Hand Winch to Pull Vehicles onto a Flat Bed Trailer

Updated 12/01/2015 | Published 11/30/2015

Products Featured in This Question

DLB Series Brake Winch Ratcheting Replacement Handle by Dutton-Lainson

(4)

$56.77

Dutton-Lainson Hand Winch w/ Automatic Brake - TUFFPLATE Finish - 2,500 lbs

(342)

$184.41

Fulton Galvanized Winch Cable with Hook - 25' x 3/16" - 4,200 lbs

(43)

$30.16

Question:

what would be a gud set up to use for me to pull broke down cars and pick up trucks on my flatbed trailer. I want to use a hand crank winch so that I would not need to run electric to the trailer..trailer is 3feet high my ramps are about 5 feet long. I just need a simple and cheap set up mostly because I do not load up cars on this trailer very much but maybe once or twice a year a buddy or someone needs me to help them out of a bind,which Im always happy to help...one form I was on said they recommend parts from you guys ..said to use hand winch #DL15721..with cable #DL24102..with handle#DL70347,this form said this would give about 8500lbs of pull on a 11 degree slope..so wouldthis be a nice set up or would you recommend a different set up,from what I got this would cost me around 200 dollars lil bit more than I expected to pay ..and thank you all for your time looking forward to your repley..

asked by: Steve W

Expert Reply:

Since you will be pulling different types and sizes of vehicles onto your trailer it would be wise to go with the highest capacity winch that fits your budget. Not only will it be easier on the winch but it will be easier for you when cranking the winch.

Dutton Lainson winch # DL15721 is rated for 2,500 pounds but a rolling load means that the capacity is higher. At an 11 degree slope the winch can handle up to 8,500 pounds maximum but it will decrease as more of the wire rope is wrapped around the drum; 10 percent for each layer around the drum (the full length of the drum, not just one strand). I have included a link to our help article on winches for you.

expert reply by: Michael H