The 6 Best ATV & UTV Winches of 2024
There is nothing like going off road, drive though snow, mud, and sandy areas. And if you get stuck, your winch is your greatest asset, so it needs to be a good one! We take our ATVs and UTVs off road all the time, and we have tested all kinds of winches for them in the last few years.
On this page, we’ve are diving into the best options available this year. Let’s get into it!
Our Top List
# | Preview | Product | Our Rating | Link |
1 | SuperATV Winch for UTV & ATV (4500 lbs) | |||
2 | Superwinch 1135220 Terra 35 (3500 lbs) | |||
3 | WARN 101140 AXON 45-S Powersports Winch (4500 lbs) | |||
4 | MotoAlliance VIPER Elite UTV Winch (6000 lbs) | No products found. | ||
5 | WARN Winch 4500 VRX 45 Kit (4500 lbs) | |||
6 | KFI Products SE45-R2 New Stealth Winch (4500 lbs) |
1. SuperATV Winch for UTV & ATV (4500 lbs)
To ride in rocky or muddy outdoor areas, you need a trusted partner that can help you get out of trouble. The 4.5k lbs winch by SuperATV comes with a wireless remote, a powerful motor with an automated braking feature to help you get your ATV back on track. With this winch, you don’t need to worry about the steel cable snapping or hurting your hand. It is loaded with a 50 ft. synthetic cable that survives forces much larger than what the itself winch can perform.
The kit is packed with accessories such as a wiring harness, a wireless remote, and a toggle switch that comes handy when operating in muddy and rough terrains. Weather is not a challenge because the winch has gear proof seal that protects the gears from rains while you engage in your activities. Besides the waterproof seal, it is versatile and powerful, meaning you can ride your four-wheeler in any environment.
Key Features:
- Weighs 12 lbs.
- Aluminum hawse fairlead
- 4500 lbs rated line pull
- 166:1 gear ration
- Permanent magnetic DC12v, 1.3 hp motor
Pros
- Utilizes heavy-duty gauge wiring
- Weather-resistant
- Light and durable cables.
- A synthetic cable that cannot break easily
- Powerful and versatile.
Cons
- The instruction manual lacks photos to help in the assembly process.
2. Superwinch 1135220 Terra 35 (3500 lbs)
Designed for high-performance ATVs, this winch suits the toughest terrains and drags heavy items with a maximum weight of 3500 lbs. The winch comes with a range of four-bolt pattern mounting kits, enabling it to fit in any vehicle, including sports cars. The steel gear offers heavy-duty all 3-stages planetary performance and is wide to support multiple terrain performance. The spooling clutch is action-free and has a handlebar-mounted switch and ergonomic cam to draw out longer winch rope.
In case of emergencies such as power failure, the rope minimizes the possibility of slipping by instantly stopping the drum, preventing further accidents and damages. Other safety features, such as the handheld remote, ensure you are out of danger, especially when dragging large items. The thick 50′ long AmSteel Blue Synthetic Rope enables you to drag objects at a speed of 7 feet per second, enabling you to complete the task faster.
Key Features:
- Steel planetary gear and oiled bronze bearings
- 50 feet of 13/64 inch steel wire cable
- Sealed 1.6 hp permanent magnet motor
- Heavy-duty latched hook with thimble
- 4-way roller fairlead
Pros
- Stronger motor
- Usable with both wire and synthetic ropes
- Highly efficient
- Dynamic braking system
- Weather-resistant parts
Cons
- No warranty for the cables
3. WARN 101140 AXON 45-S Powersports Winch (4500 lbs)
The WARN AXON 45-S has the enormous power to winch a 4-seater UTV out of deep muddy regions. The powerful all-weather 1.7 HP motor enables you to pull up to a maximum capacity of 4500 lbs. The model comes with a synthetic and a steel rope version, allowing you to select the best one. Despite being small in size, it is designed to fit perfectly in front of most UTVs. Since it has a smaller drum, the rope is 7′ long to avoid overloading the drum; however, it can still pull large loads without strain. The motor and the contractor are combined to restore users’ confidence in the winch. With an IP 68 for waterproofing, you can certainly subject it to the nastiest conditions, and it won’t fail you. It comes with a kit-packed snatch block, tree trunk protectors, ½” D-shackle, and gloves.
Key Features:
- New clutch design with a hub lock on the sides.
- Three-stage planetary gear train
- Load-holding mechanical brake
- Digital wired remote
Pros
- Corrosion-proof and suitable for all weathers
- Suitable for both steel and synthetic ropes
- Easy to assemble and use
- ideal for big ATVs and Side x Sides
- Greater levels of control
Cons
- The rope could be longer
4. MotoAlliance VIPER Elite UTV Winch (6000 lbs)
No products found.
Manufactured using military-grade materials, the MotoAlliance Viper Elite is water and corrosion-resistant due to the abrasion coating, making it usable in all weathers. The motor is powerful enough to pull huge and heavy loads and gets the job done within the shortest period. The longer ropes make it better than most winches and can be used in all weather due to the IP 67 waterproof ratings. The winch will never let you down; for instance, features like dynamic brake and mechanical load holding feature give more for your money when pulling objects in tough terrains. The wireless remote and the flush mount dash switch make it easier to control the winch from a safe distance.
Key Features:
- Integrated solenoid/contactor
- 40 feet of 1/4 inch diameter AmSteel-Blue synthetic cable
- 65 feet of rope
- Whisper quiet greasing system
- 4T snatch block
Pros
- Easy to install
- Comes with a wireless remote and dash switch.
- Weatherproof circuit breaker
- Lifetime warranty of the winch
- Can pull heavy loads up to 6000 lbs
Cons
- No receiver cradle included
5. WARN VRX 45 Winch Kit (4500 lbs)
Offering 1.6 Hp of pulling power, the WARN VRX 45 is suitable for hauling and vehicle recovery in the wild and worse environments. It meets the industrial standards for pulling UTVs, and with a perfect fit and finish, the winch enables you to tow up to 4500 lbs of weight. The light and tough synthetic rope is long-lasting and is galvanized, making it less prone to fraying when used in abrasive terrains. The circuits are encased in water-resistant protective layers, making it suitable for use in very muddy regions. To offer more safety to the user, the system comes with a dynamic braking system option for the winch drum. The handle-mounted rocker switch and load-holding brakes give the user greater control when pulling any load. With an extensive warranty and waterproof rating, you can use this winch for long-term needs without worrying about repairs and associated costs.
Key Features:
- IP 68 waterproof feature
- 3-stage planetary gear
- Durable all-metal construction
- Black powder-coated finish for corrosion resistance
- WARN 4WD hub lock design
Pros
- Light and tough synthetic rope
- Water and corrosion resistant
- CMS with stainless steel fasteners
- Budget-friendly winch.
- A greater level of control
Cons
- Very noisy
6. KFI Products SE45-R2 New Stealth Winch (4500 lbs)
Designed for your UTV, ATV, and SxS, the 12v, 1.7 Hp motor restores your confidence to pull yourself out of the worst situations. It comes with all the instructions that enable you to mount it on your vehicle without much effort. KFI got you covered with a reliable Handheld 14; Heavy Duty Corded Remote Switch, enabling you to control the winch from a distance and dismount it from your machine.
You get more control with the UTV Deluxe Dash Mounted Control Switch, which comes with a winch and wiring harness making it easy to install. The dynamic and mechanical braking system and the free spooling clutch enable you to pull the loads down or up the terrain without worries. The switch allows you to control the winch by a touch, making it fun and easy to use. It is fitted with a unique system to protect winch motors and gear from pulling excess cable in and protects the cable from wear and tear.
Key Features:
- Heavy-Duty Electric Contactor to protect ATV’s electrical system.
- KFI split cable Hook stopper
- Standards 4-hole mounting design
- Gear ration 166:1
- 15/64″ synthetic cable
- Multidirectional POM roller fairlead
Pros
- Suitable for use in many vehicles
- Easy to use and install
- Made from high-grade materials hence durable
- Wear and corrosion resistant ropes
Cons
- Limited warranty
Verdict & Review
The Super ATV winch comes with a 50′ synthetic cable which saves you from the worries of the cable snapping due to abrasion or carrion. The cable is friendly to the hand compared to steel cables. The wireless remote control lets you drag huge obstacles or objects while keeping you out of harm’s way. The limitless warranty and the weatherproof seal protect the winch, enabling you to use it for longer in adverse weather conditions such as snow and muddy terrain. I prefer this winch because it has great accessories such as a wiring harness, aluminum hawse fairlead, and a toggle switch, which gives you greater control while dragging or towing objects.
Buying Guide
The type of winch
Winches are powered in two ways; electrical or hydraulic power winches. A vehicle’s battery and electrical system power electrical winches while the hydraulic is powered from power from the vehicle steering pump. Electrical winches are easy to use, and they come with remote control features. They also draw a lot of power from the vehicle; hence, you must ensure the vehicle has sufficient energy.
If you plan to use a winch longer, go for hydraulic ones because electrical ones tend to get overheated when used for longer durations. You can rely on the hydraulic ones when the vehicle has low battery power. Hydraulic winches can only be used for certain vehicles since they require special hydraulic lines and plumbing.
Winch motors
Electrical motors come in either permanent magnet motors and series-wound motors. Series wound motors use field coils to generate magnetic energy. They are powerful and suitable for heavy duties and cold weather; however, they are expensive.
Permanent magnet motors are suitable for light and medium duties. They are expensive but less tolerant to heat. When using them, consider the type of load, the duration, and the capacity to avoid overheating.
Winch drive trains
Winches come in three gear options, spun gear and planetary gear. The planetary gear is the most common version due to benefits such as low weight, costs, and compact size. Warm gear is less strong compared to planetary gear and is slower. Spun gear is the most power-efficient, and they are cheaper than others.
Load capacity
A good winch should pull an object without any strain. Choosing a less powerful tool may disappoint you in crucial moments, especially if pulling up the terrains. You need a tool with a range of 3500 to 45000 lbs. however, the specifications should also depend on the vehicle’s weight. Before buying a winch, ensure you know the size and the weight of your UTV or ATV can buy a winch that has a 1.5 or twice more load capacity to enable easy pulling.
Winch mounting plates
Different winches are designed for different mounting plates. Buying a bigger or smaller winch may force you to make more holes for fixing it, or it may not fit your vehicle, forcing you to get another one.
There are three ways of mounting a winch, bumper mount, multi-mount, and winch bumper. Bumper mounts are simple to install and very versatile. Multi-mount complex and less durable due to the mounting point. Winch bumpers are suitable for certain vehicles such as jeeps.
Winch kit
When buying a winch, a winch kit is a necessary component, especially when working component alone. A winch kit should have gloves to keep the hands safe, protector wraps, snatch block, D-rings, among other elements.
Wireless control
A wireless control enables you to control the winch from a distance. Wireless remotes also keep you safe from obstacles. You can tie the object to the winch and complete the remaining operations from a distance. A wired remote will limit your ability to maneuver the winch and can easily put you in harm’s way if you are not careful.
The type of cable
Cables are one of the most important elements of the winch. The cable plays a significant role in dragging and pulling. You need a cable to withstand the weight of the object it is pulling. It should be free from wear and tear, and it should be friendly to the hands. There are two types of cables in the market presently: synthetic rope and metal wire cable. Each of these cables comes with its pros and cons. The wired cable is made of wire strands and is the most common cable in the market. It is resistant to abrasion and market. Stores energy when pulled and can break in certain situations, making it unreliable.
The synthetic cable is safe and friendly to the hands and does not cause whiplash effects when it breaks. You can also tie a knot when needed; however, it can easily overheat, causing it to rupture.
The length and size of the cable
Most cables are fifty-foot long; however, some are shorter depending on the motor power and the drum size. A shorter and thick cable is more powerful than a longer and thinner cable. Longer cables may be suitable for pulling in vast areas of mud than shorter cables.