Choose the Right Winch

Install it properly
First choose an installation site accessible to you. Align an unobstructed path to the car that you are loading. Prevent any metal-to-metal contact with the wire rope. Mount the winch close enough to the trailer’s front to pull the vehicle completely on. If it’s mounted under something, such as a toolbox, leave enough space to access the winch.

Consider a pulley block
With a hook for mounting and a pulley for the wire rope, a pulley block lets you offset the winch but retain a straight shot. A pulley block can also be used to nearly double the winch’s capacity by simply attaching the pulley block’s hook directly to the load and the winch’s hook to a sturdy mount near the winch.

Wire it right
A trailer wiring kit, like the kind available from Superwinch, makes it easy to get power for the winch from the tow vehicle’s battery.

To maintain electrical performance from the battery to the winch, we recommend dropping 3 wire sizes for every doubling of the length of the standard wire harness. Example: No. 6 to No. 3 or 2 gauge. A quick disconnect plug for the truck comes prewired with a negative lead. Simply install the special terminal to the positive side of the quick disconnect and position the plug at the rear of the truck, perhaps under the bumper.

If your tow vehicle isn’t equipped with a towing package that includes a dual-wire ground setup, Superwinch recommends installing the negative battery terminal strap provided with their winches. Take care that your wiring has fully secured leads which are clear of hot or moving parts.