undoubtedbest Best Car and Truck Winch for pulling in Reviews and Buying Guide
  1. Home ›
  2. Posts ›
  3. Cars
Review
desperate situations

Best Car and Truck Winch for pulling in Reviews and Buying Guide

Published In Cars and Outdoors

A winch helps to get your vehicle out of desperate situations when going off-road and we help you choose the best one for your car or truck by reviewing some top brands below and with some buying tips. 

Recommendations

 
01
Image
Editor’s Choice
Smittybilt 97495 9500 lbs Load Capacity Winch image large
Title
Smittybilt 97495 9500 lbs Load Capacity Winch
Price
Check Price
D
10 x 25.8 x 13.8 in
W
84 lbs
Pros
  • Powerful 6.6 HP amphibious motor.
  • Completely waterproof construction.
  • Up to 9500 pounds load capacity.
  • Complete kit with the necessary wiring for installation.
  • Convenient remote control switch.
  • Long and tough cable.
Cons
Electrical cables are slightly hard to attach.
Bottom Line
This is a powerful enough, tough and long lasting winch that will never disappoint.
02
Image
Budget
Superwinch 1135220 Single Line Pull Winch image large
Title
Superwinch 1135220 Single Line Pull Winch
Price
Check Price
D
4.5 x 13.4 x 4.8 in
W
20.1 lbs
Pros
  • Highly efficient and reliable performance.
  • Tough steel wire rope.
  • Ergonomic cam action clutch.
  • Rubberized remote switch.
  • Circuit breaker protected.
  • Rugged all metal gears.
Cons
Motor is not very powerful.
Bottom Line
It might not have the largest or most powerful motor but it is still a high-performing winch
03
Image
Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV Winch image large
Title
Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV Winch
Price
Check Price
D
4.2 x 13.2 x 4.2 in
W
19.8 lbs
Pros
  • Comes with both handheld remote control and bar mounted switch.
  • Mechanical, dynamic brake.
  • Free-spooling clutch.
  • Circuit breaker protected.
  • Low amperage permanent motor.
Cons
Relatively low pull rate.
Bottom Line
This is a highly affordable winch if you compare it to others but it still offers a decent performance.
04
Image
High Capacity
Smittybilt 98510 10,000 Pound Load Capacity Winch image large
Title
Smittybilt 98510 10,000 Pound Load Capacity Winch
Price
Check Price
D
24 x 14.5 x 11.5 in
W
62.4 lbs
Pros
  • Extra high load capacity.
  • Powerful and highly reliable 6.6 hp amphibious motor.
  • Auto out-of-drum brake.
  • Remote switch control.
  • Completely waterproof construction.
  • Lifetime mechanical warranty.
  • None
Cons
Relatively expensive winch.
Bottom Line
Although it is quite an expensive winch it also has a high load capacity and it is also one toughest in the market.
05
Image
Champion 4500-Pound Wireless Winch Kit image large
Title
Champion 4500-Pound Wireless Winch Kit
Price
Check Price
D
14.5 x 17 x 9.5 in
W
30.6 lbs
Pros
  • Super duty aircraft-grade cable.
  • Convenient wireless remote and antenna.
  • Comes as a complete kit for easy setup.
  • Relatively affordable winch.
  • Free-spooling clutch.
  • Mounting channel included.
Cons
The nut and bolts look cheap and low quality.
Bottom Line
This is a convenient winch that allows you to operate it wirelessly.

If you spend a lot of time going off-road or your car has died out mid road a few times in the past you will know just how important a winch is in such situations. In most instances, it is the only thing that determines whether you get home that night or have to spend it trapped in a ditch somewhere. And contrary to what some people might believe it is not just a thing for SUVs and large vehicles as it is also still as useful for regular cars and trucks. 

If you already have a winch then the chances are that you know what they are all about and understand what defines the best ones. But if you are buying one for the first time things might not be all that clear. Hence finding the best from the different options in the market can be a tedious task.

However, with our 5 best car and truck winch reviews below and shopping guide, it should be easier for you to pick a good one whether you are buying it for the first time or replacing your old model.

01

Smittybilt 97495 9500 lbs Load Capacity Winch by Smittybilt

Editor’s Choice
Smittybilt 97495 9500 lbs Load Capacity Winch image large

Pros

  • Powerful 6.6 HP amphibious motor.
  • Completely waterproof construction.
  • Up to 9500 pounds load capacity.
  • Complete kit with the necessary wiring for installation.
  • Convenient remote control switch.
  • Long and tough cable.

Cons

Electrical cables are slightly hard to attach.
Check Price

Everything about this winch from the load capacity to the motor power is just fantastic and you will never regret buying it. The winch has a maximum load capacity of 9,500 pounds which means it will work great for all types of cars and tracks.

Also, it runs on a powerful 6.6 HP motor that will deliver more than enough power and it has a completely waterproof construction for a long lasting service. The cable stretches up to 90 feet and it is also as tough as it can get and this winch comes as a complete kit with all the necessary wiring for installation.

This is a powerful enough, tough and long lasting winch that will never disappoint.

If you’re interested in reading customer reviews of Smittybilt 97495 9500 lbs Load Capacity Winch, you should check from Amazon Now. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

02

Superwinch 1135220 Single Line Pull Winch by Superwinch

Budget
Superwinch 1135220 Single Line Pull Winch image large

Pros

  • Highly efficient and reliable performance.
  • Tough steel wire rope.
  • Ergonomic cam action clutch.
  • Rubberized remote switch.
  • Circuit breaker protected.
  • Rugged all metal gears.

Cons

Motor is not very powerful.
Check Price

This single line pull winch guarantees high efficiency and a reliable performance. It runs on a 1.6 hp weather sealed magnet motor and it has a maximum line loading capacity of 3,500 pounds.

The tough steel wire cable will extend up to 50 feet and there is also a free-spooling clutch that makes it possible for users to draw out the cable manually. Also, the winch will come with a rubberized remote control, some rugged all-metal gears and is circuit breaker protected for safety.

It might not have the largest or most powerful motor but it is still a high-performing winch

You know what’s the most important feature of Superwinch 1135220 Single Line Pull Winch? One customer wrote details about this on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

03

Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV Winch by Superwinch

Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV Winch image large

Pros

  • Comes with both handheld remote control and bar mounted switch.
  • Mechanical, dynamic brake.
  • Free-spooling clutch.
  • Circuit breaker protected.
  • Low amperage permanent motor.

Cons

Relatively low pull rate.
Check Price

Winches might not always be cheap but thus affordable, tough and high performing one proves you do not have to spend a fortune to get one. And besides from the affordable price tag, the winch is still also quite high performing as it will come with a free-spooling clutch, mechanical and dynamic brake system.

It is also an easy and convenient to control winch that comes with both handheld remote and a bar mounted rocker switch.

This is a highly affordable winch if you compare it to others but it still offers a decent performance.

For more about Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV Winch, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

04

Smittybilt 98510 10,000 Pound Load Capacity Winch by Smittybilt

High Capacity
Smittybilt 98510 10,000 Pound Load Capacity Winch image large

Pros

  • Extra high load capacity.
  • Powerful and highly reliable 6.6 hp amphibious motor.
  • Auto out-of-drum brake.
  • Remote switch control.
  • Completely waterproof construction.
  • Lifetime mechanical warranty.
  • None

Cons

Relatively expensive winch.
Check Price

Smittybilt 98510 is a great winch option if you do not mind spending a couple of hundreds of extra dollars. It is as tough as it can get and with an extra high load capacity of 10,000 pounds which makes it ideal for all car and truck types.

Also, it runs on a powerful 6.6 hp amphibious motor and with some impressive features like automatic out-of-drum brake and remote switch control. And it is a completely (IP68 rated) waterproof winch that comes with a lifetime mechanical warranty 5 years for the electrical.

Although it is quite an expensive winch it also has a high load capacity and it is also one toughest in the market.

For more about Smittybilt 98510 10,000 Pound Load Capacity Winch, check out customer reviews on Amazon. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

05

Champion 4500-Pound Wireless Winch Kit by Champion Power Equipment

Champion 4500-Pound Wireless Winch Kit image large

Pros

  • Super duty aircraft-grade cable.
  • Convenient wireless remote and antenna.
  • Comes as a complete kit for easy setup.
  • Relatively affordable winch.
  • Free-spooling clutch.
  • Mounting channel included.

Cons

The nut and bolts look cheap and low quality.
Check Price

Although the 4,500 load capacity that this winch provides might not look like much it is by far more than enough for use with most cars and trucks without any straining. The winch comes with some convenient wireless remote and antenna that makes it possible to operate it from anywhere within a 50-foot radius.

It also comes as a complete kit with everything you need for easy setup and immediate use and the mounting channel is also included. Also, other things like the free-spooling clutch and super-duty aircraft cable help to enhance its performance and make it more convenient.

This is a convenient winch that allows you to operate it wirelessly.

If you’re interested in reading customer reviews of Champion 4500-Pound Wireless Winch Kit, you should check from Amazon Now. If this is what you're looking, Check current price and Buy Now on Amazon

Before Buying

As helpful as winch might be you should never just settle for the first one you come across. Instead, you should aim at getting the best one for your car or truck from the various options in the market. And while our reviews above will be very helpful, you need to consider the following factors to get the best winch.

Pulling Capacity

The pulling capacity or load taking capacity as it determines the amount of weight that the winch can pull. It is a crucial factor to consider as it determines whether the winch will have what it takes to pull your truck or car out of trouble or not. And your vehicle type should help you determine the appropriate pulling capacity. The larger and heavier the car or truck is the higher the load capacity that you need. 

Cable Quality

A winch might be able to take up the weight of your car or truck and still not serve you well if the cable quality is not good enough. And so you also need to consider the cable quality as you shop for your winch. When it comes to the cable quality you need to consider the diameter, braiding, and thickness. 

Power

Before you settle on any winch it is also important to consider the power. There are two typical sources of power for winches which are hydraulic and electric. While both can be quite reliable it is important to make sure that whatever you pick has a larger enough motor that will provide enough and consistent power for the winch.

Waterproofing

The winch that you buy will spend most of the time out in the open and so it will have to face the harsh outdoor elements. Hence it needs to be waterproof enough to not only withstand these harsh conditions but also to continue functioning optimally.

Conclusion

Whether you want something for recreational use or for emergencies, it is important to make sure that you get the best winch from the various models out there. And with our guide above and helpful reviews, this should not be a problem. 

As for our recommendations, the Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV Winch is ideal for those that want something cheap while the Smittybilt 97495 9500 lbs Winch is the best overall as it is relatively affordable, tough and reliable.

Buy Now

01 Smittybilt 97495 9500 lbs Load Capacity Winch image large Smittybilt 97495 9500 lbs Load Capacity Winch
by Smittybilt
 This is a powerful enough, tough and long lasting winch that will never disappoint. Buy now on Amazon
02 Superwinch 1135220 Single Line Pull Winch image large Superwinch 1135220 Single Line Pull Winch
by Superwinch
 It might not have the largest or most powerful motor but it is still a high-performing winch Buy now on Amazon
03 Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV Winch image large Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV Winch
by Superwinch
 This is a highly affordable winch if you compare it to others but it still offers a decent performance. Buy now on Amazon
04 Smittybilt 98510 10,000 Pound Load Capacity Winch image large Smittybilt 98510 10,000 Pound Load Capacity Winch
by Smittybilt
 Although it is quite an expensive winch it also has a high load capacity and it is also one toughest in the market. Buy now on Amazon
05 Champion 4500-Pound Wireless Winch Kit image large Champion 4500-Pound Wireless Winch Kit
by Champion Power Equipment
 This is a convenient winch that allows you to operate it wirelessly. Buy now on Amazon
More about winch truck car
More in Cars
More in Outdoors