How to Power a Winch on a Cargo Trailer
Updated 03/13/2026 | Published 03/10/2026
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Question:
Hello, I have a 2017 Cargo Mate 8.5 x 18 that I would like to add a winch as well as some more lighting. I probably know about enough to do this badly. It currently has a very small 12v battery. I realize that the truck will only provide a maintenance charge and the winch will draw considerable amperage, I dont know the best way to overcome this. Ideally a shore power addition for 110 volt access would also be advantageous. Thank you
asked by: Timothy F
Expert Reply:
Hey Tim, that's a nice trailer! Another way to power the winch on your 2017 Cargo Mate would be to have a large deep cell battery installed on the trailer that will power the winch and then use the 12 volt accessory circuit from the 7-way on your truck to put a maintenance charge on the battery. You could then run lights off of the same battery.
Or and this is my recommendation, if you have a winch with up to a 16.5k capacity you could get the Trailer and Vehicle Electric Winch Wiring Kit item # BDW20207. This will run a power wire from the battery of your truck all the way back to the winch. You wouldn't need to install a large battery in your trailer this way and there would be no need to undertake installing shore power.
What kind of winch do you have and how much lighting are you planning on installing?
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In order to install a shore power circuit you are going to need a transfer switch, power inlet, power center and distribution panel, and shore power cord.
You could use the Mighty Cord Replacement RV Power Inlet - White item # A10-50INVP or item # A10-50INBKVP for black. You would need a minimum of 6 gauge wire between the inlet and your panel to safely handle the shore power amps and you will need to run a ground line from the panel to the frame of the trailer.
Go Power Automatic Transfer Switch item # 34270278
PowerMax 30A RV Power Center and Distribution Panel item # PM47VR
Mighty Cord RV Power Cord w/ Pull Handle - 50 Amp - 25' item # A10-5025ED
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Product Page this Question was Asked From
Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 2 Gauge - 24' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Electric Winch
- Wiring
- Quick Connects
- Wiring Kits
- 24 Feet Long
- 2 Gauge Wire
- Bulldog Winch
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Timothy F.
3/12/2026
Jerred, thank you for your insights. As far as lighting there are currently 2 small wall mount 12 v LED lights. I would like to add some overhead lighting... thinking 3 12 v LED as bright as I can get. The winch I am considering is VEVOR 13,500 lb Electric, Truck Winch 12V DC 3/8 in x 80 ft Synthetic Rope. The winch will be a minimal use item for situations where my Auto Cross car brakes. I really like your idea of the direct wiring to the truck (thanks for that) I was thinking too big apparently.