What Size Winch Do I Need?

A good winch can make all the difference when your vehicle gets stuck in the mud during your off-road adventure. By anchoring your truck to a sturdy tree or rock, you can use a winch to pull yourself out of the dirt and get moving again. However, not all winches are built the same. They come in different sizes, which means you first have to determine the right winch size for your vehicle.

What Is a Winch?

Typically mounted to the front or rear bumper of a car, a winch is a mechanical device that can pull vehicles, trailers, and other heavy loads. It’s equipped with a motor-driven drum that tightens and releases a cable that usually has a hook at the end.

It’s basically what you see on a tow truck. They have a hook on a cable that comes down the bed of the tow truck to hook up to the vehicle to pull it up on the bed.

This rotating spool is every off-roader’s best friend when it comes to freeing their vehicle when it’s stuck in the mud and unable to move on its own. Winches can also be used to move a second vehicle.

Which Size Winch Should You Use?

Unfortunately, winches aren’t a one-size-fits-all accessory. Different vehicles will require different winch sizes, with the correct size depending on several factors. Here’s a handy winch guide on how to choose the right size:

Determine the GVWR

A heavy vehicle will obviously need a more powerful winch, so the biggest factor to consider is your vehicle’s gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). On most four-wheel-drive (FWD) vehicles, you can usually find the GVWR indicated on a metal tag on the edge of the driver’s door.

Include the Weight of Accessories

Don’t forget to add the weight of any accessories, cargo, and other modifications to your truck. Even if your roof rack is empty, you still have to include the rack’s weight when computing the correct winch size.

Consider the Winch’s Pulling Capacity

As a general rule of thumb, you should choose a winch with a loading capacity of around 1.5 times your vehicle’s total weight. For example, a 6,000-lb truck will need a winch size of 9,000 lbs.

You might be tempted to get a smaller winch, but we strongly advise against it. When pulling a stuck vehicle out of the mud, the winch has to exert an initial pulling force stronger than the car’s weight. If the winch’s pulling capacity falls short, it won’t be able to pull the vehicle successfully. This is also why it’s better to size up if you’re in between sizes.

Assess Terrain and Usage

Think about your upcoming off-road adventure, and evaluate what kind of challenges you might face. Are you likely to run into any uneven terrain, muddy slopes, and steep inclines? If the answer’s yes, then you’re better off getting a bigger auto winch.

Choose the Right Cable Length

When choosing the right winch for your car hauler or trailer, don’t forget to consider the cable length as well. A longer cable gives you more freedom and flexibility when recovering a vehicle, but it also has a greater chance of getting stuck. If you don’t want to risk it, you can go for a short to medium cable and then install line extensions.

Check Your Car’s Electrical System

As its name suggests, an electric-type winch is powered by the vehicle’s electrical system. This means that a larger winch will need more power than a smaller winch. Before buying one, make sure your car battery and electrical system can handle the winch’s demands.

You can also add an additional battery. Just make sure to get the correct ones when you get the battery cables to hook it up. Bigger battery cables are also okay. It’s better for the battery cables to be larger than smaller.

You can also add an additional car battery. Just make sure to get the correct cables when when you get the battery cables to hook it up. Bigger battery cables are also okay. It is better for the battery cables to be larger than smaller.

–Anthony Harlin, ASE Certified Master Automobile Technician

Consider Other Multiplier Factors

While winches have specific pulling capacities, some accessories can help multiply these numbers. Take snatch blocks, for example. Snatch blocks are pulley blocks that can significantly increase a car winch’s pulling force and versatility. You can install one if you need extra power from your winch.

Invest in a High-Quality Winch

You might end up spending more on a high-quality winch, but we promise it’s worth it. The last thing any off-roader wants is to leave their vehicle stuck in the muddy trail because their low-quality winch failed them.

Consult Manufacturer Guidelines

When in doubt, you can simply refer to your manufacturer’s recommended winch size. Your manufacturer should also have guidelines that are specific to your vehicle’s year, make, and model.

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What Are the Different Winch Sizes?

Here are the winch sizes you’ll find on the market and their common applications:

2,500 to 3,500-Pound Winches

All-terrain vehicles, or ATVs for short, are usually equipped with 2,500-lb to 3,500-lb winches. These winches aren’t designed for pulling heavy-duty vehicles, but they can recover stuck quad bikes with ease.

3,500 to 5,500-Pound Winches

Also known as side-by-sides, utility terrain vehicles (UTVs) usually weigh around 1,000 to 2,000 pounds. This is why you’ll usually find most UTVs using a 3,500 to 5,500-lb winch.

8,000-Pound Winches

You usually won’t find winches specifically designed for smaller cars, but the 8,000-lb one is the most compact. If you drive an SUV or a small truck, then you might want to consider getting this size.

10,000-Pound Winches

This winch size is the most common among off-road vehicles, as it meets the demands of most SUVs and trucks.

12,000-Pound Winches

The standard winch size for a 1-ton truck is usually 12,000 pounds. If you go lighter than that, you might end up with an unsuccessful recovery attempt.

Over 12,000-Pound Winches

These are the heaviest type of winches, and they’re usually found on winch trucks and flatbed tow trucks.

What Are the Different Types of Winches?

Winches don’t just vary in size or cable length. They also have different types of cables. Here are two common cable types you’ll find on the market:

Synthetic Cables

This type of cable is made from polyethylene, making it much lighter than a steel cable. Synthetic ropes usually won’t whip back at you if they suddenly snap, which is always a great plus.

Unfortunately, while they’re resistant to corrosion, they’re also susceptible to UV and heat damage. Synthetic cables also absorb water, which can add weight and even freeze during the winter.

Steel Cables

Steel cables are heavy, long-lasting ropes that are typically more affordable than synthetic ones. They won’t fray as easily as synthetic cables, and they usually require less maintenance.

However, a steel cable is stiffer and more prone to kinking, which can be a hassle when you’re trying to retract it back to the cable drum. Over time, steel cables can also rust and form sharp edges, so you’ll have to be careful and use gloves when handling one.

If a steel cable breaks, it can also hurt someone, or damage your vehicle or another car.