Can Dutton-Lainson Trailer Winch # DL14881 be Used with a Synthetic Wire Rope

Updated 04/25/2012 | Published 04/24/2012

Question:

Hi, after days of research it seems that this hand winch is exactly what I need to pull cars unto my car trailer, and your online store has the best price! I know you guys dont sell synthetic winch rope, but for safety reasons I strongly prefer it to cable. Would you happen to know what thickness and maximum length I can get that would work with this winch? Thank you for your time.

asked by: Ted

Expert Reply:

On the Dutton-Lainson winch # DL14881, the maximum drum capacity for a cable is 3/8 inches in diameter and 37 feet long. I spoke with my contact at Dutton-Lainson and he said that you could use a synthetic cable as long as it is rated high enough.

The cable you use has to be rated 1-1/2 times higher than the winch capacity. In this case that is 5,250 pounds. If the cable has a hook at the end that hook must be rated 1-1/2 times greater than the cable. So that would be 7,875 pounds.

I have included a link to our winch FAQ article for you.

expert reply by: Michael H