Hello Eric, The #K2R35DKG is Dacromet-coated, and the calipers are treated with KodaGuard. The #K2R35DS, on the other hand, is made entirely of stainless steel, hence the higher price. If you're in an area where road salt is common or if…
Adding larger wheels/tires to a trailer really comes down to fender clearance. The recommended fender clearance is about 4" from the top of the tire to the bottom of the fender and then about 1" from the tire to the inside of the frame. The…
The max rating of your Shelby 5408B is 1,900 lbs which would be more than adequate for a 2,200 lb boat as typically the ratio for winch capacity to boat weight is 2 to 1. For a similarly rated winch we have the part #DL14627 which is rated for 1,800…
Hey Fred! If you have an even number of bolt holes you can measure center to center between opposite holes to find the bolt pattern. If you have an odd number of holes you measure from center to the farthest edge. See the attached photo. For example,…
Hey Neil, thanks for reaching out. The tire and rim combo #AM35354 is a steel powder coated wheel. It can be used on a boat trailer, but generally we recommend going with either a galvanized or aluminum wheel for boat trailers. The powder coating is…
Thanks for reaching out to us, Dennis! Do you currently have a winch on your boat trailer, or are you looking to add one from scratch? I see you were looking at the Curt 2-Speed Boat Trailer Winch #C75ZJ rated for 2,600 lbs - is that at or around the…
Hi Mike; the best option for your 2025 Silverado 2500 ZR2 is definitely the Firestone Ride-Rite Red Label Extreme Duty Air Helper Springs #F2709 you looked at. These are going to be the most reliable and durable air bags out there. With a max psi of…
Hello Jim, Great question! Because there is not a real standard to trailer suspension I do not have a direct answer for the spacing for the hangers to install the #e36FV. It all depends on what size shackle you are using, if the spring is over or…
Trailer tires are only rated to go 65 miles per hour unless indicated. Trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall, to handle vertical loads, that get hot enough to fail when you exceed 65 miles per hour.
Hey Neil. The #AM30861 and #AM35354 are very similar in size. The Kenda Karrier ST145/R12 Radial Trailer Tire #AM35354 is actually slightly smaller in diameter than the Kenda 5.30-12 tires, so out of the two 12" tires you mentioned, this will be…
If the gear is broken on your existing Shelby winch, I recommend simply replacing the entire unit, as Shelby is no longer in business and replacement parts are not readily available. To replace your Shelby 5408 model, I recommend the Dutton-Lainson…
Hello Justin, thanks for reaching out. Going from a load range C tire up to a load range D likely will not change the ride quality in any noticeable way. You would not be increasing the carrying capacity of your trailer, but the higher rated tires…
Whether you're loading your boat, recovering your ATV, or pulling a car onto a trailer, the right winch makes the job safer and easier. At etrailer, we offer a full selection of electric and manual winches built for hauling, lifting, and recovery—plus accessories like ropes, remotes, and fairleads. Choose from compact hand-crank winches to heavy-duty electric recovery winches with synthetic or steel cables. Need to upgrade your mounting setup or replace a strap? We’ve got the durable gear to help you tackle the toughest pulls with confidence.
With over 75 years of assisting our neighbors and customers, over 1 million photos and videos taken to make sure you’re getting exactly what you need, and over 35 thousand installations completed, we’ve got the product know-how and experience to help you make the right choices for the job at hand.
What kinds of winches are there, and what are they used for?
There are a few types, depending on what you need. Hand winches are great for lighter stuff, like loading small boats or ATVs. Electric winches are perfect for heavier jobs, like pulling cars onto trailers or getting a stuck vehicle out of the mud. If you’re working in an industrial setting with really heavy loads, hydraulic winches are your go-to.
How do I figure out what size winch I need?
Take the maximum weight you’ll be pulling and multiply it by 1.5. So, if your vehicle weighs 4,000 lbs, go for a winch with at least a 6,000-lb capacity. It’s always better to have a little extra pulling power than not enough.
What’s the difference between synthetic winch rope and steel cable?
Synthetic rope is lightweight, easier to handle, and won’t whip if it breaks. Steel cable is abrasion-resistant and built for rugged use. Go with synthetic if safety and ease-of-use matter more, or choose steel if you need durability in rough terrain.
How do I take care of my winch so it lasts?
Regular maintenance makes a big difference. Clean it after use, especially if you’ve been in mud or sand. Check the cable or rope for frays and inspect the other parts for damage. Don’t forget to lubricate the moving parts—it keeps everything running smoothly and prevents rust. Following the manufacturer’s guide is always a good idea too.
How do I wire an electric winch to my vehicle?
Wiring an electric winch can feel tricky, but it’s manageable with the right guide. If you need step-by-step instructions, check out our FAQ on How to Wire an Electric Winch.
