What to Consider When Choosing Trailer Winches ~

"Build For The Toughest Towing Tasks"


Discover the Power of the Superwinch S Winch: The Ultimate Choice for Trailer Applications

You might think that any winch is suitable as a trailer winch, but this is certainly not the case. There are several factors to consider to ensure that the winch you choose is up to the task. Choosing the wrong one can result in damage to both your vehicle and the winch.

At Superwinch, they offer specific solutions for trailer winches, with products specially designed for this purpose. In this blog, we explain what to look for before purchasing a winch for these applications.

Considerations for a Towing or Trailer Winch
If you've ever winched a vehicle onto a trailer, you know it requires specific knowledge. You need to understand things like weight distribution and swaying. When looking for a trailer winch, keep the following in mind:

  • Weight of the item being pulled
  • Mounting location
  • Environmental conditions

Weight of the Item Being Pulled
Buying the biggest trailer winch you can afford might seem like the obvious option. However, this isn't always necessary, nor is it the most cost-effective choice. A general rule is that your winch should be able to pull 1.5 times the gross vehicle weight. So, if your trailer or towed vehicle weighs 1,360 kg, the winch should be able to pull at least 2,040 kg. Our Superwinch S Series winches are available with pulling capacities of 2,500 kg and 3,400 kg, making them suitable for car or boat trailers.

Mounting Location
The mounting location for regular winches is usually on the front grille or bumper of a vehicle. A trailer winch is designed to be mounted on a flatbed or trailer with four solid bolting points. Our S Series towing winches weigh between 19 and 23 kg and feature an innovative 2-hole drum that prevents the rope from detaching from the drum.

Environmental Conditions
Environmental factors are also important to consider. The powerful 3.6 HP permanent magnet motor of the S Series is fully sealed, and stainless-steel rollers and fasteners help prevent corrosion in any weather condition. The winch is finished in a durable black powder coat and comes with a two-year limited warranty.

Conclusion: The Best Choice as a Trailer Winch
Our S Series trailer winches are available in both steel cable and synthetic rope versions, giving you the flexibility to choose the perfect winch for your needs. If you need a winch for trucks operating in wet or humid conditions, synthetic rope might be the better option. Steel cable is more resistant to abrasion but is heavier. Additionally, synthetic rope is more susceptible to sharp edges, something you may encounter with trailers. The choice ultimately depends on your application and trailer.

Check out all Superwinch S winches


Superwinch and Westin are industry-leading manufacturers of quality automotive aftermarket products designed to fit your active lifestyle. For over 40 years, they have supplied accessories and equipment for a variety of Jeeps, trucks, and SUVs engineered for off-roading enthusiasts. Their products are designed and tested in the USA and are backed by a comprehensive warranty policy.

If you're serious about offroading, you'll want to check out our Superwinch winches and accessories.  Whether you are venturing down the trail for the first time or an offroading pro, we have a winch to suit your needs.

Got questions? Contact us today!