measures 2 inches wide and 20 feet long.

Reply

Jim C.

7/29/2020

I have an older 23 foot Sea Ray. The boat, without the v8 engine, is supposed to be about 4000 pounds. Fully loaded, I think including the trailer, it is supposedly about 6600 pounds. We can pull up a relatively steep hill and run the winch off an isolated battery. What winch do I need? I would prefer a strap, rather than a cable, if possible.

Reply

Jon G.

8/7/2020

If you're looking to use the winch to pull the trailer (with the boat loaded) up a hill then you're going to want something a little hefty like the Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch # DL25215 rated for 9,000 lbs. This uses a 20' long strap so you'll need to make sure that's long enough.

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Answer 1

It's going to be a good idea to get the weight off of your tires when it's stored long term. If the tires sit in the same spot for an extended period of time they tend to get flat spots which makes for a rough ride and wears them out…

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Answer 2

Thanks for the picture! While we do not have an exact replacement for a Profile 2000 winch we do recommend the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch item #DL14627 as a replacement. This winch has an 1,800 lbs capacity and will work great with the 20' x…

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Answer 3

We do have the Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch #DL15403 which places the handle on the left side. This is a 2-speed winch like the Jif Marine #315-W3200D you found. It is rated for up to 2,500lbs versus the 3,200lbs you found. You will need to add a Strap…

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Answer 4

Hi Bob, So the load rating really depends on what kind of set up you have when loading your boat. You mentioned bunks, and if those are wooden bunks, that's going to make it much tougher to get the boat on, and you'd want a winch with a 1:1…

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Answer 5

It may be possible to use a WDH like the Equal-i-zer Weight Distribution System #EQ37100ET with your trailer, but it will depend on the location of that jockey wheel. The brackets for this system mount 27-32" back from the center of the coupler…

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Answer 6

Hey Bill, so if it was me I would go with the Dutton Lainson winch part #DL17085 over the Fulton. I really like DL winches because they are well made, very reliable, and made in the USA. Fulton winches aren't terrible but DL winches win if for…

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Answer 7

The general rule we use for selecting a boat trailer winch is 2:1 which means for a 6,000 lb boat we'd recommend a 3,000 lb winch. The Jif Marine 2-Speed Trailer Winch part #315-W3200D is a great option for this rated at 3,200 lbs. It comes with…

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Answer 8

Both the Jif-Marine 2-Speed Boat Trailer Winch #315-W2500D and Fulton High-Performance 2-Speed Trailer Winch #F142412 share the exact same gear design as they are both very similar winches that both have two speeds. Between the two I recommend the…

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Answer 9

You would not be able to charge your battery through the wiring on your 4-way trailer connector. Since your truck has a 7-way connector, you could maintain the power to the battery but not charge it. To begin, you would need to cut off your 4-way…

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Answer 10

The best option we carry for a 10,000 lb boat is the Fulton High-Performance 2-Speed Trailer Winch #F142430 which has a 3,700 lb capacity with Cable #FWC7500100. The winch to boat size capacity is 2-to-1 though it can also be 3-to-1 if you have…

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Answer 11

The #e98840 etrailer Trailer Hitch Receiver has a maximum gross towing weight of 6,000 lbs and tongue weight of 900 lbs. As long as the boat you are towing does not exceed these weights the hitch will not have any issues. If you are towing a larger…

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Answer 12

Yes I recommend the etrailer Class III - Item #e98864. The hitch is a custom fit hitch and mounts to the directly to the frame rails. If you are planning on towing a trailer I also recommend T-One Vehicle Wiring Harness with 4-Pole Flat Trailer…

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How to Choose the Correct Size Trailer Winch For a Boat Trailer

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