Top 3 Portable Winches in 2023

Whether you are a casual off roader, or a diehard who spends every weekend in the mud, one of the most important tools that you can have as part of your off-road kit is a suitable winch. A winch provides some assurance that when, not if, you get stuck, you will have a fighting chance at recovering the vehicle on your own. It also gives you the ability to help out other folks on the trail when they end up in a sticky situation.

How to Use a Winch

Just like any good tool, a winch can be incredibly useful, but also potentially dangerous. It's important to be safe when you use a winch, to avoid hurting yourself or people in the area. Here are a few general steps outlining how to use a winch.

1. Choose a strong point to anchor the winch. A tree, another vehicle, or a sturdy post can all serve this function, but ensure that the anchor point will have enough strength to hold up to the abuse you’re about to dish out.

2. Assemble your winch and attach it to the anchor point. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to assemble the winch and attach it to the anchor point using the mounting bolts or brackets provided.

3. Prepare the load. Make sure that your load is secured and balanced, and that there is a clear path for it to travel. If you're pulling a vehicle, for example, make sure the wheels are straight and that the winch cable is securely attached to a solid point on the frame.

4. Clear the area around the winch cable. A winch cable with a load has a ton of potential energy, and if it snaps it can whip around and seriously injure a bystander.

5. Disengage the brake. The brake is a safety device built into your winch that prevents the load from moving unexpectedly. It will need to be disengaged before you begin winching.

6. Begin winching. Start the winch by pressing the power button and keep an eye on whatever you are winching, as well as the cable, to make sure that everything is moving according to plan.

7. Engage the brake. Once the load is close enough, stop the winch and engage the safety brake, to allow the load to come to rest.

8. Secure the load. Make sure that your load is stable and secure before releasing the winch cable. If you are pulling a vehicle, make sure to put it in park and apply the emergency brake before releasing the winch.

Remember to always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use proper safety precautions when using a winch. It's also a good idea to have a spotter to help guide the load and keep an eye on the winch cable.

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Warn Zeon series of winches are proven equipment from a trusted manufacturer, with a great track record. Their 10,000 and 12,000-pound load ratings are strong enough for even the most decked-out ride.

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Westin SuperWinch Winch2GO

The Westin SuperWinch Winch2GO is a completely portable winch system that comes in a kit the size of a medium toolbox. With a weight rating of 4,000 pounds, it’ll do the trick for many situations.

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Warn Cordless PullzAll

The Warn Cordless PullzAll is a light-duty tool with an incredibly small form factor that you could backpack into a situation. It only has a weight rating of 1,000 pounds, but that might be the difference between taking a hike and driving out.

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When it's time to outfit your off-road vehicle with a new winch and winch accessories, let Leonard Truck Accessories help you find all the perfect parts for your build.