Trailer Winches Buying Guide

Trailer winches are essential tools for securing cargo on flatbed trailers, utility trailers, and other transport vehicles. By pairing a trailer winch with high-quality straps, you can safely anchor loads and prevent shifting during transport. At Zip’s, we offer a wide range of trailer winches including flatbed winches, strap winches, cargo winches, and tie down winches to meet the needs of both professional and recreational users.

What Are Trailer Winches?

A trailer winch is a device mounted to a trailer that allows you to tighten straps and secure cargo efficiently. They are designed to work with web straps, ratchet straps, and other tie-down systems. Trailer winches come in various styles, including sliders, weld-on models, winch track systems, and portable options. Some are designed with low profiles for unobtrusive mounting and easier cargo loading.

Types of Trailer Winches

Understanding the different types of trailer winches can help you choose the best solution for your application:

• Slider Winches: These winches slide along a track to provide adjustable attachment points for straps, offering flexibility for uneven or irregular loads.
• Weld-On Winches: Permanently mounted to the trailer, these winches provide a strong, fixed point for securing heavy loads. Explore the Zip's Weld-On Winch for a reliable option.
• Winch Track Systems: Designed to integrate with L-track or C-track on flatbed trailers, these winches offer versatile positioning and ratcheting capabilities. Check out the Ancra Ratcheting Double L Track Sliding Winch or the Ancra Storable Ratcheting C Track 7mm Sliding Web Winch.
• Portable Winches: Ideal for temporary setups or trailers without built-in mounting points, portable winches can be moved and reused as needed.

Top Brands and Best-Selling Models

Zip’s features high-quality trailer winches from trusted manufacturers, ensuring durability and performance:

• Zip’s – Offers a range of trailer winches designed for strength and ease of use, including the Zip's Weld-On Winch.
• Ancra Cargo – Known for innovative winch track systems, ratcheting web winches, and sliding options like the Ancra Standard Bottom Mount Web Winch.
• Buyers Product Co. – Offers durable and reliable winches suitable for heavy-duty hauling and general cargo applications.

These top brands deliver trailer winches engineered for long-lasting performance under frequent use.

Choosing the Right Trailer Winch

When selecting a trailer winch, consider the following factors:

• Application and Load: Determine whether you need a flatbed winch for hauling vehicles, a tie down winch for general cargo, or a strap winch for smaller loads.
• Mounting Type: Choose between weld-on, slider, winch track, or portable designs based on your trailer setup.
• Strap Compatibility: Ensure the winch is compatible with the width and type of straps you plan to use. Browse our Straps category to find the perfect match.
• Ease of Use: Consider features like ratcheting mechanisms, low-profile designs, and quick-release pins to simplify loading and securing cargo.

Learn More

Pairing the right trailer winch with quality straps ensures your cargo stays secure. Explore our Straps category to find compatible web straps and tie-downs for every trailer winch.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a trailer winch used for?
Trailer winches are used to tighten straps and secure cargo on trailers, preventing shifting and ensuring safe transport.

What types of trailer winches are available?
Common types include slider winches, weld-on winches, winch track systems, and portable winches.

How do I choose the right winch for my trailer?
Consider your trailer type, cargo size, strap compatibility, and whether you need a fixed or adjustable mounting system.

Can I use a trailer winch with any strap?
Most trailer winches are compatible with standard web straps or ratchet straps, but always check the strap width and working load limit to ensure safe operation.

What are low-profile trailer winches?
Low-profile winches are designed with a compact mounting footprint to reduce obstructions and simplify loading, making them ideal for flatbed trailers and vehicles with tight clearances.