How Much Winch Do You Actually Need for an ATV?
The general guidance is to size your winch at at least one and a half times the weight of your ATV. A fully sized utility rig laden with gear and accessories can get upwards of eight hundred or even a thousand pounds. Math-wise, that should land most people in the two thousand five hundred to four thousand pound winch range. Going larger will give you more pulling power for when you’re “stuck stuck,” but that doesn’t mean bigger is always better (especially if space is a premium). Going smaller will save you money, but you need to be careful to ensure that it will be enough for the job when the time comes.
Synthetic vs. Steel ATV Winch Cable Rope
Everybody has their opinions on this and some people are more open-minded than others, but either way, the best way to make up your own mind is to inform yourself on how these materials differ. Synthetic ATV winch cable is lighter, not as hazardous in the event of a brake, and generally easier to handle. Steel cable is more resistant to abrasion from ground contact and is more affordable, but the safety disadvantages are real. For most ATV riders, buying a winch with synthetic rope pre-installed is the better choice upfront rather than buying steel and upgrading later.
Wireless ATV Winch Remotes: Worth It Every Time
A winch with a remote is the equivalent of the first kid on the block to get pegs on his bike; you’ve got it made. Why is it such a big deal, you might be wondering? Well, the convenience factor alone is nice, but even more importantly, a winch remote will let you stay well outside the danger zone in the event of a failure. Wireless remotes also make self-recovery a lot easier when there’s nobody else around because you can move around to check out the situation as the winch is still running.
Top 3 Selling ATV Winch Brands
SuperATV makes the three thousand five hundred pound wireless remote synthetic rope winch that consistently ranks as one of the most popular ATV winch options for riders who want a complete, high-quality recovery setup in a single purchase.
KFI cranks out a steady procession of high-quality and very tough winches with load ratings that speak for themselves.
Kolpin Powersports is a solid pick when you need a synthetic rope winch that’s super consistent and easy on the budget.
Top 5 Selling ATV Winches
The three thousand five hundred pound Winch with Wireless Remote and Synthetic Rope by SuperATV is a complete, high-quality recovery package.
The two thousand five hundred pound Synthetic Rope Winch Kit by Kolpin Powersports is a solid, practical winch option for lighter ATVs and riders who want reliable self-recovery capability at a reasonable price with synthetic rope already on the drum.
The two thousand five hundred pound Assault Winch by KFI brings KFI's proven build quality to a compact, properly rated ATV winch. A reliable choice from a brand that has been making ATV winches long enough to know what actually matters in a working recovery tool.
The four thousand five hundred pound Synthetic Rope Winch by Open Trail is the serious end of the ATV winch spectrum. Four thousand five hundred pounds of pull handles recovery situations that would stall a smaller winch, and the synthetic rope pre-install means you're set up right from the start.
The two thousand pound Winch with Steel Cable by Eagle Plow is a popular choice on the lower end of the rating spectrum, offering smaller ATVs a way to still have an efficient option.
Where can I mount my ATV winch?
Front mounting is by far the most common and practical configuration. It lines your winch up with the angle you’ll typically pull from.
What do I need to know for safety?
While in use, keep everyone well clear of the winch, including keeping yourself away from the line of pull as much as possible. Use a damper as well.
Can I use whatever bumper I want?
You specifically need a winch-ready bumper or mounting plate.
Yes, in the vast majority of cases, you’ll need a winch-ready bumper or mounting plate to run a winch.