Winch is vey useful especially when you go on off-road adventure most of the time. Winches come in different uses and purposes. It could be for self-recovery for those who get stuck. It could also be for hauling or hosting equipment. Yes, there are some winches that could be used for hauling and hoisting while others are for pulling cars and boats into trailers. These winches, in fact, are best attached to your vehicle.
As mentioned earlier, installing your winch is a wise decision. However, installing a winch could be very technical and a bit difficult to install. Do not worry as through this article, we shall guide you on how to mount a winch on a trailer.
Before we go into details, here are the things or tools you would need to prepare.
- Tape measure
- Marker
- Drill
- Winch kit
- Ratchet set
- 3/8 inch bolt
Another thing you will have to keep in mind before and during installation is safety.
Safety
Do not wear loose clothing – this will reduce the risk of your clothing getting caught in your winch machine.
Confirm the area is clear – ensure that your area is clean and clear especially whenever you are dealing with electrical devices.
Wear gloves – this reduces the risk of unnecessary injuries on your hands.
Mounting the Winch
- Choose the right winch – before you install any winch, ensure that they have the right specifications. The winch must work as you intend it to be. Also ensure that the winch has the right rated capacity. Having the wrong winch could lead to a lot of problems especially when installing it on your vehicle. Ensure that it could handle the weight of the vehicle that you will be using it on.
- Choose the placement – use tape measure to find the center of the front of your trailer. The spot that you will choose should be as close to the front of the trailer as much as possible. Mark the chosen location.
- Mark using the mounting plate – when you purchase a winch, a mounting plate must be included. If it does not, you will have to purchase a mounting plate that comes with a rate that could handle the winch’s weighted capacity. Ensure the the mounting plate could fit perfectly. Place the mounting plate at the spot where you have marked it on your trailer.
- Drill holes -now that you have placed the mounting plate, you will have to start drilling holes. Ensure that the drill holes are placed rightly and would fit directly with the holes in the mounting plate.
- Attach the mounting plate to the trailer and screw them with the bolts using the ratchet. Align the bolts to the holes
- Drill another hole to insert wires into it. It would connect the winch to the trailer’s battery. Keep in mind that your winch kit have rubber on it. Place the rubber and wrap it around within the hole. Connect the wires of the winch to the battery.
- Mount the winch into the mount. Ensure that you secure them with bolts using the rachet.
- Wire the winch and connect the positive wire to the positive post. Connect the negative wire to the negative post.
Winch Recommendations
- CURT 31010 Trailer Hitch Winch Mount
- WARN 63885 Foot Down Fixed Winch Mount for Trailers
- ZESUPER Winch Cradle Winch Mounting Plate
