Electric winch on utility trailer.

[CTyankee]

Looking to buy a small electric winch for my utility trailer for < $100. Would need to be able to pull small garden tractors(400-800 lbs) up onto the tilt bed. I've got TSC and HF stores nearby. Can anyone recommend a brand/type?

Also could use some suggestions as too the best way/place to mount it. I do have a set of ramps for the trailer if that gives a better mounting option. Thanks.

 

[plout99]

I had a Harbor Freight 2500# version bought about 5 years ago that I mounted to the front of a custom golf cart. Was curious to its strength so I attached the cable to a branch in the backyard and lifted the cart completely off the ground. Something that size should easily load a rolling garden tractor.

 

[gungatim]

I have a couple of the cheap $50 or so winches from HF/TSC, they work well, and have enough power for what you want (you could also add a ****** block if needed), but I will give one warning. the cheap models with the remote control are a PITA. with no direct buttons to control, there is a lag from pressing the remote fob and when the winch actually stops, which I found to be a problem on my quad. I ended up using relays and buttons to re-do the controls for manual use, but if I had it to do over again, I would spend a few bucks more and get one with a manual pushbutton control over the remote keyfob style...just my 2 cents...

btw, I ended up taking the one off my trailer and put on a used hand winch off a boat trailer and it actually works just fine and don't have to worry about the battery anymore...

 

[FigureItOut]

I also have the HF 2500 lb. on my utility trailer, and it has served me quite well. Using a ****** block I've pulled a 3000 pound log up ramps onto my trailer, which is significantly more force than pulling something with wheels. It definitely groaned about it, and I was prepared to lose it, but it did the job. I don't mind the lag from the remote, I've just gotten used to it and adjusted for it.
As to mounting, I got a mounting plate welded to 2"square tube from one of the well known towing or winching companies, I honestly can't remember, it might have been Warn, or Reese, but it cost nearly what the winch did.
Anyway it'll slide into any hitch receiver, so I can move it around as needed anywhere I've mounted a receiver tube. What I use most often is the little crane deal that HF sells. I have it mounted on the trailer tongue and have a receiver tube mounted in place of the hand winch it came with.


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[FigureItOut]

Sorry, looking at your picture I see my mounting description wouldn't help you at all. What comes to mind is to get something like this: Mount it to the tongue, then you'd want a roller fairlead on that front rail. Here's the mounting plate I used, but there's somewhat cheaper options that I'm sure are perfectly fine. https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000..._SL500_SR100,100_&refRID=BAPC5M9ZZ4WSB8X857RC

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[metal1313]

with the tilt deck i think you have to mount the winch to the front edge of the trailer deck. i'd add some heavy angle to the front edge, out over the tongue to save bed space. depending on the size of the angle you use and thickness you prob wont need a seperate mounting plate.

that said i have a boat winch for my small trailer, that is similar to yours. i have yet to mount it but i have solid sheet metal sides on my trailer. i'll prob mount it on the outside and use the top tube of the trailer as a rub rail for the strap. it was free from a friend, but i think im going to sell the trailer since its a little small after i take care of some registration/title issues

 

[rande]

I bought this Superwinch about 5 years ago. It looks similar to the HF winch. I use it to load the racecar, about 1800 lbs., onto the trailer. I haven't had any problems. I did lengthen the wires on the control so I could step back farther so if the cable ever broke I would be out of the way.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015D4ZH0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

 

[CatSplat]

I bought this Superwinch about 5 years ago. It looks similar to the HF winch. I use it to load the racecar, about 1800 lbs., onto the trailer. I haven't had any problems. I did lengthen the wires on the control so I could step back farther so if the cable ever broke I would be out of the way.
www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0015D4ZH0?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00

I've got the same one on my car trailer, great little winch and you can get them even cheaper without the fairlead and accessories:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015U6VLQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If you're worried about strength, pick up a ****** block & shackle (or buy the previously linked kit that includes one) and you're good to go.