Buying Guide for Tow Truck Winches
When it comes to buying a winch for your tow truck, the available options can be confusing. If you choose the wrong one, it may let go when you are pulling a car onto the bed of your truck or up into the towing sling. The towed car may get damaged from dropping on the ground during the lift. Winching accidents can also inflict serious injuries that can result in amputations or even death.
There are several factors to consider when shopping for tow truck winches. The following guide should help you make the right purchase for your tow vehicle.
Winch Load Capacity
Winches pull things. On tow trucks, they are designed to drag cars horizontally across a relatively flat surface.
Consider the maximum weight you will need to pull when selecting a winch for your tow vehicle. As a rule of thumb, you should go for a winch with a pulling power 50% greater than your tow truck's Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW) — this is the maximum safe weight of the vehicle.
Unlike hoists, most winches don't come fitted with load limiters to prevent people from trying to pull a weight that exceeds the winch's working load limit. Hence, it's safer to have a lot more pulling power than what you really need. Think big — you can never tell when the extra capacity will come in handy. Plus, having extra pulling power reduces the strain on your winch, thus increasing its lifespan.
However, you should only go for a larger winch if you have the suspension that can handle the extra weight easily.
Winch Operation
In terms of how they are operated, winches can be categorised as either electric or hydraulic. Electric winches are the most popular option. As the name says, they use electricity to operate. They are ideal for short pulls because they can take a toll on the car battery. Plus, they tend to overheat when used for a prolonged duration.
Hydraulic winches overcome the drawbacks of electric winches because they are operated with the power steering pump instead of the vehicular electrical systems. They are the best option for heavy-duty pulls.
Ultimately, the best winch for your tow truck will depend on how much you intend to pull and how long you will be pulling it. Now that you have an idea about what aspects to consider when buying tow truck winches, make your purchase today!
