Dutton-Lainson WG1500 vs WG2000 for Kayak Trailer Incline Control: Which Winch Is Right for You  

Question:

Expert Reply:

Hi Don, great question!

You’re really zeroing in on the right style of winch, and I like that you’re thinking about control and safety on that incline because that’s exactly where the right choice makes a difference. Both the WG1500, part # DL10950, and the WG2000, part # DL10970, use a worm gear design, so they both give you that automatic braking you’re after. When you stop cranking, the load just stays put with no rollback, which is what keeps your trailer from creeping back and potentially bumping into anything. The difference between the two really comes down to how they feel when you’re using them.

The WG1500 part # DL10950 has a slightly lower gear ratio, so it takes fewer turns of the handle to move the strap or cable. That makes it feel a bit quicker and more efficient for lighter loads like a kayak trailer, but you will feel a little more resistance in the handle as you crank. This is a great fit if your trailer is fairly light and you want something that gets the job done a little quicker without a lot of extra cranking.

The WG2000 part # DL10970 has a higher gear ratio, so it moves slower and takes more turns, but each turn requires less effort. That extra mechanical advantage is what makes it feel easier, especially if the incline is a little steeper or the trailer ends up heavier than expected. So each one is better depending on what matters most to you. This is the better choice if you want it to feel as easy and controlled as possible every time, even if that means going a bit slower.

For what you described, both are solid options and both will keep things safe, so you’re not making a wrong choice either way. It really just comes down to whether you’d rather save a little time or save a little effort when you’re using it.

Where do you usually launch, and how heavy is the trailer you are trying to pull?

expert reply by: Heather A

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Dave D.

4/16/2026

I bought it to lift my snow plow blade attached to my ATV. It’s self locking at any height and I only use it to get the plow up and over the lip at my garage entrance. The battery (recently replaced) driven winch I was using was short on torque and frequently would only respond with clicks when under a heavy load.

Heather A.

4/17/2026

@DaveD Thanks for sharing that, Dave, that’s a great real-world example. That self-locking feature you mentioned is exactly why these worm gear winches work so well for situations like yours and what Don is describing. It’s also a really good point about torque. Electric winches can struggle under load, especially if the battery isn’t perfect, but a manual worm gear winch gives you steady, reliable control every time. Really appreciate you adding that experience.