subject: An Inroduction To Electric Winches [print this page] Winches are becoming increasingly popular with today's outdoor enthusiasts. There are a variety of uses for electric winches, ranging from work to play. It is important to consider the purpose for which you are seeking a electric winch when determining the strength and type of electric winch you need.
A. Electric winches on ATV's
If you ask any ATV enthusiast they are sure to tell you stories of getting into a precarious spot or into a deep mud-hole and not being able to get the ATV unstuck or out of the potentially dangerous position. Most of these same enthusiasts will tell you that their ATV electric winch saved the day. With most of the newer ATVs the ATV electric winch can mount to either the front or the back of the ATV and in some instances can be moved from front to back depending on the need. ATV electric winches come in a variety of strengths and can be used for nearly any purpose. The size of the electric winch you chose to put on your ATV depends greatly on how the ATV is operated and the size of the ATV itself. Regardless of the size chosen, ATV electric winches are a must have for a true outdoor ATV enthusiast.
B. Electric winches for trucks
It used to be that the only trucks that had electric winches were tow trucks. Not today. Today, electric winches are found a large number of three quarter and one ton trucks. Back when electric winches were first becoming popular, they often were hand cranked electric winches. Today, the majority of electric winches on trucks are electric winches. An electric winch hooks up to the battery of the truck and is operated via a remote control. Electric winches are extremely helpful when the truck is in a situation where it is likely to be slipping and sliding and having to hand crank the electric winch in would be dangerous. An electric winch is also useful on larger trucks that would be nearly impossible to hand crank. On a large truck such as an F-350, the stronger the electric winch the better. Most people who put electric winches on their large trucks use a electric winch rated for at least 12,000 pounds.
C. Electric winches for Trailers
Not only do trucks and ATVs have electric winches, but many trailers today come with a electric winch. Trailer electric winches can be electronic or hand crank. It is common to find trailer electric winches on most boat trailers and some rvs. Most people can recall loading a boat onto a trailer and using the hand cranked trailer electric winch to pull the boat onto the trailer and secure the boat into place. The boat owner almost always got wet while reeling in his boat. Today, there are trailer electric winches in a variety of strengths and horsepower that are electronic and will pull the boat onto the trailer with just the push of a button. These electronic trailer electric winches have made the process of loading and unloading boats much simpler.
D.Mounting the electric winch
When mounting a electric winch on an ATV or a truck it is important to ensure the electric winch is properly mounted. To do so, it is recommended that you purchase a electric winch bumper. The electric winch bumper mounts on the bumper of the truck, or in some cases replaces the truck bumper. The electric winch will fit down inside the electric winch bumper providing the electric winch protection from theft or damage. Adding a electric winch bumper will not affect the handling of your vehicle as long as the bumper selected is properly suited for your vehicle. Any truck accessory store can help you select the electric winch and electric winch bumper best suited for your needs.
