Electric Winch

Electric Winch

The winch is for pulling a vehicle onto the trailer — not lifting or holding a load for transport. Read the manual, set up safely, and keep clear of the cable under load.

Before You Start

Quick Checks Before You Winch

Inspect the cable for kinks or frays Chock the trailer wheels Ramps down and secured Vehicle lined up straight Use the vehicle's rated tow point Fit a dampener on the cable Keep hands and clothing clear
Important: A winch is for pulling, not lifting or holding a load for transport. Never exceed the winch's rated capacity, keep the minimum wraps on the drum, and once loaded, always secure the vehicle with rated straps.
Step by Step

Setting Up & Winching

Before You Winch (Setup)

  1. Park the trailer on level, firm ground and chock the trailer wheels.
  2. Lower the ramps and line the vehicle up square with the trailer.
  3. Free-spool the winch and pull the cable out by the hook strap — never grab the cable directly.
  4. Attach the hook to the vehicle's rated tow point — never a bumper, tow ball or suspension.
  5. Fit a cable dampener or blanket over the cable mid-span.
  6. Keep everyone clear and to the side — never behind or in line with the vehicle.

During Winching (Operation)

  1. Winch in short, steady bursts — pause to avoid overheating and to keep the cable layering evenly.
  2. Keep the pull straight and square so the cable feeds cleanly onto the drum.
  3. Never touch or step over a cable under tension.
  4. Don't free-spool or knock the clutch while the cable is under load.
  5. Stop if the cable stacks or binds; ease off and re-tension on a straight pull.
  6. Once the vehicle is on, chock it and secure it with rated straps before you drive.
In Detail

Guides & Safety Details

Preparing to Winch
  • Read the winch manual and know its rated capacity.
  • Wear sturdy gloves; no loose clothing, jewellery or long hair near the drum.
  • Check the cable, hook, shackles and straps for damage before use.
  • Make sure the trailer is on level ground with the tow vehicle's handbrake on.
  • Keep the winch controls unplugged until you're ready to winch.
  • Use only the vehicle's rated tow points — never a bumper, tow ball, axle or suspension.
  • Keep the cable feeding straight so it layers evenly on the drum.

Safety While Winching
  • Keep everyone clear of the cable and out from behind the vehicle.
  • Winch in short bursts and watch the cable temperature and layering.
  • Never step over or straddle a cable under tension.
  • Keep the dampener on the cable the whole time it's under load.
  • Stop immediately if anything looks or sounds wrong, then release tension safely.

After Winching (Pack-down)
  • Chock the loaded vehicle and secure it with rated straps at all four points before driving.
  • Release winch tension slowly, then free-spool and re-wind the cable neatly.
  • Keep the minimum wraps on the drum and stow the hook safely.
  • Raise and secure the ramps.
  • Inspect the cable, hook and fairlead; report any damage before your next hire.
  • Unplug and stow the controls.
The Golden Rules

Do & Don't

Do

  • Winch in short, straight, controlled pulls.
  • Use the vehicle's rated tow points.
  • Keep a dampener on the cable.
  • Secure the load with rated straps once it's on.

Don't

  • Use the winch to lift or hold the load for transport.
  • Exceed the winch's rated capacity.
  • Touch or step over a cable under tension.
  • Attach to a bumper, tow ball or suspension.