Winches 101?

[nccatfan]

Hey guys, got a quick question. I have a 20ft car hauler/flatbed trailer and I'm trying to look into putting a winch on it... I just don't know how big I need it to be. I've been told its rating should be greater than the towed vehicle's weight. That doesn't make sense to me since I'm not trying to lift any vehicle into the air, just need it to roll up the ramps?

[jesilvas]

But the winch is still pulling the entire weight of the vehicle.

I made my Samsung SGH-I997 send this.

[nccatfan]

I understand that. However, I can push a car when it's in neutral but I know for a fact I can't bench-press 4000lbs. See my confusion?

[jesilvas]

It's like trailer pulling. The truck isn't benching a 15k pound fifth wheel, but is handling it's inertia.
it'd be like using a datsun to haul that trailer.
Or a 5k recovery strap to pull a d10.

I made my Samsung SGH-I997 send this.

[F250SixOH]

We use a 3000lb winch to pull our late model stock into the trailer. Doesn't even struggle. With simple statics you can see that 4000lb *(cos 30)= 617lb in the x direction. Probably more than that but just gives you an example.

[44magnum]

When a winch says its a 4K lb winch it mean sit can pull a load weighing 4K, it does not mean the actual pulling power. For example if you want to pull a ford Explorer ( say 4500LBS) onto a trailer you will want a winch with a 6750 rating minimum (See link 1.5 times the actual weight is recommended minimum)

Pirate4x4.Com - Extreme Four Wheel Drive

Also you can effectively double the rating of any winch by using a snatch block.

I have a 4K winch that really struggles to pull a v6 ford explorer onto my trailer.

Remember there is a difference between the rating of a winch (horizontal) and the rating of a hoist. (vertical)

[jermcd]

Good info guys.

[hollister25073]

Your only pulling 30% of the weight of a vehicle on flat smooth ground I can't remember the % on a given grade but I'd go buy an 8k winch and be done with it but a snatch block and call her a day


Sent from my iPhone using AutoGuide.com App

[351fifty]

what is a snatch block? i had a warn 12k but never used it, but have heard of this snatch block but no idea as to how it works nor what it does

[44magnum]

Lewis Winch snatch block demo, huge log skid. Double the pulling power of a portable winch. - YouTube

Lewis Winch snatch block demo, huge log skid. Double the pulling power of a portable winch. - YouTube

Snatch block.