Best Car Trailer With Winch - Top Picks & Guide

Ever found yourself staring at a stuck vehicle, wishing you had an easier way to move it? Towing can feel like a huge chore. You need the right gear to make it safe and simple. That’s where a Car Trailer With Winch comes in. It offers a powerful solution when a regular tow just won’t cut it.

Choosing the perfect winch trailer is tricky business. You worry about capacity, reliability, and whether it will truly handle the weight. Will it break down when you need it most? These worries stop many people from getting the peace of mind they deserve. You need a trailer that works as hard as you do, without the constant headache of guesswork.

This guide cuts through the confusion. We will break down the must-know features of top-rated car trailers equipped with winches. You will learn what specifications matter most for safety and performance. By the end, you will feel confident choosing a trailer that meets all your heavy-hauling needs.

Ready to stop stressing over tough tows? Let’s dive into the details of finding your ideal Car Trailer With Winch.

Top Car Trailer With Winch Recommendations

SaleBestseller No. 1

OPENROAD 13500 lb Recovery Winch with Synthetic Rope and 2 Wireless Remotes - IP68 Waterproof 12V Electric Winch for Jeep, SUV, Truck & Trailer - Panther Series 3S

【3/8"x 85ft Synthetic Rope】 Panther Series 3S winch features a 3/8" x 85ft synthetic rope with a 13,500 lb breaking capacity. It's perfect for trucks, jeeps, modified vehicles, trailers, and more, making it an ideal trailer winch.
【Design】 Dimensions: (L×W×H) 20.8"×6.3"×9.5". The corrosion-resistant Dacromet-coated screws add durability with a sleek design. When installing internally, ensure proper space for installation. This trailer winch is built to fit your toughest jobs.
【Packaging】 The winch package includes: 1 winch, 1 control box kit, 1 cable, 1 fairlead, 1 wired controller, 2 wireless controllers, 1 heavy-duty hook, 1 strap, installation bolts, OPENROAD sticker, and installation manual. Ready to be your trusted trailer winch.
【Installation】 Easy installation on the front bumper or winch bracket of your vehicle. Factory assembly is mostly complete – just connect power and secure bolts to get started. Ensure the bolt hole dimensions (10" x 4.5") for mounting this trailer winch.
【Warranty】 Lifetime technical support and a one-year limited warranty. Enjoy high satisfaction with efficient customer service. Whether you're using it on a jeep, SUV, truck, or trailer winch, we’re committed to delivering top-tier performance and reliability.

Bestseller No. 2

OPENROAD 6000 lbs UTV Winch, Waterproof IP67 Electric Trailer 6k Winch with 1/4"×50ft Synthetic Rope,Wireless Remote and Winch Stopper (6000lb with Mounting Plate)

【Combining Functionality with Convenience】Versatile UTV Winch Kit - 6000lb winch powered by a 2.0kW/2.7HP permanent magnet DC 12V motor, with continuous power output. In addition, its minimum cold start current is 10A. For the installation and use of winches, standardized installation dimensions are specified. Fairlead Mounting Pattern: 6.6" (169mm); Mounting 4 holes: 3"x 6 5/8" (76mm x 169mm) . Please ensure compatibility of mounting holes with your winch bracket before purchase.
【Unleash Unmatched Power】: OPENROAD winches feature an advanced three-stage planetary gear drive system, 166:1 gear ratio, dynamic brakes, weather-sealed solenoids and circuit breakers. This ensures long-lasting, versatile winching performance in any situation. It conquers tasks with a swift no-load line speed of 19.8 feet per minute, and when fully loaded, maintains an impressive 2.9 feet per minute line speed. When you demand the pinnacle of reliability and quality assurance, your only choice is OPENROAD.
【Precisely Stable Remote Control】OPENROAD 6000lb winch offers unparalleled control. Our high-performance wireless remote covers an impressive 50-foot range. We are dedicated to providing you with the best remote control performance, ensuring absolute stability, and keeping you in complete control at all times. Additionally, we offer a wired remote option to meet your personalized control needs. With OPENROAD, you have the utmost confidence and endless control possibilities.For initial pairing, ensure you are near the winch, then simultaneously press and hold both the "In" and "Out" buttons for 10 seconds.
【Versatile Applications】The OPENROAD 6000 lbs winch combines outstanding off-road capabilities with professional and high-quality service. Universally fit for Defender, Maverick X3, Maverick Trail, Commander, Pioneer Series, Mule Series, Teryx KRX 1000, Gator Series, Wildcat Series, YXZ1000R and other models. Whenever you need it, this winch is ready to accompany you on your journey to explore the mysteries of the world.
【Quality and Service Assured】Choose OPENROAD for Excellence and Peace of Mind. With a one-year warranty and lifetime technical support, we've got your investment protected. Reach out to us during your purchase – we guarantee professional, quick service within 12 hours. Open the door to confidence with OPENROAD.

Bestseller No. 3

STEGODON 5500 Winch 12V Electric ATV/UTV Winch with Synthetic Rope,2pcs Wireless Remote and Winch Stopper for Towing Jeep Off-Road SUV Truck Car Trailer Boat

STEGODON 5500lb winch kit is powered by a 1.8 KW/2.4 HP permanent magnet DC 12V motor.The reliable dynamic brake prevent the rope from sliding while loading,providing exceptional capacity for thrilling off-road experiences with ATV and UTV
Engineered with 166:1 3-stage planetary gear ratio ,providing reliable performance with 5.9 ft/ min full load line speed. This 5500 lbs towing capacity allows you to rescue the vehicle from muddy, tilted, and broken ground. Suitable for ATV/UTV boat anchor, cars, trucks use
This electric winch comes with dual remote control, with wireless mode extends up to 98 feet range,our synthetic rope winch provides you with the best remote control performance, ensuring absolute stability
UHMWPE synthetic winch rope:Rope diameter length: 1/4" X 50', UHMWPE rope is an extremely high-strength, low-stretch rope that offers high abrasion resistance and great tensile strength.It is a reliable muscle to help you get out of trouble during outdoor mishaps
STEGODON winches offers peace of mind-Backed by a 12-month return and replace,making it the perfect small winch for all your outdoor escapades

Bestseller No. 4

XYCLE Winch13500lbs 12V Waterproof Electric Winch Synthetic Rope Truck Winch Towing Winch Boat Trailer Winch SUV 4-Wheel Drive Off-Road Vehicle with Remote Control 3/8 Synthetic Rope (Black)

【Strong Power】Motor uses all purple copper coils to ensure superb power output and durability with 3/8-inch synthetic rope up to 80 FT high strength UHMWPE material XYCLE's winch is a great choice for you
【Widely Used】13500 lbs winch is designed for off-road vehicles, ATVs, logging towing, boat towing, trucks, utility trailers, jeeps, retrofit vehicles, and cranes, and can be used in any complex working environment.
【Precision Manufacturing】XYCLE Traction Winch IP 67 Grade Waterproof and Dustproof Grade 3 Planetary gears are made of precision cold-extruded high-strength alloy steel 265:1 gear ratio outputs smooth and strong power Gearboxes are made of aerospace-grade aluminum alloy precision die-casting with lightweight and good heat dissipation performance.
【Convenient Operation】13500 lbs trailer winch provides two operation modes: wireless remote control and wired control Nearby you can enjoy the reliability of wired control switch and far away you can also enjoy the freedom of wireless remote control Wireless remote control can be used to start the winch in any position within the range of 100FT distance convenient.
【Worry-free after-sales】MThe installation size of the winch is 10 inches * 4.49 inches, and this winch does not include an installation plate. It is very important to wrap the cable around the drum at least 10 times when using a trailer winch, otherwise the cable is easily detached. XYCLE professional winch manufacturer has a strong technical team. If you have any questions about the winch during use, please contact us through the "Contact Seller" section on the order page or the "Issues" section on the XYCLE store introduction page. We will reply within 24 hours.

SaleBestseller No. 5

Zostera Winch with 1/4"×55 ft Synthetic Rope Electric Winch 12v 6000lbs, Trailer Winch with Wireless Remote &Manual Switch, with Pulley+Rubber Stopper,IP68 Waterproof, for Off Road ATV UTV

【Practical and convenient】ZOSTERA ATV/UTV Winch 12V Versatile Kit - 6000lb winch powered by a 1.9HP permanent magnet DC 12V motor, with continuous power output. In addition, its minimum cold start current is 10A. For the installation and use of winches, standardized installation dimensions are specified. Please ensure compatibility of mounting holes with your winch bracket before purchase.
【Really easy to install】：ZOSTERA integrated winch with synthetic rope, completely bidding farewell to complex winch wiring. You only need to connect the positive and negative wires to the power supply to make the winch work normally. Even if you know nothing about the winch, you can easily use this product.
【Release strong power】: ZOSTERA12V electric winches with wireless remote feature an advanced three-stage planetary gear drive system, 226:1 gear ratio, dynamic brakes, weather-sealed solenoids and circuit breakers. This ensures long-lasting, versatile winching performance in any situation. It conquers tasks with a swift no-load line speed of 18 FPM, and when fully loaded, maintains an impressive 3.5 FPM. When you are looking for products that are reliable in quality and highly cost-effective, ZOSTERA Winch is a great choice for you
【Strong synthetic rope】ZOSTERA 6000LB winch with 1/4in diameter, load 10,000 pounds, 55ft synthetic rope.By adopting the double weaving process, the strength of the rope is strengthened while ensuring the same size, With high strength and wear resistance, this winch rope has a much stronger breaking strength than winch tension, making it difficult to break during normal use. Compared with traditional steel cables, it is lighter and safer while maintaining the same strength.
【Accurate and stable wireless remote】ZOSTERA 6000lb winch with wireless remote provides unparalleled control. Our high-performance wireless remote control covers a range of up to 328 feet (reduced by weather, radio waves, and other factors), meeting your daily needs. We are committed to providing you with the best remote control performance, absolute stability, and keeping the winch under control at all times. In addition, we also offer wired manual switches to meet your diverse control needs.

SaleBestseller No. 6

STEGODON Winch 9500lb Electric Winch 12V Winch with Synthetic Rope Car Trailer Winch with Green Hawse Fairlead Wireless Remote and Wired Handle for Truck SUV Jeep

STEGODON 9500 lbs winch is powered by a 3.7 HP permanent magnet DC 12V motor combined.Engineered with 218:1 3 Stage planetary gear ratio ,providing reliable performance with 4.92 ft/ min full load line speed.From smaller cars to SUV’s it gets the job done
Our 12V electric winch weigh 54 lbs. Dimensions are 21.5"W x 6.2"D x 7.6”H.Mounting bolt pattern：10.00±0.015" × 4.40±0.010".Light,complete hard ware,very simple to install.Easy to wire all cables reached battery with no problems
The new generation wireless remote control is a huge advantage of the 9500lb winch,with a functional range exceeding 98 ft,great to walk around as your winching to make sure everything is going well.The wired remote cord is long enough to operate the which sitting in driver seat or at a distance from the vehicle
Our winch is equipped with a new detachable control box that allows for various installation options,which can either be mounted to winch or in a remote location, according to vehicle and/or personal preference.Special designed for car, boat, trucks, jeeps, modified vehicles and multi purpose utility trailers
STEGODON winches offers peace of mind-Backed by a 12-month return and replace,making it the perfect winch for all your outdoor escapades!If there is any problem during the purchase period,we will provide the most professional and timely service

Bestseller No. 7

STEGODON Winch 13000lb Electric Winch 12V Winch with Synthetic Rope Car Trailer Winch with Green Hawse Fairlead Wireless Remote and Wired Handle for Truck SUV Jeep

STEGODON 13000 lbs winch is powered by a 4.5 HP permanent magnet DC 12V motor combined.Engineered with 265:1 3 Stage planetary gear ratio ,providing reliable performance with 2.95 ft/ min full load line speed.From smaller cars to SUV’s it gets the job done
Our 12V electric winch weigh 56 lbs. Dimensions are 21.5"W x 6.2"D x 9.7”H.Mounting bolt pattern：10.00±0.015" × 4.50±0.010".Light,complete hard ware,very simple to install.Easy to wire all cables reached battery with no problems
The new generation wireless remote control is a huge advantage of the 13000lb winch,with a functional range exceeding 98 ft,great to walk around as your winching to make sure everything is going well.The wired remote cord is long enough to operate the which sitting in driver seat or at a distance from the vehicle
Our winch is equipped with a new detachable control box that allows for various installation options,which can either be mounted to winch or in a remote location, according to vehicle and/or personal preference.Special designed for car, boat, trucks, jeeps, modified vehicles and multi purpose utility trailers
STEGODON winches offers peace of mind-Backed by a 12-month return and replace,making it the perfect winch for all your outdoor escapades!If there is any problem during the purchase period,we will provide the most professional and timely service

Bestseller No. 8

X-BULL New 6000LBS IP68 Waterproof Electric Winch Boat Trailer Winch with 2 in 1 Wireless Remote Synthetic Rope 1/4 in x49.8ft Hook Automatic Braking Powersports Off Road

Dexterity control: The X-BULL 2S series 6000lbs winch offers unmatched control flexibility with its wired (4.2ft long) and newly designed wireless remote controllers (100ft range). Whether you prefer the precision of wired control or the convenience of wireless operation, this winch provides the best of both worlds. To ensure stable power output, the winch is supplied with two 5.9-foot cables and two 5.9-foot cables.
Upgraded Waterproofing: Entire winch unit is rated IP68 waterproof, The highest level of protection,featuring OEM-grade O-ring rubber gaskets. This new sealing delivers a longer service life and meets the most stringent IP68 submersion testing. Make your winch easy for all types of environments
Powerful Drive System: Equipped with a robust 12VDC 1.3 HP motor, the X-BULL 2S winch delivers impressive power. It achieves a full-load line speed of 2.9 feet per minute and an impressive no-load speed of 19.7 feet per minute with an enhanced 210:1 gear ratio,it guarantees dependable strength for the most demanding tasks.
Convenient Accessories: This winch comes with a fairlead and mounting bracket, making installation straightforward and hassle-free. And the longer battery cables(two 2.95-foot cables and two 5.9-foot cables) provide greater flexibility in positioning the winch, thanks to these included accessories that enhance ease of use and functionality.
3-Stage Planetary Gear system and Clutch System: The combination of a 3-stage planetary gear system and an upgraded clutch provides extreme power and reliability. While delivering optimal performance, this system ensures your winch operates smoothly and safely, offering you peace of mind during demanding off-road.

Choosing Your Perfect Car Trailer with Winch: A Buyer’s Guide

Buying a car trailer with a winch makes moving vehicles much easier. Whether you haul race cars, broken-down vehicles, or heavy equipment, the right trailer keeps you safe and stress-free. This guide helps you pick the best one for your needs.

Key Features to Look For

Several important features separate a good trailer from a great one. Think about what you move most often when checking these out.

Winch Power and Placement

Winch Capacity: The winch must pull more than the heaviest car you plan to load. Look for at least a 10% safety margin above your heaviest load weight. A 5,000 lb capacity is often a good starting point for standard cars.
Power Source: Most winches run on 12-volt power, usually drawing from your tow vehicle’s battery or a dedicated trailer battery. Check how easily the winch connects.
Mounting: Some winches mount directly to the trailer frame, while others sit on an integrated winch stand. A stand often offers better access for hooking up cables.

Ramp System

Loading is the trickiest part. Look closely at the ramps.

Material and Strength: Ramps must handle the vehicle’s weight without bending. Aluminum is light, but steel offers maximum strength.
Storage: Can the ramps slide under the deck or fold up neatly? Easy storage keeps your workspace tidy.
Width and Angle: Wider ramps offer better stability. A shallower loading angle (lower height) reduces the chance of scraping the car’s bumper.

Braking and Axles

Safety comes first, especially when hauling heavy loads.

Brakes: Electric or hydraulic brakes on at least one axle are essential for safe stopping, especially in emergency situations.
Axle Rating: Ensure the combined rating of your axles exceeds the weight of your loaded trailer. Tandem axles (two axles) spread the weight better than single axles.

Important Materials and Durability

The materials used determine how long your trailer lasts and how much maintenance it needs.

Frame Construction

Most quality trailers use steel or aluminum for the main structure.

Steel: Steel frames offer superior strength and are generally less expensive. However, steel rusts if the paint chips. Look for high-quality galvanization or thick powder coating to prevent corrosion.
Aluminum: Aluminum trailers weigh significantly less, which means you can haul heavier cars or use a smaller tow vehicle. Aluminum does not rust, but it costs more upfront.

Decking Surface

The floor needs excellent traction.

Treated Wood Planks: These are common, affordable, and easy to replace if damaged. They need sealing every few years.
Diamond Plate Steel/Aluminum: This textured metal provides excellent grip, even when wet, but it can get very hot in direct sun.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Small details often show the true quality of a trailer manufacturer.

Quality Indicators (Better Quality)

LED Lighting: Bright, durable LED lights last longer and draw less power than traditional bulbs.
Heavy-Duty Tie-Down Points: Look for multiple, welded D-rings or stake pockets strong enough to secure the vehicle firmly.
Suspension Type: Torflex or leaf spring suspensions rated for highway speeds handle bumps better than very basic setups.

Quality Reducers (Lower Quality)

Thin Wiring: Flimsy wiring harnesses often fail quickly due to road vibration and moisture.
Light-Duty Coupler: The connection point to your tow ball should be rated for much more than the trailer’s Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
Painted Bolts: If critical structural bolts are just painted instead of using protective coatings (like zinc plating), they will rust quickly.

User Experience and Use Cases

How you plan to use the trailer affects your final choice.

Use Cases

Regular Hauling (e.g., Daily Driver Transport): You need reliability. Focus on strong axles, good brakes, and a powerful, easy-to-use winch.
Race Car/Show Car Transport: Aesthetics and low clearance matter. Look for low-profile decks, excellent tie-downs, and perhaps an enclosed option for weather protection.
Off-Road Recovery: Durability is key. A heavier steel frame and high ground clearance help when pulling vehicles out of ditches.

Ease of Use

A good trailer saves you time. Test how easy it is to attach the winch hook to a vehicle’s frame. If the winch cable is too short or the controls are hard to reach, loading becomes a frustrating chore. Always ensure the trailer jack is sturdy enough to lift the tongue easily when unhooked.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Car Trailers with Winches

Q: What is the minimum winch capacity I need?

A: You should select a winch rated for at least 1.5 times the weight of the heaviest car you plan to pull. For most standard cars (around 4,000 lbs), a 6,000 lb winch offers a safe buffer.

Q: Do I need brakes on both axles?

A: While some smaller trailers only require brakes on one axle (or none, depending on local laws and weight), having brakes on both axles significantly improves stopping power and safety, especially with heavy loads or sudden stops.

Q: How often should I maintain the winch?

A: Inspect the cable or synthetic rope before every use for fraying or damage. Lubricate the gears annually if the manufacturer recommends it, and always check the electrical connections for corrosion.

Q: Can I use a gas-powered winch instead of electric?

A: Gas-powered winches are rare on standard car trailers because they are louder, require fuel, and are heavier. Electric 12V winches connect easily to your tow vehicle and are standard practice.

Q: What does GVWR mean?

A: GVWR stands for Gross Vehicle Weight Rating. This is the maximum total weight the trailer can safely carry, including the weight of the trailer itself, the car on top, and any extra gear.

Q: Is an aluminum trailer worth the extra cost?

A: If you frequently tow near your vehicle’s maximum towing capacity, yes. The weight savings from aluminum let you legally carry a heavier load or use a lighter tow vehicle.

Q: How do I prevent my car from sliding forward during transport?

A: Use strong, rated ratchet straps to secure all four wheels to the trailer frame. The winch pulls the car into place, but the straps keep it stationary during travel.

Q: Are tilt trailers better than fixed trailers with ramps?

A: Tilt trailers eliminate the need for long ramps, making loading very low cars easier. However, fixed trailers with good ramps are generally simpler, lighter, and cheaper to maintain.

Q: What kind of safety chains should I look for?

A: Safety chains must cross beneath the trailer hitch in an “X” pattern. They must be rated for the trailer’s GVWR and should have sturdy, easy-to-use hooks.

Q: How important is trailer deck height?

A: Deck height is very important, especially for low-riding sports cars. A lower deck creates a shallower loading angle, which prevents the front bumper from scraping the ramps or the ground during loading.

Best Car Trailer With Winch – Top Picks & Guide