A trailer winch is an essential tool for any heavy-duty hauling job.
Whether you’re moving equipment, transporting cargo, or just need to get unstuck, a reliable winch can make all the difference.
With so many options for trailer winch mounting, finding the right setup for your needs has never been easier.
From quick-release brackets to custom-fit mounts, the possibilities are endless.
Keep reading to discover some of the best trailer winch mounting ideas to help you get the job done right
Trailer Winch Mounting Ideas
There are several ways to mount a winch on a trailer, including:
- Inside Mounting on the Floor Bed
- Bracket attachment required
- Winch must be 6 inches above the floor to prevent rope dragging
- Under Trailer Mounting
- A discreet and low-key option
- Easy to install and access the winch
- Welded Square Tube Receiver
- A custom and secure mounting solution
- Weld a square tube receiver to a square plate and bolt it on the front of the trailer
- Square Tube Receiver and Square Plate
- A more low-key custom solution
- Install a square tube receiver, weld it to a square plate, and bolt the plate on the floor in the front of the trailer
- Drilled Bolt and Hole Markings
- A handy DIY option
- Mark the center of the trailer and the mounting plate, drill the bolt and hole markings, and bolt in the winch mount
- Factory-Installed Winch Plate
- A convenient option
- No welding or drilling required, just bolt it on
No matter what option you choose, having a reliable and sturdy winch mount on your trailer is essential for any heavy-duty hauling job.
Make sure to research and compare different mounting methods to find the one that best fits your needs and preferences.
Removable Trailer Winch Mounting Ideas
There are various ideas for mounting a removable winch on a trailer.
- One idea is to bolt a 3/16 inch plate to the trailer bed and mount the winch on it. The ball mount receiver should then be welded to the plate.
- Another idea is to mount the winch inside the trailer, on the floor bed. In this case, a bracket is required to attach the winch, which should be at least 6 inches above the floor to prevent the rope from dragging.
- A 2-inch receiver can be welded or bolted to virtually anything to be used as a hitch-mounted winch plate. This winch can then be used anywhere there is a 2-inch receiver.
- There are also factory installed winch plates available, which are especially useful for loading equipment and vehicles that cannot power themselves.
- A portable winch mount can also be made using a 2 receiver and scrap metal
Enclosed Trailer Winch Mounting Ideas
There are several ideas on how to mount a winch on an enclosed trailer, some of the most common methods are:
- Mounting the winch inside the trailer on the floor bed. This requires a bracket to attach the winch and should be 6 inches above the floor to avoid rope dragging.
- Using a Hitch Receiver tube that is welded to the trailer frame or cross member near the front and then attach the winch to it with a Winch Plate.
- Installing a built-in in-floor winch mounting option, which can be purchased in aluminum finish or black texture finish.
- Using trailer tongue or mounting brackets to mount the winch on the front of the trailer.
- Adding a factory-installed winch plate, which has become a popular option over the past few years.
- There are also some videos available on YouTube that show the process of winch installation on an enclosed trailer.
Car Trailer Winch Mounting Ideas
There are several ideas for mounting a winch on a car trailer.
- Welding a square tube receiver to a square plate and bolting it to the front side of the trailer.
- Installing the winch inside the trailer, on the floor bed, using a bracket and ensuring the winch is raised 6 inches off the ground.
- Installing the winch under the trailer.
- Using a factory installed winch plate.
- Welding a Hitch Receiver tube to the trailer frame and using a winch plate mounts to attach the winch.
Boat Trailer Winch Mounting Ideas
When it comes to hauling your boat, a reliable winch can make all the difference.
There are several options to choose from to mount your winch on your boat trailer, so you can find the perfect setup for your needs.
If you’re looking for a classic setup, consider mounting the winch inside the trailer, with the help of a bracket to attach the winch.
Or, if you want a more low-key look, you can mount the winch under the trailer.
There are also several products available to make mounting your winch a breeze.
Winch posts, winch mount brackets, and winch seats are just a few options that can help you secure your winch and make transport a breeze.
If you’re handy with tools and love a custom setup, one user went the DIY route and welded a Reese type receiver to the front of their trailer and bolted their winch to a steel plate.
The result was a secure and sturdy winch mount that was perfect for their boat transport needs.
No matter what route you choose, it’s essential to make sure the bow stop is positioned above the bow eye and the winch strap is below to keep your boat secure during transport.
Get creative and find the winch mounting solution that works best for you and your boat.
Tilt Trailer Winch Mounting Ideas
To mount a winch on a tilt trailer, you can consider the following options:
- Mounting the winch inside the trailer on the floor bed. In this case, you’ll need a bracket to attach the winch and make sure it’s 6 inches above the floor to avoid rope dragging.
- Mounting the winch under the trailer.
- Mounting the winch using a hitch combo bar and a trailer hitch tow ball to tighten up the winch.
- Using a winch plate mount, which is one of the most popular options in recent years, to add a winch to your trailer.
- If you want step-by-step instructions on how to mount a winch on a trailer, you can follow these steps:
- Mark both the center of the trailer and the mounting plate, drill the bolt and hole markings, and bolt in the winch mount using the drilled holes. Finally, install the winch on the winch mount, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Finally, to maximize the winch’s capacity, you can add a snatch block, or pulley, which doubles the winch’s power.
Big Tex Trailer Winch Mounting Ideas
There are several ways to mount a winch on a Big Tex trailer. You can mount a winch on enclosed trailers by using one of two ideas.
The first is to mount the winch inside the trailer on the floor bed, but you will need a bracket to attach the winch, and the winch must be 6 inches above the floor to avoid the rope dragging.
Another option is to install a factory-installed winch plate. This option is popular as it makes it especially useful for loading equipment and vehicles that cannot power themselves.
You could also purchase a Hitch Receiver tube and have it welded to the trailer frame, according to. With a Hitch Receiver tube, you could use a Winch Plate mount to attach your winch.
Mounting Winch To Wood Deck
To mount a winch on a trailer deck, you would need to:
- Determine the type of winch and its bolt pattern, as most winches use 4 bolts with a 10 x 4.5 bolt pattern on the forward or bottom face, while some winches use 6 bolts, especially if they are for larger vehicles.
- Prepare the deck for drilling by marking it with a Sharpie, then drilling 1/16-inch pilot holes through the deck.
- Bolt in the winch mount using the drilled holes, making sure to align the holes and bolts correctly with the winch mount placement.
- Secure the winch mount to the deck by welding the backer plate to the front rail, or by using longer mounting bolts from the underside of the deck up to the top.
- Connect the winch to the control box (Solenoid) using the color-coded wiring, connecting the yellow wire from the control box to the winch, and the black one as well.
Note
- The process of installing a winch on a trailer deck may vary between winches, and it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Also, ensure that the winch mounting has sufficient watertight integrity, and that the deck and fittings are bedded to prevent water from being trapped in cracks and crevices.
- If the winch cable is 100 feet long, the winch’s capacity may be reduced when the cable is mostly on the drum. However, adding a snatch block or pulley can double the winch’s power.
What To Consider Before Trailer Winch Mounting
Before mounting a winch on a trailer, there are several factors to consider to ensure a safe and effective installation:
Safety:
Before beginning the installation process, it’s important to take safety precautions to avoid injury.
It’s recommended to inspect the wire rope before mounting the winch and to maintain a safe distance from both the wire and the rope when the winch is in operation.
Winch Load Capacity:
Before mounting, make sure to confirm the winch’s load capacity to ensure that it can handle the weight of the load you will be using it for.
For example, towing two boats or a kayak with a winch should require a winch with a 2,000 lbs load capacity.
Winch Model:
Make sure the winch you have is the right model for your trailer and has the necessary specifications and capacity.
It’s better to get a winch that is of the same model as your trailer, to ensure it fits and can carry the highest weight.
Mounting Location:
Choose a location that is as close to the front of the trailer as possible and use a tape measure to find the center of the front of the trailer.
Consider using winch brackets or bolts to secure the winch to the trailer frame or the trailer tongue box.
Secure Mounting:
Ensure that the winch is mounted securely to prevent it from coming loose while in use.
What Is The Best Way To Mount A Winch On A Trailer?
The best way to mount a winch on a trailer involves several steps, which include:
- Measuring the trailer to determine the spot for the winch
- Indicating the spot with a marker
- Removing the winch’s template
- Centering the template on the indicated spot
- Drilling holes in the trailer on the marked spots
- Inserting bolts to align the winch with the holes
- Using a ratchet set to secure the winch
- Attaching the winch cable to the battery
Once the winch is mounted, you can then wire it to the battery.
The vehicle-side quick disconnect should be mounted and grounded to a metal surface on the vehicle’s body, and the quick disconnect should be connected to the vehicle’s battery.
FAQ
What Is The Most Common Bolt Pattern For Winch Mounting?
Most winches mount with 4 bolts and have a 10 x 4.5 bolt pattern on the forward or bottom face. Some larger winches use 6 bolts.
What Is The Purpose Of Drilling 1/16-Inch Pilot Holes When Mounting Hardware On A Cored Deck?
Drilling 1/16-inch pilot holes through the deck serves two purposes.
First, to ensure the holes and bolts won’t interfere with anything inside the boat or under the deck.
Second, to make drilling the larger holes easier and more accurate.
What Is A Quick And Dirty But Strong Method Of Mounting A Winch To A Trailer?
Welding the backer plate to the front rail after bolting it in place, and then bolting the winch down through the wood.
This method is quick, but also strong as the deck is fully bolted down.
How Can A Winch On A Sled Deck Be Mounted For Improved Power And Capacity?
Permanently mounting the winch to the mounting plate and running longer bolts from the underside of the deck to the top, with washers and nuts securing the bolts to the deck.
The winch’s capacity can also be improved by adding a snatch block or pulley.
Conclusion
The options for mounting a winch on a trailer are varied and versatile.
From discreet under trailer mounting to custom welding solutions, there is a method to fit every hauler’s needs.
Whether you choose a factory-installed winch plate, a DIY drilled bolt setup, or anything in between, it’s essential to ensure that your winch is securely mounted for safe and efficient hauling.
Do your research, compare the options, and find the perfect winch mounting idea for your trailer today.