Correct Gauge of Wiring for Boat Trailer Winch with 10 Foot Lead
Question:
Hi! I want to mount a winch on my boat trailer. The winch is rated to 1kW out, and the battery on my car is not in the boot, so the wires would have to be around 10 feet to reach the front of the car. From my calculation 1 kW 12V gives around 80 amps. From what i understand i would have to have a #4 gauge wire to safely use the winch continually for maybe a minute. Is this correct? When i look at a similar winch with the same rating that comes with a wireing kit thats 10 feet, it looks like the wire is #10 gauge. How is that possible? That winch is purpose made for boat trailers, so that one should also be able to do at least a minute of sustained use
asked by: Kristoffer
Expert Reply:
You will definitely need a larger gauge wire, like 4 or 6 gauge (sometimes 8 is acceptable), when it comes to a winch because they pull a LOT of power for a short time. If a winch you're looking at is only offering 10 gauge wire for a winch then I'd ditch that wiring and go with something better suited for the job at hand.
For a wiring kit that uses 6 gauge wiring we have the Bulldog Winch Wiring Kit for ATV/UTV Winches # BDW20307. This comes with a 120" lead for the vehicle side and a 20" lead that goes to the winch directly.
If you don't already have a winch then the Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch w/ Remote # DL25010 would be a great option. This is rated for 3,000 lbs and it comes with an 8 gauge wiring harness.
I've attached some review videos for you to check out!
![Jon G](https://images.etrailer.com/static/images/catg/people/1086_tn.jpg)
Products Referenced in This Question
Dutton-Lainson StrongArm Electric Winch w/ Remote - 3,000 lbs
- Trailer Winch
- Electric Winch
- Boat Trailer Winch
- Utility Winch
- Standard Duty
- Freespooling Clutch
- Includes Remote
- Wire Rope
- Dutton-Lainson
more information >
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Bulldog Winch Wiring Kit for ATV/UTV Winches - 120" Long Power Lead
- Accessories and Parts
- Electric Winch
- Wiring
- Wiring Kits
- 10 Feet Long
- 6 Gauge Wire
- Bulldog Winch
more information >
Featured Help Information
Instructions
Miscellaneous Media
Continue Researching
- Article: How to Wire an Electric Winch
- Article: Wiring Trailer Lights with a 7-Way Plug (It's Easier Than You Think)
- Q&A: Wiring Diagram and Instructions for a Tekonsha Prodigy P3 Brake Controller
- Article: Brake Controller Installation: Starting from Scratch
- Article: Trailer Wiring Diagrams
- Article: Testing Trailer Brake Magnets for Proper Function
- Q&A: How Many Amps Can the Buyers Products 337TC1002 Accommodate
- Q&A: Wire Gauge to Connect Superwinch LT2000 ATV Winch to Battery 25 Feet Away
- Q&A: What Gauge Wire is Needed for Trailer Winch
- Q&A: What are the Standard Brake Controller Wire Color Codes
- Q&A: Recommended Amber Side Marker Light for Snowmobile Trailer
- Q&A: Recommended Front Mounted Hitch for a 2023 Chevy Silverado 2500
- Article: What is a Gooseneck?
- Article: How to Raise Your Travel Trailer Height