Recommendation for Quiet Electric Winch to Use Indoors

Updated 10/05/2026 | Published 01/26/2019

Products Featured in This Question

Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch - Synthetic Rope - Hawse Fairlead - 3,400 lbs

(61)

$556.99

Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch - Wireless Remote - Synthetic Rope - Hawse Fairlead - 12,000 lbs

(60)

$993.84

Question:

I need the quietest winch I can purchase for indoor use to haul items up and down a steep set of stairs. The winch I am using now is far too loud. AC or DC works AC preferred but the controls cant be tethered as I need to be next to the items to keep them stabil. I am using a remote control now which works great.

asked by: Seeking S

Expert Reply:

I spoke with my contacts at Bulldog and checked with other electric winch manufacturers and found that the noise/decibel level for winches is simply not something that is tested. The noise output is going to be pretty similar between different brand and model electric winches.

If noise level is a concern then my best advice is to go with a winch that uses synthetic rope instead of wire rope. This single component will make the biggest difference in noise. If you were using a wire rope winch before you will definitely notice a quieter operation with a synthetic rope.

I am not sure of the type of capacity you are needing but the Bulldog Winch # BDW10040 is a really nice option that includes a wireless remote for easy operation and features a 12,000 pound line pull capacity. Its automatic mechanical brake will hold the full load and its low-profile design allows for easy storage when not in use. This is a DC powered winch as we do not have any AC models that work with synthetic rope.

I have attached a link that will take you to our complete selection of electric winches that use synthetic rope that you can also look through.

expert reply by: Chris R

Keith W.

2/27/2025

Hi Chris. It isn't the wire rope that makes noise, it's the gearbox.

Cindy

10/4/2026

Same, need quietest winch possible, no one sells, need for a bed that lifts to from ceiling figure AC, 120V Planetary gears Im guessing high torque low variable speed Im guessing slow and steady, , wireless and or 20ft remote, no more then 30 ft pull, Breaking and auto locking 2k to 5k of pounds lifting, Brushless motor. rope or stainles steel rope, would be ideal im using stainless steal chains about inch think for decorative touch and also because my pet bird chews through rope the chains run through 1000lb gym pullies which work wonders for quieting things down, but like i said no one has a winch to these specifications and i feel it would make the winch quieter, i mean i get why there is no need for this . igot a vevor for 100 2klb not bad it worked. just no speed control and everything , my rice range as proably practical if this produced for people would be about 500 to 1500 even 2000 if it was dead quite. But i dont know if all those modifications on a winch would work. well figure ill never be able to find one if i dont ask,

Jerry B.

10/5/2026

@Cindy I definitely understand what you're looking for, and I agree that slow, variable-speed drive with a brushless motor and planetary gearing could potentially make a setup like this much quieter. The biggest issue is that most of the winches we carry are designed for pulling rather than suspending or lifting a load overhead. For a bed that could weigh 2,000–5,000 lbs and will be suspended above people or pets, I would want to use an actual overhead-lifting hoist or winch that is specifically rated for that application and has a positive load-holding brake. I wouldn't feel comfortable recommending a standard vehicle or utility winch just based on its pulling capacity. Unfortunately, I don't currently have an option that combines the AC power, variable slow speed, wireless/long-range control, quiet operation, and overhead-lifting rating you're looking for. Your pulley setup sounds like it has already helped with the noise quite a bit, though, so I think looking at industrial theatrical or overhead lifting equipment would probably get you closer to what you're after than a conventional winch.