Best Towing Winches for Truck of 2026

David Davis Avatar
David Davis
Last Updated: Jan 21, 2026

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Towing winches for trucks are essential for anyone who needs to haul heavy loads. These winches come in a variety of sizes and styles, from small electric winches that can be mounted on the front of a truck to heavy-duty hydraulic winches that can handle loads of up to 30,000 pounds. Many of these winches also come with features such as wireless remote controls, automatic brakes, and adjustable speed settings, making them easy to use and versatile. Whether you're hauling a boat, a trailer, or a piece of heavy equipment, a towing winch for your truck can make the job much easier and safer.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

OPENROAD Panther Series 3S 13500 lb Winch Cover #TOP 1
OPENROAD Panther Series 3S 13500 lb Winch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
AC-DK 1600lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch Cover #TOP 2
AC-DK 1600lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Nilight 3500 lbs 12V ATV Winch with Synthetic Rope Cover #TOP 3
Nilight 3500 lbs 12V ATV Winch with Synthetic Rope
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 9 Towing Winches for Truck

OPENROAD Panther Series 3S 13500 lb Winch

PP2PL10012
OPENROAD Panther Series 3S 13500 lb Winch Cover
OPENROAD 13500 lb Recovery Winch with Synthetic Rope and 2 Wireless Remotes - IP68 Waterproof 12V Electric Winch for Jeep, SUV, Truck & Trailer - Panther Series 3S

The OPENROAD Panther Winch is a powerful recovery tool designed to help you tackle tough jobs with ease. It comes with a strong 3/8-inch thick synthetic rope that stretches 85 feet and can handle up to 13,500 pounds, making it great for trucks, SUVs, and trailers. The winch’s durable design includes corrosion-resistant screws, ensuring it lasts through rough conditions. Installation is straightforward, as the winch is mostly assembled—you just need to connect the power and secure it to your vehicle’s bumper or winch bracket. Plus, the package includes everything you need to get started, including two wireless remotes for easy control from a distance.

What We Like
Easy installation process
Strong pulling power
Great price and value
Multiple remote controls included
Good build quality
#TOP 2

AC-DK 1600lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch

1600LB Blue Winch
AC-DK 1600lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch Cover
AC-DK 1600lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch with 26FT Strap, 2-Way Ratchet & 4:1 Gear Trailer Winch, Portable Hand Crank Winch for Boat, Truck, Trailer, RV, ATV, Jet Ski

The AC-DK Heavy Duty Winch is designed to make towing easier and safer for you. Its strong 1600 lb capacity and a 26-foot polyester strap help you secure your boat or other heavy items with confidence. The winch is made from high-quality galvanized steel, so it resists rust and damage even in tough weather or saltwater environments. You can easily control the winch with its two-way ratchet system, allowing smooth forward and backward movement for loading and unloading. Plus, the ergonomic 8.6-inch crank handle is shaped for comfort, reducing hand strain during use and ensuring a secure grip for better safety.

What We Like
Strong and durable construction
Easy installation process
Affordable price point
Smooth and powerful gears
Attractive appearance

Nilight 3500 lbs 12V ATV Winch with Synthetic Rope

3500lb Electric Winch w Synthetic Rope
Black
12V 3500 lbs
Nilight 3500 lbs 12V ATV Winch with Synthetic Rope Cover
Nilight 3500 lbs ATV Winch 12V Electric Winches With Synthetic Winch Rope Wireless Remote Wired Switch Fairlead Mounting Plate Portable Waterproof Winch for Towing ATV UTV Trailer Truck Jeep Offroad

The Nilight 3500 lbs Winch is a powerful tool designed to help you get your ATV or UTV out of tough spots like mud or rough terrain. It features a strong 1.93HP motor that provides reliable pulling power. The synthetic rope is lighter and stronger than steel cables, making it easier for you to handle while offering great durability. With a smart gear system, this winch delivers strong traction efficiently, saving space and working quietly. Its waterproof and corrosion-resistant design means you can trust it to perform well in all kinds of weather, making your outdoor towing tasks smoother and safer.

What We Like
Easy installation
Remote and wired controls
Good build quality
Great value
Comprehensive mounting hardware

VEVOR 13500 lb Electric Truck Winch with Synthetic Rope

13,500 lb Electric Winch, Truck Winch,
13500 lbs
VEVOR 13500 lb Electric Truck Winch with Synthetic Rope Cover
VEVOR 13,500 lb Electric, Truck Winch 12V DC 3/8 in x 80 ft Synthetic Rope Aluminum Fairlead Wireless & Wired Remote Control, 13500 lbs, IP55 Waterproof Towing for Off Road Jeep SUV Boat

The VEVOR 13500 lb Winch is a powerful tool designed to help you recover your SUV or pickup with ease. It offers a strong pulling force of 13,500 lbs, making it ideal for getting out of mud or sand without damaging your gear. The winch features a robust 6.6HP motor and a 3-stage planetary gear system, ensuring steady power and preventing overheating during long use. Its durable synthetic rope resists wear and sunlight, so you can trust it in tough conditions. Plus, the wireless remote control lets you operate the winch safely from a distance, while a wired remote is included for backup in areas with poor signal.

What We Like
Good value for the price
Easy installation
Durable performance
Versatile applications
Solid build quality
#TOP 5

OPENROAD 2000lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch

HW-2000-S
OPENROAD 2000lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch Cover
OPENROAD 2000lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch with 26FT Strap,2-Way Ratchet,4:1 Gear Trailer Winch,Portable Hand Crank Winch for Boat,Truck, Trailer, RV, ATV, Jet Ski

The OPENROAD Heavy Duty Winch is designed to handle tough towing tasks with ease, supporting loads up to 2000 pounds. Made from high-quality steel and treated to resist rust and corrosion, this winch is built to last, even in harsh weather or salty conditions. Its 26-foot polyester strap makes towing simple and secure, while the ergonomic crank handle reduces hand strain for a smoother operation. The two-way ratchet system with a safety hook lets you quickly and safely control the winch, making it perfect for towing, hauling, and moving heavy items efficiently.

What We Like
High load capacity
Rust and corrosion resistance
Ergonomic crank handle
Two-way ratchet operation
#TOP 6

AC-DK 3500lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch

AC-DK
3500LB Blue Winch
3500LB
AC-DK 3500lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch Cover
AC-DK 3500lbs Heavy Duty Boat Trailer Winch with 32FT Strap,2-Way Ratchet 4:1/8:1 Gear Trailer Winch,Portable Hand Crank Winch for Boat, Truck, Trailer, RV, ATV, Jet Ski

The AC-DK Heavy Duty Winch is a reliable tool designed to make towing easier and safer for you. Its strong 32-foot polyester strap securely holds your boat or equipment, reducing the risk of accidents. Made from high-quality galvanized steel, this winch resists rust and damage, so it lasts even in tough weather or saltwater environments. You can easily switch the winch direction with its two-way ratchet, allowing smooth loading and unloading without extra effort. Plus, the ergonomic crank handle fits comfortably in your hand, reducing fatigue and giving you better control during use.

What We Like
High-strength towing strap
Corrosion-resistant steel
Two-way ratchet system
Ergonomic crank handle
#TOP 7

RUGCEL WINCH 12000lb Electric Truck Winch

12000LB Steel Rope
Black
RUGCEL WINCH 12000lb Electric Truck Winch Cover
RUGCEL WINCH 12000lb Waterproof Electric Truck Winch 12V Steel Rope Winch with Roller Fairlead, Wired Handle and 2 Infrared Remote,for Truck and Wrangler in Car Lift

The RUGCEL 12000lb Truck Winch is built to endure tough conditions with its waterproof design and corrosion-resistant black powder-coated finish, ensuring long-lasting use. Its 85-foot steel cable is strong and durable, making it reliable for heavy-duty tasks. The winch features a powerful 12V motor paired with a three-stage gear system, providing you with impressive pulling strength and quick line speed while operating quietly. For added convenience and safety, you can control the winch remotely using its wireless remote kit, allowing you to operate it from a distance and avoid potential hazards during use.

What We Like
Waterproof and corrosion-resistant
Durable 85ft steel cable
Powerful 12V motor
Wireless remote control
#TOP 8

METOWARE 1600LB Boat Trailer Winch with 26ft Strap

79887
Orange
1600LB
METOWARE 1600LB Boat Trailer Winch with 26ft Strap Cover
METOWARE 1600LBs Boat Trailer Winch with 26 Ft(8M) Polyester Strap, Hand Winch Heavy Duty Hook 2-Way Ratchet 4:1 Gear, Portable Hand Crank Winch for Boat, Trucks, ATV, Trailer, Jet Ski

The METOWARE Boat Trailer Winch offers a strong 1600 lb towing capacity, making it easy for you to handle heavy loads without strain. Its 26-foot polyester strap is long and durable, perfect for secure towing and even nighttime use thanks to its bright orange color. The winch features a two-way ratchet system, allowing you to pull or release the strap smoothly and switch directions effortlessly, which helps when loading or unloading your boat. Built to last, the winch is made with weather-resistant materials and high-strength steel gears, so you can rely on it in various outdoor conditions. Plus, it’s easy to install with a versatile, detachable base that fits multiple mounting setups.

What We Like
1600 lb towing capacity
26 ft durable polyester strap
Two-way ratchet mechanism
Weather-resistant construction
Easy installation and removal
#TOP 9

Zostera 2000lb ATV Winch with Steel Cable

USAM-ZTEW02
2000LB Steel Winch
Zostera 2000lb ATV Winch with Steel Cable Cover
Zostera 2000lb Winch for ATV, with Steel Cable,ATV Winch with Wired Manual Remote Control Switch,IP65 Waterproof,with Mounting Plate,with Roller Fairlead&Hook

The Zostera 2000lb ATV Winch is designed for easy installation with standardized mounting dimensions, making it simple for you to fit it onto your ATV or UTV. It features a strong 12-strand steel cable that offers reliable durability and safety, quickly dropping to the ground if the rope snaps. You’ll appreciate the convenience of the complete winch kit, which includes matching wiring colors and interfaces for easy setup. Plus, the 3-stage planetary gear system allows for smooth speed adjustments and powerful performance, giving you more control when towing or pulling heavy loads.

What We Like
Standardized installation dimensions
Durable 12-strand steel cable
Complete, easy-to-match kit
3-stage planetary gear system
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What weight winch for tow truck?

The recommended weight for a winch on a tow truck is 1.5 to 2 times the weight of the vehicle. For example, a midsize gas-powered truck typically requires a winch strength of 9,000 to 9,500 pounds, while a full-size truck may need 12,000 to 12,500 pounds. Larger trucks can go up to 16,500 or even 18,000 pounds.

2. How big of a winch do I need for a full-size truck?

A full-size truck such as a Ford F-150 or Chevy 1500 generally requires a winch with a capacity of at least 12,000 to 12,500 pounds. If you have a bigger truck with accessories, larger wheels, and more, there are winches available that can handle 16,500 to 18,000 pounds.

3. Is it worth having a winch on a truck?

Having a winch on a truck can be valuable, especially if you frequently encounter challenging road conditions or use your truck for work purposes. However, if you primarily drive on paved roads and don't anticipate needing a winch often, it may not be necessary.

4. How big of a winch do I need to pull a truck on a trailer?

When pulling a truck on a trailer, it is recommended to purchase a winch with a line pull capacity that is at least 50% greater than the Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW). Most trucks and SUVs will require a winch with a capacity around 6,000 pounds, although there is little price difference between 6,000 and 9,000-pound winches.

5. How much can an 8000 lb winch pull?

An 8,000-pound winch is rated to pull its maximum load when spooling the first layer of rope onto the winch drum. So, it will only pull 8,000 pounds when the rope is spooled onto the first layer.

6. Should I put a winch on the front or rear of the truck?

Front winches are primarily used for moving forward, while rear winches are designed to assist in getting the vehicle out of difficult situations. If you are recovering another vehicle, it is generally more effective to use a rear-mounted winch.

7. What are the disadvantages of a winch?

Some disadvantages of winches include limitations in long-term use due to the vehicle's power system, self-heating, and other factors. Most electric winches provide limited driving force and can only apply force in one direction. For example, a winch installed on the front can only pull forward, while a winch installed on the rear can only pull backward.

Editor's Notes

During our towing winch for truck research, we found 24 towing winch for truck products and shortlisted 9 quality products. We collected and analyzed 12,796 customer reviews through our big data system to write the towing winches for truck list. We found that most customers choose towing winches for truck with an average price of $147.36.

The towing winches for truck are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of towing winches for truck, including OPENROAD, AC-DK, Nilight, VEVOR, RUGCEL WINCH. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 147 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.

Written by
David Davis Avatar

David Davis has rich experience as a mechanic and a general repairman in the automotive industry. It has given him plenty of knowledge in automobile repair, auto parts, and all kinds of tools. In his spare time, he enjoys assembling and disassembling parts for cars.