Can Portable Power Source Be Used to Power Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch DL25215

Question:

Is it possible to power this winch with a portable DC power pack/jump starter? I currently have an 800 amp 12 volt power pack that I have used with a Warn winch on a car hauler trailer and it seems to work fine. The boat I want to use this winch for weighs about 4700 pounds. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Dave P

Expert Reply:

A winch can be powered with any suitable 12V source so long as that source can deliver steady voltage and the current required by the particular winch for the particular load it is pulling. Current demand from a winch will vary depending on the winch itself and the load.

The Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch # DL25215 has plenty of capacity for your 4700-lb boat and it will draw at full load about 70-amps. The included 8-gauge wiring harness is 25-feet long and can support the winch's full power draw. Your portable power source should be fine to deliver the necessary 70-amps current but you may want to check with its manufacturer for how long it can operate on a single charge.

expert reply by: Adam R