Electric Winch Recommendation to Pull a 3000 lb Boat and Trailer into a Garage

Updated 09/11/2012 | Published 09/08/2012

Products Featured in This Question

Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch - Marine - 3,000 lbs

(171)

$632.64

Superwinch LT3000 ATV Winch - Wire Rope - Roller Fairlead - 3,000 lbs

(80)

$251.37

Question:

I am planning to install a winch in a garage to pull in a boat and trailer for the winter. I can get the boat about 70inch from the winch location and initially the grade is perhaps 10 to 15 degrees up to the garage. The boat and trailer weight are about 3000lb. I am not sure how to convert winch capcity to this scenerio. Can you provide me with information and a recomendation? Thank you

asked by: Jeff S

Expert Reply:

Assuming your trailer is going to be a rolling load, you will not need a winch with a large capacity. Rolling loads can be moved more easily allowing a winch to handle more than the rated capacity. I have attached a help article on electric winches for you to check out.

If you only plan on using the winch to pull the boat into the garage, then I recommend going with a more economical 3,000 lb winch like the Superwinch LT3000ATV Winch, # SW1130220, but you can always go with a higher rated winch if you would like.

At a 17 degree incline, this winch can handle a rolling load of 7,825 lbs which makes it more than capable of pulling your boat into your garage. Choosing a winch that can handle a load greater than it is pulling will extend the life of the winch giving you years of service.

The electric winches that we carry are typically designed to be mounted on trailers, vehicles or ATVs, and powered by a vehicle battery or an auxiliary battery. You will also want to be sure you mount the winch to a suitable support structure. I do not recommend mounting the winch to any part of your garage frame.

expert reply by: John H