You may think that any winch will do for towing or trailering, but this is certainly not the case. There are several factors to consider to be sure that the winch you choose is up to the task. Picking the wrong one can result in damage to your vehicle as well as the winch.
At Superwinch, we offer specific trailer winch and tow winch solutions, with products designed specifically for the job. In this blog, we will explain what to look for before purchasing your next winch for towing or trailering.
Considerations For A Towing Or Trailering Winch
If you’ve ever trailered or towed with your rig, you know it’s a task that requires specific knowledge. You’ll need to understand weight distribution and sway, just to name a few. When you’re looking for a trailering winch, be sure to also consider:
- Weight of item being pulled
- Mounting location
- Environmental conditions
Buying the biggest towing winch you can afford may seem like the obvious option. But this is not always necessary, and it’s certainly not the most cost-effective. As a rule of thumb, your winch should be able to pull 1.5 times the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW).
So, if your trailer or towed vehicle weighs 3,000 pounds, the winch should be able to pull at least 4,500 pounds. Our Superwinch S Series Winches are available in 5,500lb and 7,500lb pull ratings. This makes them suitable as a car trailer winch or a heavy-duty tow truck winch.
The mounting point 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 42 and 51 lbs. They feature an innovative 2-hole drum that prevents the rope from detaching from the drum.
Environmental factors are also important to consider. The powerful S Series 3.6 hp permanent magnet motor is completely sealed, and stainless-steel rollers and fasteners help prevent corrosion regardless of the weather. The winch is finished in a durable black powder coat and comes with a two-year limited warranty.
Our S Series trailer winches are available in steel cable and synthetic rope versions. This gives you the flexibility to pick the perfect winch for your towing needs. If you need a tow winch for trucks that will be operating in wet or humid conditions, synthetic rope may be the better option. Steel cable is more resistant to abrasions but is heavier.
Superwinch S Series Trailer Winch Benefits
The Superwinch S Series is the most powerful trailer winch we offer. Features include:
- 3.6hp motor with 5,500 or 7,500 pounds of pulling power
- Synthetic and steel rope versions
- 12’ rubber-sealed handheld controller
- 3-stage planetary gear with either 159:1 (5500/5500SR) or 249:1 (7500/7500SR) gear ratio
- IP68 Waterproof rating – Fully sealed drum, gearbox, and contactor (aka solenoid) for protection from the elements
- Rugged Steel Winch Drum – Steel won’t crack or shatter like aluminum
- Ready For Extreme Duty – Tested in temps from -40 to 125 F; integrated drum and controller lighting for after-dark recoveries
Make sure to complete your trailer winch kit with our kinetic recovery ropes, recovery kits, and winching gloves.
Superwinch S Series Winches Are Built For The Toughest Towing Tasks
We partner with Westin to provide top-quality winches and automotive aftermarket products. We have over 40 years in the accessories market, and all our products are designed and tested in the USA. We back our equipment up with a comprehensive warranty policy. Got questions? Contact our expert team today for advice on the best towing or trailering winch for you.
