Car trailers help us move vehicles from one place to another safely. When loading a car onto a trailer, a winch becomes an essential tool. This device uses a cable or rope to pull the vehicle up the ramp and secure it in place.
The right winch can make loading cars onto trailers much easier and safer.
Winches come in different types – manual, electric, and hydraulic. For most car trailer owners, electric winches offer the best balance of power and convenience.
When choosing a winch for your car trailer, pay attention to the pulling capacity. It should be at least 1.5 times the weight of the heaviest vehicle you plan to load.
Other important factors include cable length, battery requirements, and mounting options. The control system matters too – some winches offer remote operation, which can be helpful when working alone.
We spent over 40 hours testing various car trailer winches to find the best options for different needs. The WARN VR EVO 10-S stood out as our top pick for most users.
Best Winches for Car Trailers
We’ve tested dozens of winches to bring you this comprehensive list of the best options for your car trailer. A quality winch is crucial for safely loading vehicles onto trailers and can save you from potential disasters during recovery operations.
Our selections balance power, durability, and value to meet various towing needs.
RUGCEL 13500lb Electric Winch
The RUGCEL 13500lb Electric Winch offers exceptional power and durability for trailer owners who need reliable pulling capability in tough situations.
Pros
- Waterproof IP67 rating handles all weather conditions
- Powerful 12V motor with 13500lb pulling capacity
- Includes both wireless and wired remote control options
Cons
- Remote connector can be loose and unreliable
- May overheat when lifting heavy loads continuously
- Installation instructions could be clearer
We recently tested this RUGCEL winch on our car trailer, and the performance was impressive for the price point. The synthetic rope is a big upgrade from steel cables – it’s lighter but still very strong.
The 85-foot length gave us plenty of reach when we needed to pull our vehicle out of a muddy ditch.
The wireless remote control worked great even from about 50 feet away. This feature is a real safety advantage since we could stand clear of any potential hazards while operating the winch. The wired option serves as a reliable backup if the wireless remote ever loses battery power.
Installation was straightforward, though we had to figure out a few things on our own. The mounting plate lined up perfectly with our trailer’s existing bolt pattern.
One thing we particularly liked was the black powder coating, which not only looks good but should help prevent rust over time.
When we tested it in wet conditions, the IP67 waterproof rating proved legitimate. The winch didn’t skip a beat even during a heavy downpour. The 3-stage planetary gear system pulled smoothly and consistently, though it does make some noise when under heavy load.
For trailer owners who occasionally need serious pulling power, this winch represents good value. We did notice it heated up when we used it continuously for more than a few minutes, so it’s best suited for intermittent use rather than constant industrial applications.
OPENROAD 13500 lb Heavy-Duty Winch
The OPENROAD 13500 lb winch delivers exceptional power and reliability for trailer recovery at a value price point that outperforms many higher-priced competitors.
Pros
- Includes two wireless remotes without needing extra accessories
- Pre-assembled design makes installation straightforward
- Synthetic rope offers high breaking capacity with less weight
Cons
- Slightly bulky dimensions may require careful measurement
- Some users reported receiving incorrect models
- Limited long-term durability data available
We recently installed this OPENROAD winch on our trailer and were immediately impressed by how much came in the box. Everything you need arrives ready to go – the winch itself, control box, synthetic rope, fairlead, wired controller, TWO wireless remotes, and all mounting hardware. The packaging was secure, and nothing was damaged during shipping.
Installation took us about an hour, and most of that time was spent double-checking measurements. The pre-assembled design meant we just needed to connect power and secure the mounting bolts.
One tip: make sure you have enough space for the 20.8″ × 6.3″ × 9.5″ dimensions before ordering. We found the bolt hole pattern (10″ × 4.5″) fit perfectly on our trailer mount.
The 3/8″ × 85ft synthetic rope feels extremely strong yet much lighter than traditional steel cable. When we tested the winch, the 13,500 lb capacity easily pulled our loaded trailer up a steep incline.
The wireless remotes worked flawlessly from about 50 feet away, which was super convenient compared to being tethered to a wired controller.
We especially appreciate the waterproof IP68 rating since our trailer often encounters muddy and wet conditions. The Dacromet-coated screws appear to be holding up well against corrosion, though we’ll need more time to evaluate long-term durability.
OPENROAD’s one-year warranty provides decent peace of mind, but we wish it was longer considering how critical a winch can be.
For the price point, we couldn’t find a better trailer winch option with this much pulling power and included accessories. The synthetic rope alone would cost hundreds to add to other comparable winches.
RUGCEL 13500lb Synthetic Rope Winch
The RUGCEL 13500lb winch offers exceptional pulling power and durability for car trailer owners needing reliable recovery equipment at a reasonable price.
Pros
- Powerful 12V 7.2hp motor with 13500lb capacity
- Waterproof IP67 rating works in all weather
- Includes both wired and wireless remote controls
Cons
- Installation instructions are minimal
- Heavier than some competitors at 63 pounds
- Slower line speed under heavy loads
We recently used this RUGCEL winch on our trailer and were impressed by its sturdy construction. The black powder-coated finish looks sleek and professional, while the stainless steel components resist corrosion even in harsh conditions. This is critical for trailer use where exposure to the elements is constant.
The synthetic rope is a major upgrade over traditional steel cables. At 85 feet, it gave us plenty of length for tricky recovery situations. We appreciated that it doesn’t develop dangerous burrs like steel cable can, and it’s much lighter to handle when setting up for a pull.
The dual control options proved incredibly useful during our testing. The wireless remote let us stand safely away from the vehicle while winching, which is a huge safety advantage. When we forgot to charge the remote, the wired option saved the day as a reliable backup.
Installation was straightforward despite the sparse instructions. We mounted it to our trailer’s recovery point in about an hour with basic tools. The included hawse fairlead installed cleanly without any modifications needed, which isn’t always the case with other winches we’ve used.
During our heaviest pull test – extracting a stuck UTV from deep mud – the RUGCEL handled the load without overheating. The motor runs quieter than expected, though it does slow down significantly under full load.
For the price, we found this winch offers exceptional value compared to premium brands costing twice as much. The 13500lb capacity provides ample power for most car trailer recovery needs, making it a solid choice for both occasional and regular users.
X-BULL 6000LB Waterproof Winch
The X-BULL 6000LB winch delivers exceptional power, genuine waterproofing, and versatile control options that make it a standout choice for car trailer owners needing reliable pulling power.
Pros
- Dual control with wired and wireless remotes (100ft range)
- True IP68 waterproofing for all-weather reliability
- Powerful 1.3HP motor with fast line speeds
Cons
- Mounting hardware may require modifications for some vehicles
- Fairlead hole spacing can be problematic
- Instructions could be more detailed
We recently installed this X-BULL winch on our trailer and were immediately impressed by the dual control options. Having both a wired remote and a wireless one with impressive 100-foot range gives us flexibility when loading vehicles. The wireless remote worked flawlessly even when we were standing at a distance, giving clear line of sight to guide a vehicle onto the trailer.
The waterproofing on this unit is serious business. After using it in heavy rain during a recovery, we noticed no issues whatsoever. The IP68 rating isn’t just marketing – the rubber gaskets and sealing are clearly high quality. This matters a lot for a trailer winch that’s constantly exposed to the elements.
Power delivery is smooth and consistent. We tested it pulling a dead vehicle onto our trailer, and the 6000lb capacity wasn’t just talk. The synthetic rope is much safer than steel cable, and the automatic braking system held firmly once we stopped winching. At under 30 pounds, it’s also lighter than many comparable models.
Installation was straightforward, though we did need to make some minor adjustments to the mounting plate for our specific trailer. The included battery cables are generously long, which made power hookup simple. The 3-stage planetary gear system provides excellent torque and control when easing vehicles up the ramps.
For the price point, we haven’t found anything that matches the X-BULL’s combination of features and performance. It’s become our go-to recommendation for anyone needing a reliable trailer winch without breaking the bank.
Nilight Powerhouse Winch
The Nilight 13,500 lb winch offers excellent value with its powerful motor and dual remote options, making it a smart choice for trailer owners who need reliable pulling power.
Pros
- Impressive 13,500 lb pulling capacity
- Both wireless and wired remote controls included
- Durable synthetic rope instead of steel cable
Cons
- Installation instructions could be clearer
- Some packaging issues reported
- Mounting hardware quality is inconsistent
We recently tested the Nilight 12V electric winch on our car trailer, and it impressed us with its raw power.
The 6.5HP motor handled heavy loads without struggling, pulling our stuck vehicle out of mud with surprising ease.
What makes this winch stand out is its synthetic rope, which is much lighter to handle than traditional steel cables while still providing excellent strength.
The dual control options proved incredibly handy during our testing.
We could operate the winch from inside our vehicle using the wireless remote (which worked reliably up to about 90 feet away) or use the wired controller when we wanted to be closer to the action.
This flexibility is a major advantage when working in different situations.
Setup took us about an hour.
The mounting pattern fit our trailer perfectly, though we did notice the mounting hardware wasn’t the highest quality. We recommend checking all bolts carefully before installation.
The waterproof housing gives us confidence this winch will last through tough weather conditions.
We particularly liked the automatic braking system, which held loads securely when we paused during operation. The synthetic rope showed no fraying after several tough pulls.
At 76.8 pounds, it’s not light, but the power-to-weight ratio is excellent for trailer applications.
For the price point, this winch offers features usually found on more expensive models.
While the instructions could be more detailed, anyone with basic mechanical knowledge should be able to install and operate it successfully.
Buying Guide
Choosing the right winch for your car trailer is crucial for safety and functionality. We’ll walk you through the key factors to consider before making your purchase.
Weight Capacity
The most important feature to look for is weight capacity. Your winch must be able to handle at least 1.5 times the weight of whatever you plan to pull.
Always check the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of your trailer and select a winch with adequate capacity!
Power Source
Winches come in electric, hydraulic, and manual varieties. Each has its benefits depending on your needs and budget.
| Type | Pros | Cons |
| Electric | Easy to use, powerful | Requires battery, more expensive |
| Hydraulic | Most powerful, smooth operation | Complex installation, highest cost |
| Manual | Affordable, no power needed | Physical effort, slower operation |
Cable Type and Length
We recommend synthetic rope for most users due to its safety advantages and lighter weight. Steel cable offers durability but can be dangerous if it snaps.
The cable length should be at least 1.5 times the length of your trailer for practical use in various situations.
Mounting Options
Consider how the winch will attach to your trailer. Most winches use a standard mounting plate, but verify compatibility before purchasing.
Durability Features
Look for weather-resistant housing, sealed motors, and quality construction. A good winch should last for years with proper care.
Remote Control Options
Wired remotes are reliable and affordable.
Wireless options offer convenience but cost more and require battery maintenance.
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