Can 7-Way 12V Power Feed Operate High-Capacity Electric Winch

Updated 05/17/2018 | Published 05/16/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Electric Jack w/ Footplate - A-Frame - 25-1/8" Lift - 3.5K - Black

(1925)

$151.93

Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch - Synthetic Rope - Hawse Fairlead - 4,400 lbs

(60)

$519.83

Question:

Hi, I just bought a boat that has a Rule Winch on the trailer. T60R model. It is discontinued, so I have no specs on it. I contacted the company and they would not privide a.manual or specs. Any idea if the factory trailer battery leads on the 7 pin round connection is a large enough gaige harness for the winch? If not, what do I need for a feed to power the winch off my car battery?

asked by: SETH A

Expert Reply:

The 12V power circuit in standard 7-way trailer wiring is typically limited to about 30-amps current. This is enough to operate a trailer's electric A-frame tongue jack, but it may not be even close to the power needed by a high-capacity winch.

For instance, the Bulldog Trailer Winch # BDW15020, rated for 4400-lbs, will draw at full load well over 300-amps of power! This requires a dedicated trailer-mounted winch battery of at least 650 cold cranking amps (650 CCA). At lower loads the power demand does go down but any electric winch will do a lot better with its own suitably-rated dedicated battery.

You may want to check out the two linked articles on winches.

expert reply by: Adam R