Is a Worm Gear Winch a Good Choice for a Flat Bed Trailer

Question:

Goodmorrning- I have a 5 x10 flat bed trailer and would like to mount a winch up front to use to pull up a rear ramp I like the idea of using a strap , also the idea of using a drill is appealing. My load would never be more that 500 / 1000 lbs MAY BE Due to the mounting the top wind is the way i would like to go? Thoughts? Thanks alot for your time

asked by: Bob Z

Expert Reply:

You can use Dutton-Lainson Worm Gear Hand Winch with Hex Drive Handle - 2,000 lbs Item # DL11004 for your utility trailer. If you do I strongly recommend using a drill to reel in the line or let it out (worm gear winches do not have a free-spool mode) because otherwise it will move very, very slow using the crank handle.

If the winch is to be mounted directly to the floor of your flat bed trailer then I do recommend a top-winding winch so you have more space to operate either the handle or the drill. The strap recommended for this winch is # DL24242.

expert reply by: Michael H