What kind / type winch for open tow trailer ?

snake oil · #1 (**permalink**) 07-23-2003, 07:11 AM

Hey all,
I have an open tow trailer and am thinking of installing a winch.
Any comments or reccomendations from past use or experience?
Thanks,
Arcenio

DAVID GAGNARD · #2 (**permalink**) 07-23-2003, 02:38 PM

Arcenio;

Whay do you plan to do with the winch??? Just pull your car up on and off the trailer with it or do you plan to winch up other items that may be heavy????

On my open car trailer I installed a very well used hand type boat trailer winch on the front... I normally drive my car on and off but I had the winch,cable, and material to make the mount with,so it was basically free.... I have winched a 1975 Caddy Sedan Deville (land shark/lead sled) that had a blown trans. and one tire half flat up on it with no problems,I also have a small snatch block just in case but so far have never used it.....

The little bit I use the winch does not justify me to buy an electric winch,but if I find a good used one cheap enough I'll buy it and install it...

I have seen others that had the small ATV type electric winches mounted on their trailers,worked very well,rated for anywhere from 1000lb. to 2500lbs,plenty enough for a car that will roll.....One guy has one about 1500lb capacity mounted in front with a battery mounted on the tongue near the front of the trailer,works very well,uses it to load and unload a 2700lb race car,more than enough power to roll it on and off...

If you got the bucks,I'd spring for a ATV type in the 2500lb range....

David

snake oil · #3 (**permalink**) 07-25-2003, 08:08 AM

David,
Thank you for your reply,
I mostly would be pulling the Cobra but,
I did want eough to pull a much larger car
(you never know when a buddy or family is stranded)
and since the trailer is rated up to 6000 lbs.
thanks again
Arcenio