Winch Size and Type for a Carson Deluxe Car Hauler with 5 Foot 45 Degree Ramp and 3500 Pound Car

Question:

Hi, Id like to install a winch on my car trailer to pull cars onto it. I want to stay with something simple and cheap. Its a carson deluxe with 5 ramps so angle at the most would be 45. Will a hand winch suffice for 3500 car? Or what is the smallest electric winch I would need? As far as wiring, can i just run a thick gauge wire to my trucks batter to power any of the winches? If so what gauge do you recommend?

asked by: richard g

Expert Reply:

I do not believe a hand winch is the way to go with a car hauler and a 3500 pound car. It is usually recommended that a winch have at least the capacity of the weight of the rolling load for trailer applications but the hand winch will need to be mounted above the bed and on a pedestal that will allow the handle to be rotated above and below the winch, much like a boat trailer. This would require some extensive fabrication.

If you are looking for a good electric winch with enough power to pull your rolling load at a 45 degree slope then I would recommend the Bulldog Winch Utility Winch, item # BDW15012. The Bulldog winch has a rolling load capacity of 4499 pounds at a 45 degree slope. This capacity can be doubled with a pulley block, item # BDW20004, and double line operation.

For powering your trailer winch I would recommend the Winch Trailer Wiring Kit, for up to 4K Winches, item # BDW20307, that will include all necessary wiring and connectors to wire the winch to the vehicles battery.

You will need to mount your winch in a location that allows you to pull the car completely on to the trailer and keeps the winch cable from contacting the trailer bed and frame when pulling the vehicle on.

expert reply by: Robert G