Winch Thoughts for Trailering
 

I just recently purchased an 18ft open trailer for some upcoming track days next year with the Z/28.

Trailer has 6 foot ramps and then will add race ramps to get the incline correct.

Any opinions or thoughts on what winch to add?

Is 4500lbs enough or should I go bigger?

thanks all!

Personally, I would go to a 8000 pound winch. If you go with 4500 pound , use a snatch block to double the pulling power and put less stress on winch.

I think 8000 is way over kill unless you are going to use it weekly. If its going to be used once or twice a lifetime when the car breaks down or worse case is wrecked a 4500lb is fine. Then a snatch block id it wont roll.

I used a 3500lb one for the last 5 years. It had no trouble pulling my corvette on and off the trailer. Never needed it for the Camaro. It does struggle with an SUV or full size truck. In the jeep world they recommend twice the weight of the vehicle to account for suction of mud or whatever your stuck in.

My track buddies use harbor freights offerings without issue. Just what you want to spend and yes snatch blox is always wise to lessen the strain on any unit
https://www.harborfreight.com/automo...Sort+Price%2Cf

Thanks everybody for the feedback, this was just what I was looking for. Any other thoughts on what winch to buy?

It looks like Harbor Freight has been mentioned, which I agree do get good reviews.

Frenchsquared, what is the 3500 that you use?

thanks guys!

Yes, but I would not get it again. I was in a bind its what I found. I would get a Harbor Freight one. I think 5000 or at least one around that. I have the Habor Freight 8000 on my jeep wrangler and it had no issue pulling a diesel out of the mud.

I have a Warn Winch in our 24' enclosed trailer and from all the years of being around people winching in cars to their trailer I've never noted anyone utilizing a winch block. Not that its a bad idea or anything but it just seems like another thing added that not's needed. Off road, etc. yes indeed. One thing I spend the $ on was a Warn Nylon vs. steel cable. No tangles and safer to use IMO.

So I pulled the trigger last night. Went with a Smittybilt 9500.

Crazy good deal still active if anybody else is looking. Highly rated on Amazon.

https://www.4wd.com/p/smittybilt-xrc..._/R-DSBP-97495