10 Best ATV Winches
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As an all-terrain rider who enjoys outdoor activity and could go cracked at the mention of an ATV, you can’t afford an outing on your four-wheeler without having the best ATV winch.
It can be frustrating sometimes when you find yourself knocked down in a bind. Maybe, your ATV is stuck somewhere on slippery or rocky ground. This ATV can’t stay overnight here; otherwise, the traffic officials will pull it away.
The best tool you can easily beckon on for rescue is the winch. But it’ll be more provoking to see that your ATV is knocked off and you have a wobbly winch. Isn’t that the equipment you purchased barely two months ago? You can’t afford to splash your hard-earned cash on a ridiculously substandard tool that typically should serve you.
Well, I’ve taken the pain to help you research the best ATV winches that brag durability, flexibility, lightweight, affordability, and lots more.
1. Warn 90250 ProVantage 2500 Winch
Warn has a lot of its models on this list. It is due to its capacity to lead the market and deliver a wide variety of winches in different pull ratings and loading capacities.
The Warn 90250 ProVantage 2500 Winch is a guy that has become a rider’s favorite. With 50-feet of 3/16-inch rope, you can pull any load with a capacity of 2500 pounds.
The planetary gears are other features you’ll love about this winch. The gears come in three stages, making it easier for you to wind out or wind it loads quickly.
Then comes the patented disc brake, which provides extra seamless control as you try to operate the machine. Using the winch becomes a lot easier and simpler at that level.
It also features a black finish, ensuring the device does not corrode or rust even when faced with inclement o weather. The waterproof feature of a winch is not a common thing. So, please don’t take it for granted when you have one that possesses this feature.
You’ll want to look at any downside this winch comes with when you find out it fits any ATV. Being a universal winch makes this winch everyone’s favorite.
Features
- Patented roller dick brake
- 50 feet of 3/16 dense rope
- plow roller fairlead
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Boasts a three-step planetary gear | Low power rating |
| It comes with extra control | Separate accessories (remote control) cost extra bucks |
| Corrosion-resistant | Waterproof |
2. VIPER Midnight 4500lb Winch
When it comes to an ATV winch capable of holding out against some of the heaviest four-wheelers, the Viper winch Kit is the guy to beckon at. We all know Viper has been here for quite some time. So, having it featured among the top 10 ATV winch brands is no surprise.
One thing many riders want to see in a winch is that it can pull heavy equipment, including heavyweight ATVs and UTVs. The Viper does not lack in that area because if you fasten it to the car with a weight in the region of 4500 pounds, this guy will pull it effortlessly. That’s massive power from this model.
The general outlook of the Viper Midnight presents nothing less than awe and respect. The manufacturers intend a design and style for this winch that matches no other product on the list.
That’s not enough. The Viper winch also boasts durability and flexibility. It is not a product that won’t give value for money. It doesn’t matter whether it is being pulled into the water because the Viper winch will survive immersion, submersion, and insertion into water.
Overall, there’s something that you’ll love to know about this product: at full capacity, it’ll easily pull at a faster speed of around 5 FPM.
Features
- Capable of a 45000-pound load
- Pulls at 5 FPM
- Great design and style
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Durable | Not compatible with all ATVs/UTVs |
| Reasonably priced | Inferior internal materials |
3. Champion 4000-lb. ATV/UTV Wireless Winch Kit
The Champion Wireless Winch Kit is truly a champion and deserves every reason to be called that great name.
If you’re familiar with the manufacturer’s world, you’ll find out that they have produced the 2000 pounds weighed winch. It is much less potent than the Champions, which can pull cars or any equipment that weighs up to 4500 pounds. Isn’t that in the class of our first winch, the Viper Midnight? But the Champion brings some more value and benefits.
Apart from the high capacity to load a 4500-weighed car onto a trailer, the Champion winch is very sturdy and durable.
You also need to note that when it comes to purchasing the hardware of this item, you’ll not be forced to break banks. They are affordable, and you can find out the cost of the bolts and nuts that this model requires.
The Champion Wireless winch’s power-to-cost ratio is excellent, and you won’t have to expend much to pull or procure components.
Features
- 4500 pounds loading capacity
- Fits many UTVs and ATVs
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Affordably priced | Metals made of cheap materials |
| Powerful | Relatively less sturdy |
| Excellent power-to-cost ratio | Trying to use in an angled space |
4. Superwinch 1135220 Terra 35
The first time I came across this model, I knew I was up for a kit that would not disappoint me. I had heard some hints about it during a summer visit to a cousin in Florida. From then on, I’ve no doubt the Superwinch would make one of the best ATV winches of all time.
Looking closely at this model, the first thing you find out is that this Superwinch is very lightweight, adding only 20 pounds to the dry weight of the ATV. You’re talking of a winch that will load powerful equipment onto your trailer and yet makes the net weight quite light.
Another exciting feature of the Superwinch brags; is their power. It’s capable of loading a car or equipment that weighs something in the neighborhood of 3500 pounds. That’s about 1000 lb lower than what our first two winches deliver. All of this the Superwinch does effortlessly.
The mode of operating this device is quite easy. With an adjustable handlebar, you’ll be able to run the machine. That doesn’t stop you if you switch to the remote control. Hauling out heavy tools and equipment with this winch is quite effortless, considering that it’s equipped with a built-in 50ft steel rope.
What’s more, when at top capacity, the Superwinch loads at 8.75 to help overcome those heavy-duty limbs without difficulty. The extra gear provides a more significant stress-free opportunity to widen your space of tackling substantial loading tasks. Its 3-step gear system stands at a ratio of 140:1.
But you need to be watchful and careful when operating this device because the rope can be held up in the roller, causing incorrect pushing or pulling of the string by the winch.
Also, the Superwinch doesn’t boast a great electrical design, given that the electrical supply could short out if the circuit breakers are exposed to metal.
Features
- 50-inch of steel rope 13/64-inch
- Load releasing and pushing
- Wide all-steel planetary gear
- Seal circuit breaker
- Low amp 1.6-hp magnetic motor
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to operate | Rope can intercept the proper functioning of the winch |
| Durable build | Electrical design is short-circuited |
5. Warn 89020 Vantage 2000 Winch
The Warn 89020 Vantage Winch is a great model to make the list of top 10 best ATV winches for several reasons.
Boasting affordability, power loading capacity, flexibility, and compatibility, the winch comes to help riders who want to load and release cars weighing about 2000 pounds into their trailer.
At an affordable price, the product is made of excellent material, making it one of the winches with a unique build among the best brands on the market.
It’s compatible with a lot of lighter ATVs and UTVs. Yet, it walks shoulder high among its competitors, given that it boasts excellent power, durability, and capability to finish up heavy-duty tasks within a short period effortlessly.
The Warn 89020 Vantage Winch is an all-around winch with a smooth planetary drive train, microfiber rope, a fully sealed, water-resistant, and waterproof motor, and a corded remote. It means, with the remote, you can operate this machine even from a reasonable distance, whether connected to the ATV.
On top of this is the 50 feet that the machine comes with, making it easy for users to mount o install the device with little or no difficulty.
Features
- It comes with a fully sealed motor and drives the train
- Great safety features
- Planetary gear train
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Easy to use and operate | Installing this device is a bit challenging |
| The device is resistant to the effects of the elements, including | It comes as a relatively pricey model |
6. Champion Power Equipment 13004 ATV/UTV Winch Kit
Like its siblings here, the Champions Power Equipment 13004 has a higher loading capacity than you find with many of its 3000lb-capacity competitors.
Compelling, powerful, and great winch, the Champion Power Equipment 13004 will surprise you with many features that make loading easier and seemingly seamless.
First, if you’re on a budget, this is the model for your use. It comes as one of the most affordable and cost-effective winches with equal capacity on the market.
The Champion Power Equipment comes with a 3000 pounds pulling and releasing capacity, making it one of the most powerful yet affordable ATV winches in its category.
The automatic brake system (ABS) is a unique feature of this model as it empowers you with the power you desire to overcome heavy-duty winching and holds uploads at will while pulling or releasing.
Thanks to the effective clutch system, you can spool with this device with your eyes shut. There’s also the remote control, which allows you to operate the equipment from anywhere within a reasonable distance.
Other features include the mounting channels and the roller fairlead, which work with additional tools to deliver incredible winching. With these tools, you’ll be able to install and mount the device easily without much stress.
Features
Relative affordability and durability
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Incredibly sufficient power for light and small ATVs | It doesn’t suit big and heavy ATVs |
| Mounting this device is super-easy | Bulky and overly slow remote |
| Perfect planetary gear and train | Weak cable |
7. Superwinch 1130220 LT3000ATV 12 VDC
It appears that when choosing the best ATV winch, it is either a model from Superwinch or you pick nothing. There’s consistency in what this brand does and the delivery its products make.
I look at Superwinch winches generally and find devices that have no match in the whole market. Whether you talk in terms of power, pull capacity, braking system, or gear train, you’ll have to search the entire market to find one winch that will deliver as much as the Superwinch winches do. It neither cuts materials nor offers products at amazingly crazy prices.
The Superwinch 1130220 does not depart as much from two of its siblings that I parade in this post. Just as you think of the Superwicnh 4000 pounds and 3500 pounds, the 3000lb also is at the mid-grade level when it comes to pulling capacity.
It gives value for money because you can get more power ratings for every buck you splash. Isn’t that desirable? Then again, the Superwinch 3000 pounds parades incredible electrical design, which is why you need some particular skill to install the device.
Features
- Pull rating: 3000 pounds
- Features roller fairlead and handheld remote switch
- The mechanical and dynamic braking system
- Handlebar control
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Delivers power and value for money | Requires some particular skill to install |
| Easy to operate and use with the magnetic brake |
8. Keeper Corporation KT2000 Trakker Electric Winch
If nothing, an ATV winch shouldn’t lack excellent loading power, durable cable, reasonable price, and durability.
The first thing that will attract you to this winch is its durability. The warranty that comes with this model is higher than many of the models in its category. It means you can use the Keeper winch for a more extended period before you start thinking of having another one.
Although it is designed for lighter and smaller ATVs, the Keeper will keep its shoulder-high even in the cruelest weather conditions. The manufacturer ensures the model comes as a weatherproof and water-resistant winch.
If that convinces you to buy this model, something more will push you to recommend the Keeper Winch model. It is the attachment point at the slide drum of the winch. It allows you the freedom for versatility when you’re stuck on those bumpy roads and awkward terrain.
That’s not all. Now comes the loading capacity. The Keeper winch comes with 2000 pounds-rated pull, making it one of the winches with small and lighter capabilities. The rope, measuring 5/32 inches, is slightly thinner than the others on this list.
Features
- It boasts handheld remote control
- 2000 pounds pull rating
- Side-mounted drum
| Highly more durable than other competitors in the same category | Slow operation |
| Seamless mounting in awkward spaces | Low Wind-in rating |
9. WARN 89030 Vantage 3000 Winch
Maybe I should warn you never to use any other winch brand apart from what WARN produces. It has every reason to be ahead of every other ATV winch in competition.
Producing another more significant and extensive version, Warn has set a record for being the brand with different categories and pull ratings. So, you won’t complain about having an ATV without a winch to wind it in or out.d
The Warn 89030 brags 3000 pounds pull rating, giving you the option to choose over the WARN 2000 or WARN 2500. What differences does the Winch 3000 Winch has over its 2500 and 200 counters apart from a higher pull rating, you may want to ask?
This winch will take you away from the traditional dynamic gear brake system to a different level, where you’re presented with a spring brake unit. What difference does that make? The braking system offers more power and reliability.
The WARN 89030 Vantage 3000 Winch has features including a three-stage planetary gear against the differential planetary gears, which are the characteristic features of many other winch models, including the WARN 90250 ProVantage 2500 Winch and the WARN 89020 Vantage 2000 Winch.
If you’re looking for a WARN winch with the most power and increased intensity, this is the right choice because it intimidates you with its slightly larger but more reliable motor.
Well, one thing is sure no single device or equipment boasts 100% effectiveness without its downside. The WARN 3000 is no exception.
Despite its incredible features, there’re areas you need to watch out for when using this piece. Interestingly, the complaint about this winch is what is common to most other smaller devices. Spooling is a significant issue with this device, especially since using the free spool knobs poses some malfunction challenges.
That shouldn’t be an issue to discourage you from getting this amazing guy in your garage. Its positives outweigh the negatives.
Features
- 3000 pull rating
- Fairly larger motor
- Spring brake system
- 0 feet of 3/16 inch thick wire rope with roller fairlead
- Three-stage planetary gear
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Better control and more power | Liable to rope impairment |
| Easy to install and use | Fairlead is of substandard material |
| Wired remote control | Free spool knob malfunctions |
10. Superwinch 1140220 Black 12 VDC LT4000ATV Winch
Again I present another incredible model from the usual suspect, Superwinch. I don’t doubt that for years to come, the Superwinch 1140220 4000-lb winch from this brand would compete favorably with the best ATV winches.
It comes with a lot of power, and it stands tall among the models on our list here, given that it boasts 4000 pounds pull rating and won’t fail or disappoint.
What’s more, the Superwinch 1140220 4000 lb winch is compatible with multiple ATVs as it comes with three-stage planetary gears. It has not departed from the tradition of the dynamic braking system. Hence, it will benefit a lot from this device.
You don’t have to be close to the device all the time because the manufacturer thinks you could stay at some distance and still operate it.
You have the corded remote switch to thank, which interestingly comes with the device as you’re buying it. You remember some brands sell their remote switch separately from the main product, causing you extra costs.
What more do you want in an ATV winch that’s lacking in Superwinch 4000 ATV winch? You have power, an excellent braking system, a high pull rating, planetary gears, and lost more.
But, hey, you may need to get another steel rope because the size supplied by the manufacturer is equal to what they give to winches of lower power and pull rating. The steel rope is 50 feet of 3/16 inches. That’s too low for a winch of this power.
Features
- Pull capacity and rating: 4000 pounds
- Steel rope dimension: 50 feet of 3/16 inch
- Dynamic braking unit
- Three-step planetary gear train
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Excellent pull capacity and rating | Steel rope dimension is small for a winch of this pull capacity |
| Efficient for a wide variety of ATVs | The winch may work inefficiently due to the short steel rope. |
What You Need to Consider Before Buying an ATV Winch
It’s not advisable to put money down on anything without knowing how much value they bring. After all, money is not something to come quickly. Before you buy or order an ATV winch, you must find out certain necessary things about them.
Knowing these factors will guide you through buying the right product and not spending money on a white elephant.
ATV Specifications
Imagine your niece decides to get you a birthday present and heads straight to the market to buy a pair of over-size shoes. That is precisely what happens if you want to order an ATV winch without knowing the specifications.
You must, first of all, know what the specific features of the ATV you want to buy a winch for are. If you don’t, you may end up buying something that wonâ’t fit into the machine for which it’s intended.
One of the specifications you must know about the ATV is its weight. Often, riders want to take this aspect for granted by assuming that a 3000-pounds winch will fit any vehicle weight. It is not valid. In any case, how do 5′ 5 people ride a dirt bike with a seat height of 35 inches?
The weight of the winch must be bigger than or at least match that of your ATV or UTV vehicle to be able to haul it; otherwise, you won’t even get the required force to get you from the stuck awkward place where your car is jammed. On this, you need a lot of information from the owner’s manual to guide you through all the processes.
A free-spooling clutch
Another factor you must look out for when buying an ATV winch. Typically, the best ATV winch should come with this tool. The free-spooling clutch helps you while hauling to relive the gear by merely using the cable from a spool.
If your ATV winch doesn’t feature a free-spooling winch, you risk spending more-than-normal time and force trying to pull the winch against gears. The consequence of adding that extra strength is telling on the winch in the long run. The winch always experiences some form of tear, so its lifespan is cut down due to wear and tear.
Strong Winch Lid
It’s not just enough to desire to buy an ATV winch; while mulling this idea, it’s essential to consider purchasing a winch with a sturdy covering. It will ensure durability and save the winch from being battered. So, a well-built cover will do a lot of benefits to your winch and protect it from dust, dirt, debris, bumps, and knocks that often affect components of mechanical devices.
Remote switch
Do you want comfort while operating a winch? If yes, you need to consider buying an ATV winch with remote control. The rocker provides you with the incredible comfort you need as a winch user or operator. This switch, mounted on your ATV’s handlebars, can be corded or cordless. The remote switch with the extension cord helps if your vehicle gets stuck deep in the mud.
Price
You need to have a random insight into the market price of a typical ATV winch. Depending on the weight and brand of the winch you’re buying, you’ll spend some bucks to acquire a winch. Typically, a winch doesn’t cost much that you cannot afford if you could spare so much to get an ATV vehicle.
Frequently Asked Question
Q: How long will it take me to install a winch?
You can’t believe that you won’t spend up to 2 hours installing a winch on your ATV. Sometimes, it is within an hour if you follow the instructions carefully. Then, I can assure you in less than an hour. You will have your winch installed if an experienced hand or someone who has installed it before is beside you.
Q: Are champion ATV winches any good?
Absolutely! ATV winches from Champion are high-quality products you won’t miss in your garage. It has a high pull rating and features unusual ease of operation and use.
They have excellent and positive reviews courtesy of a gear ratio that stands at 171.1. The winch also boasts a planetary gear system that guarantees safe wind-in and wind-out at every point in time.
Q: Is microfiber winch ropes better than cable?
Well, regarding safety, I’ll say synthetic lines are far better than their steel counterpart. They are usually derived from hi-tech polyethylene, making them a lighter option. If you are an off-road rider, you must remember that the regulation stipulates the use of winch with synthetic ropes on off-road terrain. Besides, synthetic ropes don’t save much energy.
Q: Are ATV Winches Universal?
The simple answer is yes. ATV winches are global winches for many reasons. One, they are super easy to install and mount. They don’t require that you have a winch mount before you invest. They’re also super light, and with their four bolts, ATV winches are compatible with many other brand winches. If you need a universal winch that won’t fail when you try to wind in or out, then the quad winches are the right pick.
Final Thoughts
My final take when it comes to the best ATV winch is that you should study this post very well. Read every detail about each of the products described here. Don’t be in a hurry to want to get a winch without first considering the features, pros, and cons.
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