Recommended Power Winch For Raising Enclosed Trailer Door Ramp

Updated 12/15/2015 | Published 12/14/2015

Products Featured in This Question

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

(98)

$300.08

Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 2 Gauge - 20' Long

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$351.99

Replacement Plunger Door Sensor with Striker Plates for Kwikee Electric RV Steps

(8)

$26.96

Question:

i want to use a 12 volt winch to lift my enclosed trailer ramp door. i would like a winch with an adjustable clutch so when the door closes all the way and the button is still pressed for a second or two the winch will not tear something up.

asked by: Griff

Expert Reply:

I called my contacts at our winch suppliers to see if there were any winches available that perform as you requested. I was unable to find a winch that had an auto shutoff when the winch senses a trailer door is closed since winches constantly feel resistance. They did agree it was a great idea but it would require a spring loaded trigger button to stop power to the winch which they currently don't make. I'm sure with a little engineering you could make something like # LC379388 work.

Otherwise you have to watch the door and release the remote when using a winch to open and close the door to prevent damage to the door or the winch. The winch I recommend that features power in and out is the Bulldog Winch 1.5 hp Trailer Winch w/ Mounting Plate, part # BDW15017. This winch includes a hand held remote with a 20 ft cable so you can stand at a safe distance when operating. It also has 45 ft of wire rope.

If you need more distance for your 12V power source to operate the winch I recommend part # BDW20206. This gives you a quick-connect cable with a total length of 20 ft.

expert reply by: Jeffrey L