6 Best AC Winches 2025 in the United States

The Dutton-Lainson StrongArm 120V AC Electric Winch is a solid choice for those needing a reliable winch for horizontal pulling tasks, such as pulling boats onto trailers or moving heavy loads in fixed or indoor settings. It offers a 2,700-pound single-line capacity and 4,000 pounds when doubled, which suits moderate to heavy jobs but may not be enough for extremely heavy-duty tasks. Powered by a standard 120V outlet, it’s easy to set up without specialized power sources, making it convenient for home or workshop use. The 50-foot galvanized aircraft cable is durable, providing good reach and lasting strength. Control is straightforward with a handheld remote featuring a 10-foot cord, allowing precise operation, and safety features like an automatic friction brake and freewheeling clutch add peace of mind during use.

The winch has a limited 3-minute continuous run time followed by a 15-minute cool-down, which might slow down work if you have many pulls to make. Also, since it’s designed mainly for horizontal pulling, it might not be suitable for vertical lifts or off-road recovery. Weighing about 33.6 pounds and made in the USA, it balances portability with durability.

If you want a dependable electric winch for moderate pulling jobs with easy controls and safety features, this model is worth considering.

The Ramsey Winch Only P121818 (Model HD-234R) is a hydraulic worm gear winch designed primarily for tow trucks and wreckers. One of its most significant strengths is its substantial load capacity, with a rated line pull of 8,000 lbs (3,620 kg), making it suitable for heavy-duty towing tasks. Additionally, it features a 34:1 gear reduction, which provides a good balance between power and speed.

The winch's first-layer line speed is 28 feet per minute (8.5 meters per minute), which is fairly efficient for quick recovery operations. The hydraulic system requires a pressure of 2,375 PSI and a flow of 15 GPM to achieve the rated line speed, indicating that it is designed for robust hydraulic systems commonly found in tow trucks and wreckers. The motor has a displacement of 4 cubic inches, which contributes to its powerful performance.

The winch's clutch system is versatile, offering air and manual control options with different styles like RAM-LOK, DOW-LOK, and lever style, providing flexibility in various operational conditions. The drum size is adequately proportioned at 11.31 x 7.25 x 3.50 inches (287.3 x 184.2 x 88.9 mm), ensuring it can handle substantial cable lengths. This winch is best suited for professional tow truck operators and those dealing with heavy-duty recovery operations, given its impressive load capacity and robust hydraulic requirements.