7 Best RC Winches (Newest Models)

Published on: February 24, 2022
Written by Liam Jaxon / Fact-checked by David Rowan

Winches, especially RC winches, are common in lifting projects if you have the same winching task to maintain. It is a kinda old school technology, known as a lever system, for instance, used in major architectural projects such as Hoist Bridge making.

But it becomes more popular for more connectivity with both off-road and on-road beasts. Each winch comes with 4 major counterparts, such as a cable wire, a motor, a drum, and a gear handle, which accept motor power and delivers the energy for pulling out objects.

As well, RC winches vary in size, workload capacity, marine task, and mounting projects. If you plan on towing or off-road driving with the winch-equipped components, it is good enough to make your day. However, an electric winch is worth investing in too.

Speaking about a good winch, you will notice many types and versatile, designed ones from a common range of manufacturers. So, we have selected some remarkable points while shopping for a new R/C winch and winches list to spend your worth of bucks, even under 100s. 

View Top 7 RC Winches, Below-

Without further delay, let’s check out the latest products we picked for you-

1. RC4WD Z-S1571 9.5cti Wired RC Winch

• Weight: 0.32 ounces;
• Pull capacity: 60 ounces;
• Length: 1.05in / 26.63mm
• Width: 2.67in / 67.85mm;
• Height: 1.17in / 29.83mm;
• Material: aluminum case, steel cables.

Since our first RC winch appearance from RC4WD, designed for better mounting capability. Identical need off-road for lifting, especially, to mount on small ATVs. Weighing nearly 3.5 pounds, it presents itself as a compact one with a new 1/10 Warn 9.5cti winch. Scaled the 1/10 amount, right for RC crawlers operations.

You will get amazed like us while using its superior. For instance, its certain pulling capacity is around 60 pounds with a 3” spring-loaded war hook. A comparatively low AMP motor is a breeze in that case. In fact, it ensures limited pressures on the pre-installed 6v to 11.1 battery. Since the design for mounting to an off-road tire includes both wireless and wired remote control. So, it is not good enough to pull a jeep out from a muddy space. But capable enough of accomplishing any winching task. 

What we liked

• Fits well on tough armor winch bumper;
• Include a grill guard and aluminum case;
• Measurements warn;
• Great looking like a little winch;
• More functional in winching things;
• Both wired and wireless controllers.

Disliked 

• Not waterproof.

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2. RC4WD Z-E0075 RC Winch

• Weight: 3.52 ounces;
• Pull capacity: 70 ounces;
• Material: synthetic rope, aluminum case.

It is very sad that your little toy truck is stuck in a hole. But do not cry and do not worry about the big eyelet. In that case, we are too fortunate to have another high-quality RC4WD winch set. How we have come out, will help you in that way.

This set comes with only a 1:10 R/C winch, offering a free spool. Apart from the well-established fame, ready deadlifts and bumper kits always outfit other stock BEC power models.

What is on the right of the winch set box? 1/10 warn, a powerful motor, warn hook, synthetic winch rope, and all included in a sturdy aluminum case. However, you cannot even call the police or rescue team to pull your little toy out. With their phenomenal pulling power, these all-equipped things can get rid of you this problem.

Anyways, a 6-11V motor accepts 3 Cell LiPoThirty, to operate on such limited power. It is a bit pricey, but you can use a 90/100lbs fishing line instead of the attached one. 

What we liked

• Free spool;
• Winch warn;
• Sturdy construction;
• Work well to handle heavier bodies.

Disliked 

• Need a separate purchase of a winch controller. 

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3. GoolRC R/C Metal Capstan Winch

• Weight: 6.6 pounds;
• Winch material: Metal;
• Suitable for: 1/10 RC Rock Crawler;
• Winch size: 6.5 * 2.7 * 2cm;
• Load limits: Deadlift 2.5-3kg.

Aiming for a realistic, both RC or capstan-style winch? Though this one is not the lookalike as the RC winches. This great-looking little one from GoolRC is at your service. As it holds more scaled warn than the RC winches have. This universal capstan-style winch is a total replacement and fits on branded Rock Crawlers too. As well, as Axial, RC4WD, Jeep, CC01, SCX10, Traxxas, Wltoy, Tamiya, and more that fit its requirements.   

However, its 55-pound pull capacity is possible by the synthetic winch rope and the attached warm spring-loaded hook, enhancing the possibility to pull anything out and represent its full strength.

The easy installation process and durability for season after seasons are damn awesome, right? Though the non-water-proof motor can let your mood go off from buying it, its strong dead weightlifting and bigger scale will never disappoint you.  

What we liked

• Strong motor power;
• Easy crawler replacing method;
•  Universal compatibility;
• Inexpensive.

Disliked 

• Non-water-proof parts.

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4. ShareGoo TRX-4 RC Winch Kits

• High-quality metal materials, sturdy and durable;
• Light Weight, and easy to install;
• Material: Metal;
• Size:55*22mm.

This is not only a winch set, but it includes the overall RC front bumper kits for your Traxxas TRX-4 90046 90047 SCX10 1/10. This legendary bumper kit set from ShareGoo leads you to make your rock crawler an off-road monster, unlike other tool sets at once. So, you can have a safer operation even by mounting on an ATV. How?

First, we would love to introduce its 2 LED front lights. This one equips the standard JST plug, protecting your crawler in the dark operations, like its mate bumper kits. Also, suitable for 1:10 RC crawlers, which may not only give precision but ensure anti-vibration movement.

Featuring a powerful built-in brushed motor, that accepts more than 12V/6V rechargeable LI-PO unique double battery. 2 point connectors will not run out of power until the job gets done. Including twice-speed mode, as if lower gear for better running in confined areas and the rest is expanded terrains.

What we liked

• Extraordinary grip;
• Two-speed mode;
• Total wireless, including remote controlling power;
• Extended run time;
• High-quality.

Disliked 

• No cons.

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5. Keeper KTSL2000RM R/C Winch

• Weight: 23.8 ounces;
• Load line speed: 6FPM;
• Pull capacity: 5000 ounces;

The next one is a rapid, portable, easy-mounting RC winch from the Keeper series KTSL2000RM. Features a unique design, including power lead fitted, circuit breaker, and water-sealed plug, especially ideal for marine applications. Suppose your 4000 pounds rock crawler drops into the water. Unlike other models, this waterproof one will lead from dry cliff side extracting projects to the water emerged ones.

Another integrated function enables itself to perform with no running-out power. Speaking of the 12V DC power. As well, the 10 ft. lead over a handheld remote control, to control an 18” long galvanized winch rope, which helps the heaviest task to accomplish. However, a clevis hook with latch, looped thimble, and free spool, are all for anti-friction work support. Spur gearing and case-hardened gears are for easy movement in tight spaces and larger terrains without damaging the crawler wheels. 

How about the rolling affordability? The 2000 pounds at an incredible speed represents itself as a beast, even for a trailer hitch ball. All about the great movements from a far distance (10ft.), only press the handheld toggle switch.

What we liked

• Easy carrying handle;
• Handheld toggle switch;
• High voltage remote controller;
• Anti-vibration and no-frictional work support;
• Heavy loading and pulling capacity.

Disliked 

• Not as fast as expected. 

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6. Bravex Electric Single Line Waterproof Winch

• Rated line pull: 3500LBS(1590kgs) single line;
• Motor Spec: Permanent magnet, 1.1kw/1.5hp;
• Gear ratio: 153:01:00;
• Gear train: differential planetary;
• Cable (Dia X L): Diameter(5.3mm) length (10m/40feet).

This Bravex RC winch is not intended to pull a snowplow at a single point. Assuming it is pulled to a point the pinion wheel of the winch may be stripped. If you plan to engage it for the use of snowflakes, you should set up a pulley framework to ensure that the winch is not being pulled straight from a point.

Specially designed for ATVs, UTVs, vehicles, boats, trucks, jeeps, compatible vehicles, and multi-factor utility trailers. Reasonable for wide-complex situations, in any case, when used in deep rough areas, for example, in rocks, mud, or sand.

However, the small leads, around 1.5HP winch, can disappoint you. As if, you may have trouble fitting included battery terminals. We recommend the set if you have work experience in a little bit of a loud environment. 

What we liked

• Heavy lifting capacity.
•  High-power motor drive;
• The power is strong and steady
• Heavy-duty construction.

Disliked 

• None.

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7. RC4WD Z-S1089 Wired RC Winch Control Unit

• Weight: 1.6 ounces;
• Operation voltage: 6-11.1 Volt;
• Pulling capacity: 50 ounces;
• Material: galvanized ropes.

The last wired unit in our listing is the RC4WD series Z-S1089. Weighing 1.6 pounds, unlike other models, offers the highest pulling capacity in this small class RC winch. However, you need to adjust it with a third channel, for instance, a radio powered remotely with a 3-position switch (on/off/on). This operating method splits itself from other branded ones.

Though RC4WD has been a quality winch manufacturer producing price-to-weight ratio winch sets for years, apart from that fame, this Z-S1089 comes with 4 pounds, and 6” length galvanized winch ropes are for rough usage. Many similar products are not available with waterproof features. But this one allows us to keep each function clean with water and liquid materials after a long mud-extracting operation.

The operation possibilities extend by more than 11.1V power accepting Lipo batteries, which have been included right in your toolbox. Before going ahead with the power, you can attach either a 3” racing winch or the 6-inches fishing line.

What we liked

• Kind of unlimited power acceptance;
• Enough pulling capacity for heavy extract operations;
• Separate stop, forward, and reverse options;
• Waterproof.

Disliked 

• Only work-well with a third channel controller;
• Expensive.

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How to Select an RC Winch?

Pulling Power

The most crucial fact while selecting an RC winch is. Is it or not? Because all you need is a winch set, either for dragging weighted stuff or completing an easy extracting mission of your truck or sports car from the muddy creek. In short, it comes down to pull capacity.

Read more: How to Choose the Best Car Trailer Winches

A remote control, either through an aerial or wired, is a useful feature. As in, the function allows the winch to deliver power to pull out stuff from a safer distance. So do you simply check the pulling power as per your need or not unless they do not buy with a less pulling power to get disappointed?

Rope or Cable

People get confused while shopping for a winch with steel cable or synthetic rope. This leads to the biggest effect on weight lifting and dragging operations. Some facts we are narrowing down to deal with this topic.

Synthetic rope: Synthetic ropes weigh superb light—even much much lesser than steel capable. Even if not storing kinetic energies, snapping is safer. As well, it makes it simple to field repairs and easy muddy hill climbing. But it costs much and requires high maintenance.

Steel cable: In general, the exact features it comes up with. Like it stores kinetic energy and requires a little maintenance. Such as easy hard wearing to use, only hook up and unspool. As well, as have a complete RC winch task within a short time. 

See also: 10 Best Off Road Winches Reviewed and Rated

Power Usage

How much power does your winch accept and release while doing your winch task? Yupp, this is a pretty effective question before buying an RC winch. Well, if you have more heavy extracting operations, then it is decent to buy a heavy-duty one. Unless you have a smaller task, let yourself shop for a smaller one.

In particular, a simple car battery takes up to 40-45 AMP. As well, a smaller winch is regular with 20-30 AMP ranging power. More powerful winches, for instance, Hiltex 11302, can draw even more power. So, it is worth checking power usage (battery) before buying a set. 

FAQs

Which RC Size Winch is Right for You?

A pretty good question. Well, like the RC winch variety in stores, you may find these in different sizes too. The winch size selection, in general, relies on your demand. The best considering part that you should look for is the weight that you have to drag or pull.

It is common to mount winch in regular applications that assist most of your off-road vehicle. A plus point is that it can manage your whole vehicle weight and is 30% more rather than other varieties. For smaller winch tasks, use a similar strategy.

Do Winches Require Little or High Maintenance?

Of course, they do. Some winches come either with synthetic rope or with steel cable in plastic or aluminum cases. However, synthetic rope needs higher maintenance than steel cables. Why? It is because of its sensitivity to heat dispersion and water, though you can repair it soon. Otherwise, you can consider the maintenance based on two points. One is the pulling weight capacity, and the other is subject to wear and tear.   

Winches that are designed to mount on the front, like on vehicle front bumpers, need much more TLC. On the other hand, steel cables are quite rough and still measure as hardwearing lines. Its heat-conducting power will save it from being damaged by the fire. You have to put the winch and all set simply.

How Can a Winch Go Through?

RC Winches, playing a vital helping role in people’s maneuvering objects for millennia. In old times, it used to get down and pull out heavy objects. At present, this is an old technology that features a motor, a gear train, a drum, and cable wires together.

Winches are like lever systems. So, the design leads to drawing power to improve a pulling force by covering a steel cable or rope around a major drum. Even a controlling wired or wireless remote keeps you at a safer distance from the actions. Else, R/C winches come in handy in a wide range, like their versatile levels.  

Final Words

Designed wired and most remote control RC winches have good compatibility to overcome a wide range of obstacles. However, these may range from cheap to hefty-priced, but it leads to having fun with your rock crawlers after integration.

To ensure your good enough work experience, you can select from the narrowed-down RC winches for smooth and exciting regular weight lifting.

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