Winch Battery Recommendation for 3000-lb Winch with 170 Amp Draw

Question:

Hello and thanks up front... I have a 3000# winch, pulls 170 Amps, 1.3 hp and used for a car trailer. my car weighs only 3200# total. As I understand I can use a normal Lead Acid battery instead of the Deep Cycle AGM more expensive. What CCA would I need? I mean I would only pull it on the ramp, once or twice during a race weekend. What is the smallest battery I can get away with? Thanks

asked by: Javier E

Helpful Expert Reply:

You will be able to use a normal Lead Acid Battery without a problem. Since each winch is going to be different, you'll need to consult the owners manual for your specific winch in order to determine what cold cranking amps are required to run it.

For reference, the Bulldog Winch Powersports Series ATV Winch part # BDW15006 has a 2,500-lbs capacity and recommends using a battery with at least 650 CCA to power it; the Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch part # BDW10040 that has a 12500-lbs capacity also recommends a 650 CCA battery. So it's safe to say that if you're using a battery with a 650 CCA, you should be able to power your winch but you will definitely want to verify that in the owner's manual.

If you let me know what winch you have, I can likely let you know what the recommended battery for use with the system is.

expert reply by: Erik B