Electric Trailer Winch

M

MOOSE

Member
I've been considering going to an electric winch for our EZ Loader roller trailer. Do any of you folks use one and, if so, what are your recommendations as to size and brand?
 
I had an electric winch on a Searay 268 Sundancer I had. Much heavier boat than the 22 or 25. I always found the 22 fairly easy to winch on. The one issue with an electric winch, is that you can not use it to keep the boat secured on. (With the manual winches, you can crank them down and leave them that way to secure the boat. The brake on the electric winch can wear out rather fast if you use it to keep the boat snug against the bow stop while towing. There is no ratchet stop as there is on the manual winch. That being said, the winch I had was a powerwinch. Can't remember which model. Colby
 
From what I understand, the winch shouldn’t be counted on to secure the bow to the trailer anyway. A ratcheting strap is recommended
 
". . . .A ratcheting strap is recommended."
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Yup, like what comes on a manual winch. But then I also use additional tiedowns, and chain and turnbuckle, and the bow chain.

I was just thinking of the hook up and wind part, no battery involved, cables, corroded ends etc.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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What I do like about the electric winch though is with a remote control, I could control it while I’m trying to center the boat on the bunks.

My wife would be quite happy to be out of the operation
 
It is substantial, I think I could get by without the turnbuckle, but it's there. Winch is a Dutton Strongarm SA9000DC. It powers both in and out. I had another electric winch for my Catalina 25 sailboat. The winch would pull it in but one had to free the winch and let the boat roll off; quite spectacular. Swore I'd never get one of those winches again..

The Dutton winches are made in the USA and the total cost was under $600, $500 for the winch and $100 for the rest. I put it on after a big session at Lake Powell where the water was down and I really had to winch a long way. Didn't want to back it in until the rear axle was under water, cause that really destroys them. Stopped several times to rest, Finally got it on. Came home and bought a winch.

Boris.
 
Boris, Your link worked fine for me. I use a turnbuckle hold down system too. Kind of figure you can't really do to much hold down for a road trip.

Harvey
SleepyC :moon

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journey on":2jttdyzp said:
Here's how I installed an electric winch on Journey On's trailer:Dutton Electric Winch.

One of the best investments Judy ever made. Especially when the launch ramp is steep. Extended my ability to go boating by a couple of years.

Boris
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Thanks to all of you for your thoughts, but especially you, Boris, for an informative description and photographs.

Al
 
I'm beginning to understand some of the hassles involved with installing an electric winch. Some of you mentioned using a two-speed manual winch and this might be a good solution. I currently have a single-speed model rated at 2600 lbs.

Does anyone have a recommendation on manufacturer and model for something that would give me greater mechanical advantage?

Thanks.
Al
 
Being bored during Covid last winter I installed an electric winch on my trailer. Wanted a project and wanted to be able to control the boat at a launch by myself.
I bought the winch and quickly discovered I needed an adapter plate as the original winch was much narrower. It was easy to install the the adapter plate using the existing holes. I seem to remember I did have to drill 1 new hole to lock the Winch in place. I had to lower the bracket so the winch lined up with the bow ring. Also installed a safety chain for use while trailering.
The wiring for me was easy as my tow vehicle is a BMW SUV with the battery in the rear under the floor. I found an easy place for the negative Connection and at the + terminal on the battery was a bolt to use to attach that wire.
In the inside of the SUV is a door for a first aid kit that is actually open in the bottom to the battery area. There is plenty of extra room to hold the wire with plug that goes to the winch and the second wire with the remote. All hides away nicely in this compartment when not in use.
you can see some of the pictures on my album

Yhttp://www.c-brats.com/modules.php?set ... _album.php

Hope this helps you. So far only used it once but works very well.
 
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