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Just like Sherlock Holmes needs Dr. Watson, an off-road enthusiast needs a winch – a portable winch at that. Portable winches come in handy in recovering your stuck truck without having to mount it on your truck permanently. They are versatile, compact, convenient, easy to use, and more affordable than heavy-duty winches.
But because of their compact size and lightweight design, most portable winches aren’t strong enough to haul regular-sized trucks. Add to this the fact that there are different winch types (electric and drill winches); it’s crucial to spend more time researching to ensure you get a portable winch that’ll serve you well.
To help you, we’ve prepared a list of the best portable winches and some key features to consider.
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Why Do You Need a Portable Winch?
Portable winches are significantly easier to use than manual or come-along winches for lifting or pulling. With come-along winches, you must manually turn the lever to turn the gear and lift the load. But with a portable electric winch, these complications are eliminated by the flip of a button; you simply attach the winch and turn it on.
Portable electric winches compliment their size with a high gear reduction ratio and strong motor. That said, superior performance with minimal effort is the driving force behind purchasing these electric winches.
Features To Consider When Buying the Best Portable Electric Winches
Below are some factors to consider when purchasing an electric portable winch:
Line Speed
Line speed is the speed at which your compact electric winch will wind its cable around the drum. The speed of most portable winches varies depending on the load capacity. However, often power-consuming speeds vary from line speeds needed. You’ll have to put in more effort to get the desired line speed. But even as you do this, practice safety and avoid overexerting the vehicle’s battery.
Pulling Capacity
This is one of the most important things to consider when purchasing an electric portable winch for personal use. Generally, it gives you the pulling capacity of the electric winch. Bear in mind that pulling capacities must be 1.5 times the load you intend to haul.
Mounting System
Although most portable winches don’t need to be permanently mounted, you still need to consider the mounting option. You’d rather have the best quality and not need it than need it only for it to fail on you.
Longevity and Performance
Strength and usefulness are important factors to consider before you purchase a portable winch. It’s always safe to go for small winches that operate for longer periods without disappointing you. Read through past consumer and expert reviews to determine the durability and performance of a portable electric winch.
Ease of Use
The best portable electric winches are easy to carry, handle and use. Unfortunately, not all portable winches have versatile applications. But those that do can haul boats and load and unload logs and heavy cargo on carts. A portable electric winch with a remote control (wireless or wired) is a plus as it makes the portable electric winch easier to use and increases safety.
Type of Winch Cable
Portable electric winches come with two cable options; steel cable and synthetic rope.
Generally, steel cable is durable and long-lasting. It’s easy to maintain and perfect for highly abrasive terrain. On the flip side, it’s vulnerable to corrosion and may break, causing severe injuries to users nearby.
On the other hand, synthetic rope is stronger, lighter, easier to handle, and more flexible than steel cable. It’s best suited for train and recovery winches. But on the downside, it’s vulnerable to chemicals, heat, UV exposure, and abrasion.
The ideal option depends on where you’ll use it and your personal preference.
Best Portable Electric Winch (Summary)
Last update on 2024-06-21 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. WARN 101575 Handheld Portable Drill Winch – Lightweight & Portable
The WARN 101575 handheld portable drill winch is the perfect winch for your toolbox. It sports 750 lbs single-line pulling capacity and is powered by a standard drill (purchased separately. Although 750 lbs is impressive for such a small winch, it’s easy to surpass it on most occasions. To prevent this, WARN included an integrated system that gives audible feedback when approaching the portable winch capacity.
In addition, WARN 101575 has a load limiter that disconnects the drive from the portable winch but continues to hold the load at 750 lbs.
Its ergonomic handle makes it easy to hold and use in many situations besides getting your vehicle unstuck. Even better, the free-spool clutch makes it easier to hook up and load.
Another great feature is the variable speed which allows you to control the loads better. The variable speed is based on distance, load, and drill speed. On this note, some users have complained that it works slowly. But this is a rather unfair review of the portable winch. Generally, if you want this drill winch to work faster, use a bigger drill.
WARN 101575 comes is available in synthetic and steel cable options.
We Like
- Easy to use
- Compact and lightweight
- No installation required
Keep This in Mind
- Not ideal for large vehicles
- The portable drill isn’t included in the package
WARN 101757 is a perfect lightweight and portable winch that doesn’t need installation and is easy to use. Although it doesn’t come with a drill, it’s convenient and usable in different situations.
2. PCW5000 Gas-Powered Capstan Winch – Compact & Heavy Duty Multi-function
Although the PCW5000 will not tow your 2-ton truck, it’s still considered a workhorse for a capstan winch its size. The PCW5000 is gas-powered and has a single line capacity of 2200 pounds.
This capstan winch has a 2.1 hp powerful motor mated to a Honda GHX-50 engine. It’s ideal for pulling logs, boats, trees, and vehicles. The portable winch weighs 35.3 pounds and measures 15 x 14 x 16 inches, so you can easily carry it wherever you go.
When you purchase this portable winch, you’ll have to buy a heavy-duty rope separately. The manufacturer has a double-braided polyester rope of varying lengths.
We Like
- Compact and heavy duty
- Multi-function use
- Comes with a 1-year warranty for commercial use and a 5-year warranty for private use
- Portable design
Keep This in Mind
- The portable winch rope is sold separately
- Highly-priced
Taking a quick look at this portable winch, you’ll notice it has a different construction from other portable winches you’ve come across. This is because it sports a capstan design where the rope isn’t stored on a winch drum attached to the portable winch. Instead, during use, the rope is wrapped around the capstan on the side.
3. WARN PullzAll – Your Come-Along Replacement
The Warn Red PullzAll is the latest addition to Warn portable winch lineup. Initially, the lineup was released in orange as part of Warn’s sub-brand, but it later switched to the signature red. Despite the switch, Warn insists that the transmission, motor, and performance remained unchanged.
The powerful Warn PullzAll is available in both cordless and corded options. The Cordless option is powered by a 120V AC power source and runs on a rechargeable NiMH battery pack with a rapid charger. On the flip side, the corded portable winch gets its power from 24 V DC.
Both options can haul or pull 1000 lbs which is commendable for their size. And while they are both portable, the cordless option weighs 18 lbs while the corded option weighs 15 lbs.
The portable winch sports an electronic load limiter with an LED load indicator and a variable speed trigger for power out and power in use. Warn also added a versatile swivel anchor hook and a 15-meter durable wire rope and front hook.
Other features include the ability to switch between reverse and forward motion by pressing a button. This allows for easier positioning when under pressure. There’s also a brake that holds your load securely.
The decision on which to choose largely depends on where you’ll be using the portable winch most. If you’ll frequent the wilderness, then the cordless option is best.
We Like
- Easy setup
- Build in red overload warning
- Lightweight
- Durable wire rope
Keep This in Mind
- Doesn’t come with a remote control
- Slightly pricey
Whether you’re lifting heavy equipment, tree trunks, or dragging bulky loads into a truck, the Warn PullzAll gives you the power you need. The power from the battery is enough for a serious winching session, and if the battery dies out, it recharges fast.
4. Champion Power Equipment 12090 Marine/ Trailer Utility Winch Kit – Portable & Reliable Winching
The Champion Power Equipment 12090 Marine/Trailer Utility Winch Kit is portable and reliable for winching with your trailer or boat without requiring a gas-powered engine or extension cords. Whether you need to load your ATV or boat on a trailer or are looking for a good and reliable solution to get your vehicle unstuck, the portable winch provides a powerful performance along with every accessory you may need.
The Champion Power Equipment 12090 Winch kit has a rated line with a 2,000 lb. capacity, a marine line pull with 5,000 lb capacity, and a rolling rated pull of 6,000 lbs. The portable winch sports a 0.3 hp 12-volt DC motor. But if you’re one of those who love to work your winch manually, Champion has got you covered with a hand crank. The winch has a line speed of 1.7 feet per minute at full capacity and 4.5 feet per minute when it has no load. The 3-stage straight gear drive system is designed to handle boats up to 18 feet long.
Now, you can temporarily mount the portable winch to your truck bed, boat trailer, or trailer ball hitch using the slide-on 2-inch adapter plate without needing any tools. You’ll use your winch and remove and store it without complicated processes. The carry handle built into the winch’s design makes carrying this winch easier and more convenient.
The portable winch connects to the vehicle with a 20-foot extended battery cable. Moreover, you can operate the winch at a safe distance using the handheld remote control. The 30 ft x 5/32-inch heavy-duty galvanized aircraft cable is protected from fraying even when you use it in highly abrasive terrain like sand, mud, and rocks.
We Like
- It’s affordable
- It has an easy mounting system
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Has both electrical and mechanical operation modes
Keep This in Mind
- It’s a little too noisy
- It’s not fitted with a reverse function
For a portable winch, the Champion Power Equipment 12090 Marine/Trailer Utility Winch Kit is a beast. Champion is so confident in their product that they provide a 2-year limited warranty. And in case anything goes wrong after this, dedicated winch experts offer free lifetime technical support.
5. Superwinch 2GO SR – Innovative Winch-in-a-Box
This is one of the few winch manufacturers that live up to its name. Superwinch is known for producing quality winches worldwide and has a variety of portable winches under its belt.
If you are considering getting a Superwinch, we strongly suggest looking into the 12-volt Superwinch 2 GO SR. But just in case you think it’s all hype, here’s a breakdown of what it offers.
First and foremost, you won’t have to mount the Superwinch 2GO SR on your vehicle permanently. Despite this, Superwinch provides this best portable winch with all the equipment you’d need to mount it permanently on your car if you wish.
The winch comes in a sturdy storage box that can withstand rough use. The storage box also makes it easier to carry the winch kit anywhere.
The 2GO SR is designed with 4,000 lbs rated like pull. But that’s not all – to increase this capacity, it features a 16,000 lb pulley block that allows this durable portable electric winch to pull 8,000 lbs.
Other accessories the Superwinch 2GO SR sports include three 20,000 lb D-shackles, one 12-ft wired remote control for safe distance operation, two 8 ft heavy duty straps to support 8,000 lbs, a pair of heavy-duty leather palmed gloves, and a 10ft quick connect power cord with alligator clips making it easier to access the battery.
The winch runs on a 1.4 hp motor which supports its great feats of strength. You’ll get a 50-ft synthetic rope that’s more than enough to get you unstuck.
We Like
- Purchase includes a 50-ft synthetic rope
- The winch kit is packaged in a durable storage box
- Can be temporary or permanently mounted
- Features a 2-year limited warranty
Keep This in Mind
- The storage box latches are constructed from plastic
This is yet another beast winch in a small body. Although it’s a great 12-volt portable winch with a great design and function, there are several complaints about the quality of latches on the storage box.
6. Keeper KW75122RM-1 Portable Winch – a Real Workhorse
Keeper is an automobile and winch manufacturer and seller based in California. Their product line focuses on various winches grouped into AC, KU Utility, KT Tracker, KV Venture, KX Extreme series, and KW Workhorse.
Their products are applicable for UTV/ATVs, trucks, utility, SUVs, and industrial uses. The capacities of the winches are usually between 1500 lbs and 13,500 lbs. Aside from these winches, they also manufacture and sell winch accessories.
The Keeper KW75122RM-1 Portable Winch is one of the best options available. But don’t take our word for it; below is everything the winch has to offer.
The Keeper KW75122RM-1 has a 7,500 lb pull, making it a true workhorse. This powerful performance is backed with a 4.5 HP series wound motor that is run by a 12-volt DC battery common in most vehicles. The motor provides line speeds of up to 8 feet per minute.
Aside from this, the winch sports a highly efficient three-stage planetary gear system that includes case-hardened gears. Keeper included a 72 ft x 5/16-inch galvanized steel cable in this winch and threw in a 4-way roller fairlead to guide the rope’s motion.
The winch kit comes with two control options;
- A wired controller featuring a 15-ft lead
- A wireless controller
Both controllers allow for dual-direction electric winching making winch operation a breeze. For safety, the winch has automatic load-holding that prevents heavy loads from accidentally slipping in case of power interruptions.
It’s worth mentioning that the wired controller has built-in high-density LED lighting. The lighting improves lighting when you have to winch at night.
We Like
- Great value for money
- Winches in either direction
- Nighttime use
- Compatible with class III receiver hitches
Keep This in Mind
- The product might not be the best quality
- You might need a longer battery lead and longer lock pin
The Keeper winch is a handy, durable tool that easily operates loads within its capacity. The product is reasonably priced and works as described. The wired and wireless remote controllers are a nice feature not found in most winches. The setup is easy and straightforward, and all electrical wiring is included in the kit. Also, the mounting process is simplified courtesy of the hitch mount. Overall, it’s a convenient, compact yet powerful winch to have.
7. MegaFlint Trailer Winch – Entry Level 4×4 & Utility Winch
MegaFlint performance is a relatively new performer in the winch industry space. But in the short time they’ve been around; they’ve done a great job of building a name for themselves and attracting loads of customers.
The brand is primarily known as an ignition system and performance fuel provider. However, they ALSO provide a range of other products, including ignition distributors, electric fuel pumps, catalytic converters, automotive tools, and portable winches.
The line of its winches is called the ACH and is designed to accommodate winching jobs for trailers, RVs, 4x4s, ATVs, and utility vehicles. One of their best winches is the MegaFlint Electric Winch.
The MegaFlint electric winch has a dual operation model design that allows you to switch between manual and electric winching modes effortlessly. The feature comes in handy during power interruptions.
Moreover, the winch supports powering in and out and free spooling. The winch has a low noise design which mutes noise and other disturbances when using it. The motor is constructed to deliver 30% more power than competing winches.
The winch comes with a durable 30 ft. galvanized steel cable attached with a hook at one end for extra safety. The braking mechanism on the winch includes dynamic brakes plus a mechanical frictional brake.
The maximum pull capacity on the winch varies depending on the type of load and operation. With rolling weight, the rated pull is 6,000 lbs. The capacity for marine loads and those that need pulling are 5,000 and 2,000 lbs. respectively.
You can operate the winch at a safe distance with a 9ft 9inch wired lead and enjoy 6 ft per minute while at full load.
We Like
- Sports a 1-year warranty
- Convenient dual operation
- Produces low noise
- Powerful motor
- Value for money
- Versatile applications
- Easy installation
Keep This in Mind
- The line speed could be faster
This MegaFlint winch is versatile and works efficiently in different situations. The fact that you can switch between manual and electric modes is convenient, especially if there’s a power interruption. The simple design allows it to be used by novices and professionals alike. Finally, it’s easy to install and set up.
Conclusion
And there you have it, a list of the best electric portable winches you should consider purchasing. We compiled this list carefully considering their value, reliability, and ease of use. If you come across a portable electric winch you are interested in but isn’t on our list, just follow our choosing guide, and you’ll be good to go.
FAQ
You can use a snatch block to double the line and increase the winch’s strength. Alternatively, if the anchor is too close, you can allow it sufficient cable to pull hard. Also, using an anchor that allows you to pull along the direct line of the roller center helps improve winching strength. If you want your portable electric winch to last a long time, you should employ preventative maintenance regularly. Maintenance includes inspecting electrical connections, lubricating grease points, and inspecting the cables and bolts. Always ensure there’s no corrosion on the connections and the links are tight. Any work or damaged cables should be replaced. This depends on what you’ll be hauling. The general rule of thumb is to select an electric winch that’s 1.5 times the weight of the items you winch regularly. In an electric automatic braking system, a strong spring pushes the brake disc on the motor shaft against a static surface, effectively locking the motor shaft. Strong electromagnets pull the brake disc away from the surface when electrical power is applied, and the motor shaft is free to turn. How Can You Strengthen a Portable Electric Winch?
What Maintenance Is Needed to Keep an Electric Winch for Long?
How Do You Choose the Right Portable Electric Winch Size?
How Does an Electric Automatic Braking System on a Winch Work?
