My open deck car trailer just came in and I need some help figuring out what kind of winch I need ("weight rating"). I am planning on just getting a hand winch for emergencies. The trailer dealer has them "rated" from 600 lbs. to >4000 lbs. The only problem is they can't come up with a consistent answer as to what will do the job. My car weighs about 3600 lbs without a driver and the trailer has 6ft. ramps, 21" deck height and a 3' beaver tail.

Thanks, Ken

 

well.. a 2000 lb winch should be fine.. since you are pulling up a car i.e. wheels.. not dead weight..

 

Thanks, that is what I thought.

 

Have you thought about getting a marine winch? They run from 200-400 bucks.

 

I think the winches I'm looking at are marketed primarily as marine winches. I still may end up going with an electric unit like a Superwinch. It just seems like a waste for me because it will get such little use.

 

I found this chart wich seems to answer the question:

http://onestoptruckshop.com/ONLineOr...nchChoices.htm