When it comes to efficiency and faster winding speed in winches, which is what you probably want in an off road truck winch, the electric truck winch is the go-to option. This is why many off-roaders and truck owners prefer an electric truck winch aka a battery powered winch.
If you are interested in getting a battery powered winch and do not want to go through the hassle of reviewing many options, this guide is for you. We have carefully reviewed the best electric truck winches available and selected the best five in this guide. Dig in!
First, let’s understand the two main types of winches out there.
Table of Contents
Electric Winch vs. Hydraulic Winch – The Differences
A winch is a mechanical device that allows you to haul and move heavy items. Regardless of the type, this is the primary function of a winch. However, the winch requires power to turn its motor, and this is where the difference sets in.
The electric winch gets its power from the battery of a vehicle. The battery supplies power through electricity, which is used to power the motor, setting the winch in motion. This is why the electric winch is referred to as a battery powered winch.
On the other hand, the hydraulic winch uses the power from the vehicle’s power steering pump. The pump controls the movement of the motor in the winch, which allows the hydraulic winch to work.
Due to the difference in the power source, the electric and hydraulic winch is constructed, operated and maintained differently. We compare these differences below.
↔️ Size
Generally, the hydraulic winch is larger in size than the battery-powered winch. This is due to the design and construction of the hydraulic winch that requires a large motor. The large motor generates hydraulic power, which is transmitted to the winch drum using the hydraulic hose.
The battery-powered winch does not require a larger motor because it uses a smaller electric motor to spin the winch drum. As a result, you see more portable electric winches on offer.
↔️ Pulling Strength or Capacity
The power source of a winch affects the maximum pulling capacity that the winch delivers. Generally, a hydraulic winch for a truck has a higher capacity than electric truck winches.
A hydraulic winch can manage an average of 9000 lbs, while an electric winch for truck of the exact specification will deliver about 2000 lbs. This means you are more likely to see a heavy duty hydraulic winch than a heavy duty electric winch, as the hydraulic winch is more suited for heavy duty operations.
The reason behind the difference in capacity is the engine used in both types of winches. Hydraulic winches are powered by a gasoline engine that can deliver high capacities, while electric winches use a battery.
↔️ Environmental Impact
Given the difference in engine types, the two types of winches have different impacts on the environment. Electric winches use quieter and more efficient motors, meaning there is less noise when you use electric winches. On the other hand, hydraulic winches make more noise when in use. The average decibel for an electric winch is 85dB, while that of a hydraulic winch is 95 dB. This makes the electric winch more efficient and hence the better option concerning environmental impact.
↔️ Maintenance
Generally, the electric winch is easier to maintain than the hydraulic winch. The electric winch is smaller and has simple parts and components. The only maintenance issue with electric winches is the wiring (when they are not correctly installed). Hydraulic winches, on the other hand, are susceptible to contamination and malfunction. Therefore, they require regular and consistent inspection and maintenance.
↔️ Cost
A hydraulic winch is generally more expensive than an electric winch. This makes sense, as hydraulic winches are more powerful and have more capacity than electric ones.
🧐 Which is the Right Truck Winch For You?
There are no right or wrong answers to this question. It depends on what you want from your winch. If you need a winch that allows you to move and haul heavy items comfortably, the hydraulic winch is the right winch for you. However, you should remember that you will have to deal with its noise, high energy consumption and regular maintenance.
On the other hand, if you prefer efficiency over capacity and are not looking to spend too much money on the winch, an electric winch is your best bet. However, you must understand that there is a limit to the size of loads or items you can haul with the winch.
Conclusively, understanding your need for a winch and the features that are more important to you plays a vital role in deciding which of the two is the ideal winch for your pickup or off-road truck.
OK, let’s now see why we may want to pick an electric winch. But do also check out my article on the best hydraulic truck winches to see what’s out there.
Why Choose A Battery Powered Winch Over A Hydraulic Truck Winch?
While the hydraulic truck winch is also great, the electric truck winch holds a few cards above it. The following are some of the reasons why you may decide to go for the battery powered winch instead of the hydraulic truck winch;
✅ Efficiency
One of the top features of the battery powered winch is its efficiency. It uses a battery-powered engine, which is faster, makes less noise, and works smoother than the hydraulic winch.
✅ Lightweight and Easy Installation
Electric truck winches use smaller motors that are lighter than the average hydraulic motors. This makes electric truck winches easier to install and operate. This is also why you are more likely to find a portable electric winch around you.
✅ Faster Winding Speed
If speed is critical to you in a winch, you should go for an electric truck winch. This is because electricity makes the motor run much faster, giving the battery powered winch a faster winding speed.
Factors to Consider When Choosing an Electric Truck Winch
When choosing an electric truck winch, the goal is to find one that works excellently and lasts long. To achieve this goal, you need to consider some factors. These factors include;
Horsepower
The horsepower is a measure of capacity in electrical appliances. The higher the horsepower, the higher the pulling capacity of the electric winch. This means you are better off with an electric truck winch with high horsepower. This way, your electric winch works perfectly regardless of the weight of the item you need to haul or move.
Amps
The amps of an electric winch determine the power needed to operate the winch. So it is advisable to go for one with an amp that falls within the range of automotive power usage in your area or your vehicle’s battery. The range of automotive power usage represents the electrical output from the battery or the power generated in your area.
It is also important to mention that the lower the amp in an electric winch, the better the winch. This is because the winch with a lower amp requires and consumes less electricity to operate.
Remote Control
The remote control makes it safer and more convenient to use the electric truck winch, as it allows you to operate the winch from a safe distance. The remote control feature in the winch comes in two forms; corded remote control and wireless remote control. It is advisable to go for an electric winch with wireless remote control as it allows for more distance between the user and the winch.
Warranty
As with other electrical appliances, electric truck winches come with warranties. Warranties are essential as they show the manufacturer’s faith in the product. Generally, the longer the warranty, the better the electric winch.
Do also check out our guide on the best winch batteries out there.
The Top 5 Battery Powered Winch for Trucks
1. Smittybilt XRC GEN3 12K
Verdict: 🏆 Best for Quality
With a maximum pulling force of 12000 lbs, the Smittybilt XRC GEN3 12K is one of the most powerful electric truck winches available today. The 12000 lbs pulling capacity is powered by a 7.0 horsepower motor, one of the most powerful motors you can get.
The 4wd winch also features a new gearing system. Instead of the conventional stamped steel gearing used by most electric truck winches, the Smittybilt XRC GEN3 12k comes with a forged steel gearing system. This new gearing system allows for better control of the winch.
Despite the high pulling capacity and powerful motor, you need not worry about increased power draw as this electric truck winch features a lower AMP draw. This feature became possible due to the re-engineered internal rotor. The rotor now uses specialized silicon steel, allowing for better and more efficient electrical throughput.
Finally, the Smittybilt XRC GEN3 12k has an IP67 rating, meaning it is waterproof and works exceptionally well in wet conditions.
- Pros:
- It is waterproof
- It uses less electrical power
- It comes with increased pulling capacity and horsepower
- Cons:
- It is heavy as it weighs almost 71 pounds
2. RUGCEL GRIPWAY Electric 13500 Lbs
Verdict: 🏆 Best on Budget
If you want an electric winch that is cheaper and lighter than the previous one, the RUGCEL GRIPWAY Electric 13500 Lbs is a viable option. This electric truck winch has a 13500 Lbs pulling capacity and an impressive 7.2 horsepower motor. With this pulling capacity and motor, it is a heavy-duty electric winch that can handle a lot of heavy-duty pulling, hoisting, and hauling.
Another impressive feature embedded in this winch is its 3-stage planetary gear system. This gearing system allows for more efficiency of the electric truck winch. There is also the improved clutch brake system that ensures better control of the winch.
Finally, the RUGCEL GRIPWAY Electric 13500 Lbs is not only waterproof, but it is also dust-proof. This makes the winch an ideal option for almost any condition, whether dusty or wet.
- Pros:
- It comes with a powerful motor and high pulling capacity
- It is dust-proof and waterproof
- It is lighter and easier to install
- Cons:
- The manufacturer is not well-known, and there might be concerns regarding the quality of the product.
3. X-Bull 12V Synthetic Rope Winch
Verdict: 🏆 Best for Fastest Winding Speed
One of the outstanding features of an electric truck winch is its fast winding speed, and this winch allows you to enjoy that benefit. With its gear ratio (201:6:1), the X-Bull 12V Synthetic Rope Winch is one of the fastest electric truck winches.
Besides its fast winding speed, the winch also delivers a pulling capacity of 13000 Lbs, powered by a 6.0 horsepower motor. The X-Bull 12V Synthetic Rope Winch is ideal for heavy-duty hoisting, pulling, and hauling. Combined with the fast winding speed, you can expect unbridled efficiency when working with this electric truck winch.
You also enjoy the benefits of using a synthetic cable with this winch. It comes with a 13-pound synthetic rope that is durable, stronger, and easy to handle. Finally, the X-Bull 12V Synthetic Rope Winch is an electric winch with wireless remote control. The wireless remote control feature allows you to operate the winch from a distance of 35 meters.
- Pros:
- It is lightweight and easy to install
- Its pulling capacity is impressive
- It uses a wireless remote control
- Cons:
- It only has a one-year warranty which is not very reassuring regarding electrical winches
4. WARN VR EVO 8-S
Verdict: 🏆 Best for 1-Ton Trucks and Large Frame Rigs
WARN is one of the leading brands regarding winches and other truck tools. Therefore, it is unsurprising that its electric truck winch made the top five electric winches for trucks. The WARN VR EVO 8-S is a standard-duty electric truck winch with a pulling capacity of 8000 lbs. Instead of a shunt motor, this winch uses a series wound motor and a planetary gear train to support its pulling capacity. As a result of its pulling capacity, the WARN VR EVO 8-S is best suited for ¾ and 1-ton pickup trucks and large frame rigs.
Despite its powerful components, such as the gear train and series wound motor, the winch does not draw a lot of amps. This means that it delivers high-performance functionalities with low energy consumption.
The electric truck winch is waterproof and uses a two-in-one remote control system. The remote control works wired and remotely without a wire.
- Pros:
- It is waterproof
- It has a lifetime warranty on mechanical parts and seven years warranty on electrical components.
- Relatively cheap
- Cons:
- It could do with a higher pulling capacity
5. ZEAK 13K Premium Electric Winch
Verdict: 🏆 Best Value for Money
This is another 13000 lbs winch, meaning that this winch packs a lot of punch as an electric truck winch. Its capacity allows it to move and haul objects as heavy as a car, jeep, or machinery. Apart from its impressive capacity, the electric winch for trucks also enjoys the function of a powerful motor rated at 6.0 horsepower. It uses a synthetic cable that measures 86 feet long and an effective 3-stage planetary gear train.
The ZEAK 13K Premium Electric Winch features include a remote controller, hawse fairlead, and mounting tools for attaching it to the pickup bed winch mount.
- Pros:
- The cable length is of standard size
- Its capacity is massive and highly appreciated
- It uses a clevis hook and a powerful motor
- It is waterproof
- Cons:
- The motor might get hot very quickly with prolonged use
Conclusion
These five electric truck winches reviewed in this guide represent our top picks among the current electric truck winches in the market. They all have exceptional capabilities and functionalities that rank them above all other options.
