As an outdoor enthusiast, you know the importance of having a best ATV/UTV winch by your side. A good winch is essential if you’re looking to pull yourself or your buddies out of a sticky situation or want to add some extra security to your off-roading adventures.
But with so many different brands and models on the market, it can be tough to know which one is right for you. I’ve put together this list of the 5 best ATV/UTV winches on the market based on our extensive testing and real-world experience.
I’ve got you covered, from heavy-duty workhorse winches that can handle the toughest jobs to more budget-friendly options that are still up to the task.
So whether you need a powerhouse for big jobs or a versatile all-rounder for lighter duty, read on for my picks of the best ATV/UTV winches.
Top 5 Best ATV/UTV Winch in 2023
1. WARN 101025 VRX 25 Powersports ATV/UTV Winch – Best Warn ATV/UTV Winch
5/5 (Author Rating)
Includes
Steel cable wire rope
Handlebar-mounted switch
Roller fairlead
Zinc plated hook.
WARN 101025 VRX 25 Powersports Winch is the best Best budget-friendly ATV/UTV winch. It will be suitable for buyers with small ATV/UTV.
This winch kit is manufactured by ‘WARN,’ and its item model number is 101025. The Model of this winch is a WARN VRX 25 Winch with wire rope of 2,500 lb. This ATV/UTV winch weighs about 27 pounds.
This winch kit is designed to have an all-metal body that is waterproof with an IP68 water resistance rating making it one of the best waterproof ATV/UTV winch.
The Warn ATV/UTV winch has a pulling capacity of 2,500 lb and has a steel cable wire rope of about 50 feet long. It contains a three-stage planetary gear train with fast line speed.
This winch has a black powder coat for corrosion resistance. It comes with an easy-to-use clutch and an integrated load-holding brake.
Features –
- Capacity : 2,500 lb.
- Weight: 27 pounds
- Dimensions : 12.2 X 17.32 X 5.91 inches
- Rope Type: Steel wire rope
- Rope Length: 50 feet
- Exterior: Smooth
- Vehicle Service Type: All-terrain vehicles.
Pros
Compact and lightweight
Handlebar switch is included
Steel cable is 3/16″ diameter and 50′ long
IP68 waterproof rating
Cons
Lower capacity than some other models
2. Champion Power Equipment-12003 ATV/UTV Winch Kit: best champion aTV/UTV winch
5/5 (Author Rating)
Includes
Remote Control
Mounted switch
Roller fairlead
Clevis Hook.
Hook Strap
Champion Power Equipment 12003 ATV/UTV Winch Kit is another non-expensive, budget-friendly ATV/UTV winch. It will be suitable for buyers with small ATVs.
This winch kit is manufactured by Champion Power Equipment, and its item model number is 12003.
This ATV/UTV winch weighs about 18.35 pounds with a pulling capacity of 2,000 lb. The winch has a super-duty aircraft cable about 49 feet long and a 1 horsepower permanent magnet motor.
The best feature is its 3 stages planetary structure. It also has a high-sensitivity remote control, and its gear reduction ratio is 153:1.
The winch kit has a line speed of 3.3 feet per minute with a full load and 10.5 feet per minute with no limitation.
This Champion Power Equipment winch comes with a 2 year-long limited warranty and free lifetime technical support. The winch includes a roller fairlead, which helps in smooth and safe pull.
Features –
- Capacity : 2,000 lb.
- Weight: 18.35 pounds
- Dimensions : 11 X 4 X 4.2 inches
- Rope Type: Aircraft cable
- Rope Length: 49 feet
- Horsepower: 1 HP
- Gear Reduction Ratio: 153:1
- Line Speed: 3.3 feet per minute(full load)
- Line Speed: 10.5 feet per minute(no load)
- Warranty: 2 Year
- Cover includes: Automotive winches
Pros
Affordable
Easy to install
Perfect for occasional use
Good customer service
Two-year limited warranty
Cons
Requires a battery (not included)
3. ORCISH 12V 3500LBS Winch Kits: best aTV/UTV winch with synthetic rope
5/5 (Author Rating)
Includes
Synthetic rope
Forged hook
Hawse fairlead
One remote switch
Two wireless remote control
This winch kit is manufactured by ‘ORCISH.’ The pulling capacity of this winch is 3,500 lb. This ATV/UTV winch weighs about 16.87 pounds.
This winch kit is designed to be fully waterproof. The ORCISH winch has a pulling capacity of 3,500 lb with a synthetic cable rope of about 49 feet long and a 1.7 horsepower permanent magnet motor.
The best feature is its 3 stages planetary gear train. It also has a high sensitivity 2 wireless remote control with one remote switch. The remote control works appropriately within 50 feet of range.
The gear reduction ratio for this winch kit’s motor is 166:1. The ORCISH 12V winch kit comes with a 1 year-long warranty and lifetime technical support.
Features –
- Manufacturer: ORCISH
- Capacity : 3,500 lb.
- Weight: 16.87 pounds
- Dimensions : 14.5 X 13 X 6.3 inches
- Rope Type: Synthetic Rope
- Rope Length: 49 feet
- Horsepower: 1.7 HP
- Gear Reduction Ratio: 166:1
- Line Speed: 6.4 feet per minute(full load)
- Warranty: 1 Year
- Battery: Not Included
Pros
Simple Operation: This winch is easy to use with a wireless remote control.
Powerful: With a 3500lbs pulling capacity, this winch can tow ATVs and UTVs with ease.
Durable: The synthetic rope is stronger and more durable than traditional steel cables, making it less likely to snap under heavy strain.
Lightweight and Compact: This winch is lightweight and compact, making it easy to transport and store.
Affordable: This winch is very affordable, making it a great option for those on a budget.
Cons
Limited Warranty: The warranty on this product is only for one year, which is shorter than some other similar products on the market.
Includes –
- Steel cable wire rope
- Hand remote control
- Wireless remote control
- Hawse fairlead
- Clevis hook
- Winch mounting plate.
AC-DK 4,500 lb. Steel Wire Electric Winch Kit is suitable for ATVs, UTVs, Boats, Cars, Jeeps, and Trucks.
This winch kit is manufactured by ‘AC-DK,’ and its part number is WDEW4500. The item model number is AC-DK-EW4500-R. This ATV/UTV winch weighs about 28.6 pounds.
This winch kit is designed to have an all-metal body that is waterproof with an IP67 water resistance rating.
The AC-DK ATV/UTV winch has a pulling capacity of 4,500 lb. The winch has a steel cable wire rope about 49 feet long and a 1.3 horsepower permanent magnet motor.
The best feature is its 3 stages planetary gear train. It also has a high-sensitivity wireless remote control and a wired remote control handle with a gear reduction ratio of 166:1.
The winch kit has a line speed of 3 feet per minute with a full load with a 2 year-long limited warranty and free lifetime technical support.
This winch kit is effortless to install and comes with all necessary accessories. The gear system of the winch comes with a free spooling clutch.
Features –
- Manufacturer: AC-DK
- Part Number: WDEW4500
- Model Number: AC-DK-EW4500-R
- Capacity : 4,500 lb.
- Material: Stainless steel, Black matte
- Weight: 28.6 pounds
- Dimensions : 16.69 X 11.02 X 7.09 inches
- Rope Type: Steel Wire
- Rope Length: 49 feet
- Horsepower: 1.3 HP
- Gear Reduction Ratio: 166:1
- Line Speed : 3 feet per minute(full load)
- Warranty: 2 Year
- Batteries: Included.
Includes –
- Synthetic rope
- Mounting bracket
- Mounting hardware
- Circuit breaker
- Hawse fairlead
- Clevis hook with latch
- Wireless remote.
ZEAK 3,500 lb. Advanced 12V DC Electric Winch will be suitable for ATVs and UTVs.
This winch kit is manufactured by ‘ZEAK INC.’ This ATV/UTV winch weighs about 19.81 pounds.
The winch kit is designed to be fully waterproof and has a pulling capacity of 3,500 lb.
The winch has a synthetic rope of about 50 feet long and a 1.1 horsepower permanent magnet motor. The best feature is its 3 stages planetary gear train.
It also has a high-sensitivity wireless remote control. The ZEAK winch comes with a 1 year-long warranty on all electronic components and lifetime technical support.
This ATV/UTV winch has a powder-coated surface that helps in corrosion resistance. It comes with a weather-sealed solenoid, circuit breaker, and dynamic brake, which ensures safety.
Features –
- Manufacturer: ZEAK IN
- Capacity : 3,500 lb.
- Weight: 19.81 pounds
- Dimensions : 12.4 X 4 X 4.1 inches
- Rope Type: Synthetic Rope
- Rope Length: 50 feet
- Horsepower: 1.1 HP
- Voltage: 12 volts
- Warranty: 1 Year.
Also, consider these best winch for ATV/UTV from Other brands
Genuine Polaris Sportsman Winch: Best Polaris ATV/UTV winch
Smittybilt 98204 XRC-4 Comp-Series Winch: Best Smittybilt ATV/UTV winch
Superwinch 1140230 Winch: Best Superwinch ATV/UTV winch
HFT Badland ATV Utility Winch: Best Badlands ATV/UTV winch
KFI Products A2500 ATV/UTV Winch Kit: Best KFI ATV/UTV Winch
Buying Guide To select Best ATV/UTV Winch
Some essential points to consider before buying the best winch for ATV/UTV are as follows:-
Motor of Winch
They are both permanent magnet and series-wound motors.
Series Wound Motors: Field coils generate the magnetic field in this type of motor. They’re extremely powerful and also very expensive.
The series-wound motor is an excellent choice for heavy-duty and cold-weather applications.
Permanent Magnet Motors: These are suitable for light to medium duty applications. They are less costly than series wound motors.
When using an endless magnet motor winch, keep track of the winching time and load because they are less heat tolerant. In extremely cold weather, they may lose power.
Rope Type (Synthetic rope or Steel wire rope)
The most common type of transmission is a planetary gear transmission. It has multiple gears that work together to provide faster line speeds, but it can generate heat.
A worm gear transmission has only two gears and can produce massive power at a lower operating temperature but at the expense of a slower line speed.
Steel and synthetic cables are both extremely strong when it comes to cable selection. Synthetic cables are more prone to damage and are more likely to snap.
Steel cables are stronger, but they add weight and can be extremely dangerous if they break. Synthetic cables require more care and protection during a pull, but they are lighter and safer if they break.
Waterproof
A waterproof winch is a must-have if you frequently go off-road in wet areas or through the water. However, just because you don’t drive in wet areas doesn’t mean your winch shouldn’t be waterproof.
Your winch should have an IP68 rating, which means it can withstand dust, dirt, and sand and can withstand submersion for up to half an hour at a maximum depth of 1.5 meters underwater.
Rope Length
Consider the cable length when selecting a winch. On average, most winches come with 80-100 feet of cable.
I recommend that you do not choose a cable that is either too short or too long. If you are unsure, you can ask the seller to assist you in selecting the proper cable size.
Extra features like a remote control ( wired or wireless)
The remote control system allows you to direct the winch from a safe distance. There are two kinds of remote controls: corded and cordless.
When selecting a winch, check to see if it has a remote control system. It’s preferable if the winch has a wireless remote control.
FAQs
What size of ATV/UTV winch will be perfect?
We will recommend you to get 3,000 lb or more as that much power can quickly help you out of any situation and will not put pressure on your winch and batteries.
So, you can get any winch from the following:-
ORCISH 12V 3500LBS Synthetic Rope Winch Kit
AC-DK 4500 lb Steel Wire Electric Winch Kit
ZEAK 3500 lb. Electric Winch.Which winch rope is more suitable (Synthetic rope Or Steel wire rope)?
Steel wire rope is excellent. However, we recommend you get a synthetic rope winch for your ATV.
The synthetic rope will be safer as it will not damage your hands and can never get rust on them, and it is also light in weight.
Does the Mounting Plate come with the winch?
Generally, you will need to buy the mounting plate separately as it does not come with the winch.
In the case of our second winch kit option of Champion Power Equipment-12003 ATV/UTV Winch Kit, 2000-lb. and our fourth winch kit option of
ZEAK 3500 lb. Advanced 12V DC Electric Winch, the mounting plate comes with the winch. So, you can choose from these two options if you want to buy a winch with a mounting plate.
Conclusion
Hope you selected your Best ATV/UTV Winch
If you are budget-restricted, then always go for winches that fulfill all your requirements and are budget-friendly as well.
But, you have to consider which winch will be suitable for your ATV/UTV because if you go for a budget-friendly winch and it does not fulfill your purpose, what is the point in buying it?
That’s why we have provided you with the above-given list to choose from.
