7 Best Electric Winches For Trucks In 2023 – Review & Buying Guide

Best electric winches for trucks

If you often take your truck offroad, you need the best electric winches for trucks to get it out of any muddy and rocky terrain. It is a much-needed accessory for any off-road operation in an adventure area.

Off-road driving is now considered a fashionable sport and it is becoming more and more popular among young adventurers. Whether your job requires you to drive a vehicle in extreme landscapes or you love exciting off-road trips, an electric winch kit is something to have on hand.

Like kinetic recovery ropes, Winches are an important piece of equipment for all truck owners who often drive off-road. Since the winch you choose can often save your life, it is very important that it is of the highest quality.

There are also many options on the market for you. Therefore, it would be very difficult to research everything about it and choose the best truck winch for yourself.

So we have prepared this post with reviews of the best truck winches available from top brands. You will get all the needed information about the winch in this place.

Top Choices For Best Truck Winch For The Money

To complete your set you need a winch to drive through crazy areas. Without a winch, you’re going to have a pretty hard time realizing the benefits of owning a truck.

However, with an overwhelming number of products on the market, finding the right winch assembly for your truck can be difficult. Thorough research is required here, which you may not have time for, despite the urgent need.

This article summarizes our top picks for the best truck winch list and can save you time and effort.

Best heavy-duty truck winch
1 Our Pick
Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Remote Switch 9,500 lbs Winch
  • Motor: 6.6hp Series Wound
  • Control switch: Remote Switch
  • Weight capacity: 9,500 lbs
  • Gear Train: 3-Stage Planetary
Best truck winch for the money
2
Champion 10,000-lb. Remote Control Winch Kit
  • Motor: 3.6hp Series Wound
  • Control switch: Remote Switch
  • Weight capacity: 10,000 lbs
  • Gear Train: 3-Stage Planetary
Best heavy-duty truck winch
3
Superwinch 1135220 3500lbs With Handheld Remote
  • Brand: Superwinch
  • Control switch: Handheld remote
  • Motor: 1.3 HP, 12V DC
  • Circuit breaker protected

7 Best Electric Winches For Trucks In 2023 – Review & Buyer’s Guide

Buying an electric winch can be an excellent idea. But deciding which one suits your needs can be time-consuming. That’s why we’ve researched the best electric winches for you. Here we review the best electric winches for your vehicles.

Each of the models that we show you in this guide can be used in different variants, both in terms of resistance and anchoring properties. That’s why we make sure that all the ones we show you have at least the possibility of being mounted with universal brackets.

1. ZESUPER 12V 13000-lb Waterproof Electric Truck Winch Kit

Best electric winches for trucks
  • Brand: ZESUPER
  • Motor: 12V DC 6.4 HP Series Wound
  • Fairlead: Aluminium Fairlead
  • Gear Ratio: 265:1
  • Battery Cables: Min. 2 Gauge
  • Motor with cooling cover
  • Winch Synthetic Rope
  • Convenient wireless remote control
  • Waterproof IP67 rating
  • 3-stage planetary gear system

ZESUPER is a powerful electric winch that makes your transport tasks easier and more efficient. It has a 12V battery, a strong steel cable, and a powerful motor for maximum pulling power.

For example, it is equipped with a 500 amp solenoid valve housed in a weather and water-resistant control box. If you are looking for a labor-saving tool and any type of manual work in extreme situations, then this is the best electric winch kit for you.

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As the perfect companion for your activities, the device is equipped with a 3-stage gear. The winch features an indicator light to show the working status of the winch and a safety lock to ensure safety.

This winch is designed for use with most new and old trucks. It can tow up to 13,000 pounds, making it a great tow-and-haul option. The winch is also equipped with a handy remote control for easy operation. Please note that once you press the button on the remote, this device will respond within a second or two.

Pros

  • It comes with all the necessary accessories
  • Installed within a few minutes
  • Weather-sealed control box included
  • Budget-friendly pricing
  • Waterproof and versatile
  • Offers lifetime technical support

Cons

  • According to some buyers, the wireless remote doesn’t work

2. Smittybilt GEN 2 XRC Remote Switch 9,500 lbs Winch

Best heavy-duty truck winch

Key Details

  • Motor: 6.6hp Series Wound
  • Control switch: Remote Switch
  • Weight capacity: 9,500 lbs
  • Gear Train: 3-Stage Planetary
  • Clutch: Sliding Ring Gear
  • Waterproof IP67 rating
  • Included all wiring required for installation
  • Powder coated products
  • Automatic in-drum breaks
  • Textured black finish

Smittybilt is the best truck winch I’ve found if you want a quality product at a fair price. It is one of the most used and popular winch models among off-road drivers.

Depending on your preference, you can choose a payload towing capacity of up to 9,500 pounds, which is more than enough to tow the heaviest trucks. It features a state-of-the-art magnet with an IP67 rating.

This means you can take it to the river, on ice, in the mud, or on earth without sacrificing performance. In addition, it has a three-stage planetary gearbox and a super-fast 6.6 HP motor.

Impregnation is also excellent in storms and muddy situations, but it is not recommended to submerge it. Compared to other winches with similar or sometimes even lower performance, it is not that expensive.

With its wireless remote control, the Smittybilt X20 makes it easy to operate your winch from a distance, and its one-year warranty ensures you’re getting the best performance from your winch.

Pros

  • Decent motor for a quick recovery process
  • Excellent remote control
  • Waterproof control box
  • Easy install with all offered tools
  • Plenty of power to pull any heavy trucks

Cons

  • Requires mounting bracket
  • The instruction is not well-written

3. Champion 10,000-lb. Remote Control Winch Kit

Best truck winch for the money

Key Details

  • Motor: 3.6hp Series Wound
  • Control switch: Remote Switch
  • Weight capacity: 10,000 lbs
  • Gear Train: 3-Stage Planetary
  • Clutch: Free Spooling
  • Waterproof IP67 rating
  • Speed Mount hitch adapter
  • 6-foot battery lead cables
  • FREE lifetime technical support
  • 2-year limited warranty

CHAMPION is a well-known brand that supplies its customers with high-quality home appliances and has a great name in the market. The easy-to-use kit is perfect for you and will save you from any situation.

With a 10,000-pound lift capacity, it tows and tows your vehicle with ease and without hassle. Kit includes a winch, wireless remote control, on/off mini rocker switch, roller fairlead, and universal conduit.

It typically offers the advantage of being able to control the winch from a safe distance of about 80 feet. Then all you have to do is press the control button on the wireless remote and the winch will lift your vehicle as needed.

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The Champion Winch Kit was developed for the high demands of off-road use and is built to last. It is made of high-quality durable material to make a good choice for buyers looking for an electric winch for their truck. Whether you use it for work or play, the Champion Winch Kit gets the job done.

Pros

  • Strong and reliable winch
  • Lightweight and handy
  • Free lifetime technical support
  • Easy to install and mount
  • Smooth spooling

Cons

  • The remote is difficult to use while wearing gloves 

4. X-BULL Winch-13500 lb. 12V Electric Winch Kit

The best winch for truck

Key Details

  • Brand: X-BULL
  • Control switch: Remote Switch
  • Motor: 6 HP, 12V DC, series wound
  • Weight capacity: 13,500 lbs
  • Brake: Automatic mechanical
  • Clutch: Free Spooling
  • IP67 waterproof grade
  • Positive load control
  • 265:1 planetary gear ratio
  • 3 planetary gear system
  • Wired remote

X-BULL is another heavy-duty truck winch with a 13,500 lb pull capacity. The best thing about this winch is that it has both wired and wireless remote controls.

This winch also features a one-way clutch for quick rope payout. It features a super-long power cord that allows connection to your vehicle’s battery. In addition, the power input and output motor enable positive load control.

X-BULL winches are made of high-quality materials. They feature a sturdy steel frame and are powder-coated to protect against rust and corrosion. This ensures long-lasting and reliable performance.

X-BULL winches have an easy-to-use control system. Its easy-to-understand controls make operation easier. The winch also features a slip clutch that prevents unintentional operation. If you rarely use a winch, this is the best option for you.

Yes, it’s fine for regular use too, but you have some better options on my list above that are pricey but better for heavy use.

Pros

  • This winch is durable and well-built
  • It’s reasonably priced
  • Easy to use with remote
  • Corrosion-resistant and waterproof 
  • Great wench for the money

Cons

  • Not good for use in cold weather

5. ORCISH 12V Waterproof Electric 3500LBS Winch

Best electric winches for trucks

Key Details

  • Brand: ORCISH
  • Control switch: Remote Switch
  • Motor: 6 HP, 12V DC
  • Remote or manually controlled
  • Built-in breaker
  • Clutch: Free Spooling
  • Trust-worthiness winch
  • Positive load control
  • 50 FT range
  • 3 planetary gear system

This product offers a load capacity of 3,500 pounds and is equipped with a PM 12V motor. Color-coordinated wires and their connections make installation easy. This product included all the essential accessories.

The remote is vulnerable and works fine. With this kit, you are prepared for every situation. Buy it today and you won’t be disappointed. This also has an on-and-off mechanism for positive charges.

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You get a 3-stage planetary geared winch, automatic load-holding brake, overrunning clutch, and overload protection switch. You’ll also like to know that it has a dual remote control system.

The winch also comes with a range of accessories including mounting plates, pulley blocks, and a roller fairlead. This shows the versatility of this product and allows it to be used for a wide range of applications. In short, the ORCISH truck winch is the perfect choice for anyone who needs a reliable and powerful electric winch for their truck.

Pros

  • Good size for SUVs and trucks
  • Included a pair of safety gloves
  • It comes with two wireless remote option
  • Durable and reliable

Cons

  • The stock steel cable is very durable 

6. Superwinch 1135220 3500lbs With Handheld Remote

Best heavy-duty truck winch

Key Details

  • Brand: Superwinch
  • Control switch: Handheld remote
  • Motor: 1.3 HP, 12V DC
  • Circuit breaker protected
  • 4-way roller fairlead
  • Wire or Synthetic Rope
  • Heavy duty latched
  • Low amp draw
  • Clockable Motors
  • Superior steel drums

Superwinch 1135220 Terra Winch is designed for maximum durability, performance, and reliability. It is also rated to support a weight of up to 3,500 pounds when using the single-line pull technique.

It is great for pickup trucks and other types of vehicles, you can use it for towing blocks for heavier work. It offers the user a sealed solenoid with a reasonably waterproof circuit breaker and the cord is easy to manage.

The Superwinch’s magnetic motor has a low power consumption but a high efficiency of 1.6 hp. It features a dynamic brake attached to the load component.

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Known for its safety features, the winch will prevent the cable from slipping in the event of a breakdown or power surge. If necessary, the winch also performs a quick closing of the drum. Unfortunately, this Superwinch device does not come with a wireless remote control.

On the other hand, the wired remote control is connected to a 12ft cable, which is more than enough to keep you safe.

Pros

  • Features steel wire rope
  • Weather sealed motor
  • Super fast and incredibly strong
  • Work with high-efficiency
  • Easy to operate

Cons

  • The instruction is confusing to read

7. WARN 92820 Zeon Platinum Winch

The best winch for truck

Key Details

  • Brand: WARN 
  • Control switch: Remote manual clutch
  • Capacity: 12,000 lb.
  • Motor: 1.3 HP, 12V DC
  • IP68 Waterproof Rating
  • Winch motor temperature
  • Vehicle battery strength
  • Clutch status
  • Auxiliary accessory status
  • Advanced Wireless Remote battery
  • 80Ft of wire rope included

With impressive load capacity, the Warn 92820 Platinum winch is the best electric truck winch. This winch has been designed with the highest quality and reliability in mind and is perfect for extreme off-road applications.

The Warn winch features a powerful 12,000-pound lifting capacity and a patented roller disc brake system that keeps your vehicle secure when parked. Another great feature of this winch is the 90-foot length of 9.5mm diameter synthetic rope.

Therefore, it is also equipped with a cast iron guide. Warn recommends using a 650 CCA battery for effective winching with this truck winch. In addition, the winch has a powder coating.

Therefore, it is resistant to corrosion, rust, and wear. With its rugged construction and reliable operation, this winch is perfect for any off-road use. Plus, it’s easy to use and comes with a wireless remote, making it even more convenient.

Pros

  • Most technically advanced winch
  • High load capacity
  • Made in the USA
  • Easier and more acceptable to use
  • Eliminates manual clutches

Cons

  • Not good for beginners
  • Costly 

Buyers Guide To Best Heavy-Duty Truck Winch

If you love off-road adventures, you may know how important it is to always have a winch on your vehicle. However, choosing the best winch for your vehicle is not as easy as it seems.

There are several features and factors that you should consider before making your final purchase. There is no reason to worry! In this buying guide, we talk about all the things to consider when buying a winch for your vehicle.

– Hydraulic Winch vs. Electric Winch

Two types of winches are available: electric and hydraulic winches. Here we only talked about the electric truck winch. This type of winch is powered by your vehicle’s battery. And they have a limited duty cycle.

This means that you cannot use them continuously. While hydraulic winches can be used for as long as you like. But these are very expensive compared to electric ones.

– Quality

When it comes to electric winches, quality matters. Choose a winch that lasts longer and is strong enough to handle even the toughest jobs. Ensure it is made of quality materials and can withstand extreme weather and other environmental conditions.

– Pulling Power

Make your choice based on the vehicle you need to tow or transport. Electric winches come in different pulling capacities. You must determine the vehicle for which it is to be used. In general, it is recommended to purchase a winch that can pull 1.5 times the weight of your vehicle.

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– Motor Type

When shopping for the best winch for your money, you have two options to choose from. Series motors and permanent magnets.

So if you’re likely to get stuck in extreme terrain, a permanent magnet motor is your best bet. They are cheaper than stock engines. Conversely, a stock engine is the best option if you frequently drive over rough terrain.

– Rope Type

This is an important aspect to consider when purchasing a winch. You have two options: wire rope and synthetic rope. Wire rope is the most common rope made from carbon steel strands. It enjoys great popularity because it is heat and abrasion-resistant, economical, and low-maintenance.

The service life of the wire rope is longer than that of the plastic rope. Users must wear gloves when handling wire rope. Synthetic ropes entered the off-road industry in the 1990s and have become very popular with off-road riders due to their safety benefits.

It is lighter, more flexible, safer, and easier to handle than wire rope. And no glove is required to use it.

– User Friendliness

The best winches you buy should be easy to use. For example, it must be equipped with a wired and wireless remote control. However, even if it comes with a wired remote, the cable must be up to 10 feet long. In addition, the assembly must be very simple.

Top FAQs About The Best Winch For Truck

What are the best winch for trucks to buy?

We listed the Smittybilt 2 XRC winch at the top because of its high capacity. It has a 9,500 lb payload capacity and is equipped with a 6.6hp amphibious engine, making it powerful enough to handle tough situations and making it a popular choice with off-road enthusiasts like you.

One of the outstanding features of this winch is the wireless remote control that allows users to operate it remotely.

What size electric winch do I need?

For the heavier vehicle you should need a stronger winch. The winch that you choose should be able to pull at least 1.5 times your vehicle weight. You can calculate this by taking the gross vehicle weight rating and multiplying it by 1.5.

This is the minimum rating, but certain factors may cause your winch to be exceeded. The 1.5x rule is the industry standard. However, for security reasons, you should choose one that has a larger capacity.

Is wire or synthetic rope better for a winch?

Steel rope is generally stronger and more durable than synthetic rope, making it ideal for heavy-duty applications and frequent use. In addition, the cables can withstand higher temperatures and are less prone to abrasion, making them suitable for demanding off-road conditions.

Is it better to have a winch in the front or rear?

Front winches are the first choice for most people as they offer a wide range of benefits including being very easy to access and control. If you get stuck, a front winch will make it easy to get free. Also, mounting a winch to the front of your Jeep will improve the traction of the Jeep.

Can you hook up a winch directly to a battery?

Winches are supplied in a box and must be aligned before connection to the vehicle. When you put all the parts of the winch together, you can connect the winch to your cars. First, you need to attach the winch to the bumper and screw it with screws.

While attaching the winch to the car battery, you need to connect the positive terminal of the storm to the positive terminal of the winch.

Is a truck winch worth it?

If you own a truck or jeep, drive off-road, or drive your vehicle on trails, the answer is probably yes. Winches are indispensable tools for getting out of sticky situations. Nobody likes getting stuck in mud, snow, or sand, and it usually takes more than a good friend and a tow rope to get out.

You can also use it to lift downed trees that are too big to move by hand, without strain or risk of injury.

Final Thought

As you can see, choosing the best truck winches is not that easy. There are many things to consider before you can make sure you’re getting the best deal.

That’s why we’ve put together this post to help you select the best truck electric winch based on your needs. We believe that any of the options we’ve listed will not disappoint.

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