Best Trailer Hitch-Mounted Winch For Heavy Duty Off-Roaders

Table of Contents

‍What Factors Should Be Considered For Winches?

Several factors need to be considered before purchasing a winch. We’ve listed a few of them below.

Budget

Winches can cost from a couple hundred dollars to over a couple thousand, so having a budget in mind is crucial. Generally, the more weight that you need to pull, the higher the expense for the winch, but that isn’t always the case. In addition, accessories like lighted LED displays will add to the expense of the product.

Gear ratio is also a factor in the price that you will pay. A higher gear ratio will mean more power to pull, but it can also mean less speed. Find a gear ratio most critical to your needs, or search for a good combination of speed and power for the best results.

Manufacturer

Most truck winches are made overseas (China), so you will pay more for an American-made unit if you choose one. There are popular winch brands like Smittybilt and WARN, but there are also a lot of cheap winches on the market. It is always best to read reviews to benefit from other buyers' experiences. In addition, you want to find a winch with an excellent warranty, as many overseas producers make it challenging to obtain any recourse should something go wrong.

Terrain

The type of terrain that you will be pulling over is a critical factor in choosing the right type of winch. Since a steel rope tends to recoil when snapped (becoming a danger to anyone nearby), most off-road enthusiasts prefer synthetic ropes (they simply drop when broken). While you might think a steel cable is stronger, that is not always true. Both kinds of cable can fry, but a synthetic rope won’t cut your hands like a frayed steel cable can. (You should always wear heavy work gloves whenever handling tow lines). If you plan off-roading on more mountainous, rocky terrain, synthetic is the way to go.

IP and LIne Ratings

The IP rating indicates the level of protection a device has against both solids and liquids. For example, the first number sets the standard for dust and small solid intrusion (6 is the highest mark). The second number deals with water protection (9 is the highest). So, a winch with an IP69 would be the best in dust and sand protection and the most waterproof.

The weight you must pull is also a factor in deciding what kind of winch to purchase. While most ATVs weigh less than 2k lbs, off-roaders never know what obstacles they might encounter. (You should always stay within the gross trailer weight limits). Choose a winch that will be more than you need because you never know what awaits you as you explore the great unknown.

What Are The Best Trailer Hitch-Mounted Winches?

Several manufacturers produce high-quality trailer winches, and we’ve listed some of the best below.

Smittybilt X20 12K Gen 3 Wireless Winch

The Smittybilt X20 Gen3 winch is one of the more popular brands, known for its functionality and durability. (They are an Amazon Choice award winner). The unit is made from powder-coated steel with a textured black finish (which makes for a rugged appearance). The unit is almost entirely impenetrable to dust and is waterproof with an IP68 rating. The motor spools at 7.0 HP, which gives it the power to spool more quickly than most winches. This X20 Gen3 winch can get the job done, which means you spend less time tugging at your ATV and more time enjoying where it takes you.

The Smittybilt X20 has a rated line pull of 12k lbs and is operated through a 500 AMP control box that can be mounted in multiple positions. A wireless remote with a flashlight. (It can also be wired directly to the winch), making nighttime recovery more manageable. A synthetic winch rope comes standard. The company offers a 5-year warranty on the electronics and a lifetime warranty on the mechanical features.

Smittybilt has been around for nearly 70 years specializing in all kinds of equipment for off-road vehicles. The company is based out of Southern California with both R&D and manufacturing facilities and produces everything from bumpers, pickup covers to winches and tow gear. The company makes 10k, 15.5k, and 17.5k units, but the 12k unit has enough strength to get our off-road stuff where we need it to go.

Pros:

Good brand recognition
7.0 HP motor
Dustproof
Waterproof
Wireless Remote for added safety
5-year warranty on electrical
Lifetime warranty on mechanics
Faster spooling
Universal fit

Cons:

Spindle and wiring harness made overseas
May be too expensive for some buyers
Some comments on assembly instructions being vague

RUGCEL WINCH 13500lb

Rugcel winches are some of the best on the market and have a reputation for durability, even under extreme conditions. The unit has a UV-resistant black matte finish, has a copper motor, and can be used with multiple mounting positions.

The unit has a 7.2 HP 12V motor with 100’ of ⅜” diameter nylon rope. The unit is sand-proof and waterproof to IP67. The clevis hook is more solid than most winches of this type, and the lever-action clutch allows owners to spool out cable when necessary. At 61.9 lbs, it is one of the heavier winches on the market.

The company makes various winches for industrial and recreational vehicle applications. While the 13.5k unit is more than adequate for most off-roading uses, Rugcel also makes an 18k unit designed for professional heavy-duty work in forestry or towing scenarios.

Rugcel has existed since 2002 and specializes in all kinds of winches, hydraulics, and other 4x4 equipment. These winches are made overseas and shipped to the US market. The company offers a 3-year limited warranty and lifetime technical support.

Pros:

Wireless controller
Waterproof up to IP67
100 ‘ tow rope
Multiple mounting positions

Cons:

Heavy winch at 61.9 lbs
Not American made

VEVOR Electric Winch 13000lb

The Vevor Electric Winch is another favorite of Amazon, with a 4.6 KW motor and a high-tensile synthetic cable rope (over 80’). The unit has a rated line pull of 13k lbs but is made from high-density steel to ensure its structural integrity. The motor is dustproof and has a waterproof control box resistant to IP67. The Vevor has a wireless remote and a hand-held controller to ensure safety.

The unit has a mounting plate and all the hardware necessary for an effective install. The motor operates smoothly and efficiently, even under duress, and easily spools.

Vevor is an equipment supply company with over 60 warehouses nationwide. The company supplies over 200 countries with products and has excellent shipping (2- 5 days). Vevor offers a limited one-year warranty and a returns policy of 30 days with approval.

Pros:

13K rated line pull
Budget-friendly winch
Wireless remote
Fast shipping
Good parts replacement policy

Cons:

Not American made

WARN 95950 Zeon 12 -S Winch

The WARN 95950 is a heavy-duty winch that performs efficiently, even when strained to its limits. The unit is tested for extreme dust and waterproof up to IP68, and a 12-braid synthetic rope with a rated line pull of 12k lbs is standard. The motor produces about 6.0 HP and has a convertible control panel and wired or wireless controls.

A robust and efficient planetary gear system provides consistent pulling power under load, and the spool winds easily without kinking or slipping. The unit is more expensive than almost every other winch on the market, but it performs well enough to justify the extra money in the minds of some off-road RV owners.

WARN has an excellent reputation with 4x4 enthusiasts. (They were founded in 1948). The company specializes in winches, mounts, bumpers, and other off-road accessories. Not surprisingly, in 2007, the US Military selected WARN as its supplier of heavy-duty winches for their MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) vehicles.

The company is based out of Clackamas, Oregon (with many winches made in China, it is nice to support an American company). They have excellent customer service and stand behind their products, with a 7-year warranty on electronics and a lifetime warranty on mechanical issues.

Pros:

American-made
Excellent reputation in heavy-duty winches
12k lbs rated pull line capacity
Wireless remote
Choice of steel or synthetic cable
Efficient motor

Cons:

Expensive

X-BULL Winch-13500 lb

The X-Bull Winch is a capable winch for almost any purpose that an off-road enthusiast might have and is a good one for anyone on a budget. The 6.0 HP motor is more than capable, is insulated against heat, and is dustproof and waterproof up to IP67. X-Bull has been around for only a decade, but they have grown to develop a loyal following for effective winch production.

The unit has a rated line pull of 13,500 lbs and has a wireless remote that works up to 35 meters away regardless of terrain or weather conditions. One of the best features is that the remote has a power-in and power-out feature and an indicator light to let you know that the remote is working correctly. (The remote can also be wired directly to the unit).

The line is a synthetic rope (the standard is ⅜ “ x 80 ‘). The quick-release clutch allows for proper braking or line spooling, and the installation is straightforward, with all the mounting gear included.

X-Bull is a Chinese company owned by X-bull Auto. They have a manufacturing plant in Ningbo, China, and make various off-road accessories. The company makes many winches for different weight limits and applications. The company does offer a one-year warranty, but some reviews have indicated needing help getting the company to follow through on requests.

Pros:

Affordable winch
Reliable motor
Waterproof up to IP67
Good selection

Cons:

Not American made
Warranty issues due to an overseas company

ZESUPER 13k Winch

The Zesuper 13k is an Amazon favorite (ranked in the top 15 in towing winches). The unit is a massive winch, nearly two feet long (over a foot tall), but it has the strength to get even the heaviest loads done. The 6.4 HP motor is designed with a cooling cover to help dissipate heat buildup and is waterproof up to IP67. The motor spools at 25 feet per minute empty and 7 feet per minute when loaded.

While the stock cable is ⅜” x 78 ‘synthetic, it has a rated pull limit of 13k lbs.

The wireless remote features an indicator light which is helpful in night pulls. The wired option allows the operator to sit in the cab while activating the winch, which is a plus in inclement weather situations. The company also makes a 9500k and 13.5k lbs option.

Zesuper is made in China and offers a one-year warranty. The winch is sold in auto parts stores, Walmart and Amazon.