Looking for some advice here. A friend is considering installing a winch in his 24ft trailer. The rationale is by chance he is not able to drive the car into the trailer, he can winch it in. It is for "emergency" use only. What do you folks with trailers reconmmend ? Install a 8000 lb winch, just carry a come along, what ?? thank you in advance.
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Winches are nice when you need them
But you don't need an 8000 lb. winch unless he wants to drag it on the trialer on it's roof. -
Re: Use of a winch with a Trailer
I have two enclosed trailers, when hauling cars that are not T-top or a convertible, a winch is handy, since other cars are very difficult to get enough clearance to open doors to exit.
A winch is in the 34ft gooseneck. Not in the 23ft bumper pull.Comment
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Re: Use of a winch with a Trailer
John
I have as Featherlite 4926 and cannot open car door loading or unloading (too fat) I purchased a 4500#Superwinch part #08464512 from Jegs for about $300. It works great for safely loading and unloading the car.Comment
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Re: Use of a winch with a Trailer
After I bought my 16ft, open trailer, I went to a local trailer supply and bought a simple hand crank, 2sp winch with about 30ft of cable. I used some heavy angle iron to fabricate a nice mount on the trailer tongue. I've used it many times and NEEDED it a couple of times, once to drag a 72 Chevelle station onto the trailer with ONLY the rear axle housing under it. This is one of those things (like an air compressor or a computer) that after you have it, you'll never be without one again. I would encourage you to get one, you WILL use it!
If you prefer an electric winch, I have seen several available in the discount tool houses, such as Harbor Freight, at VERY reasonable prices.Comment
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Re: Use of a winch with a Trailer
John
I have a 32'Carmate that I put a 4500# Superwinch in and it works great for loading my 67. I am too old and stiff to get in and out of the car inside the trailer unless the top is down.!!! Wish I was 21 again!! If you want to see some photos go to my website http://community.webshots.com/user/67showcar Click on the truck(dually) and the pics are there. Good luck
ChrisComment
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Re: Use of a winch with a Trailer
Use a winch all the time for loading/unloading. Works great! (Don't need an "escape door" on the street side of the trailer either) Line up the car at the entry ramp; put a sling around the front crossmember and winch it in.
It'll run straight in the trailer. Leave the car on the slightly on the beavertail and it'll roll out with the winch too. A suggestion...mount the winch off to the side just ahead of the furthest point forward that you need for clearance and place a pulley in the centerline of the trailer to thread the cable thru. This eliminates a tripping hazard and frees up space in the front of the trailer for "stuff". Another suggestion.... once you place the car in the trailer the first time and get the straps adjusted, don't loosen the straps to get the car out. Simply loosen the front straps and let the winch out some and then disconnect the rear straps without altering the length. Next time you winch the car in simply hook the rear straps to the car and pull against the straps with the winch and then finish tying down the front end. This places the car at the correct weight balance point everytime for good hauling stability.Comment
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Thanks - R U all using 4500# winches ? *NM*
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