The Best Off-Road Winches

When trekking off the beaten path, you never know what you’ll encounter. Even the most innocent and unassuming trailheads can narrow into tight, seemingly insurmountable obstacles, making even the most experienced wheelers in fully built rigs second-guess their decisions. 

When the terrain gets too challenging to conquer under your own power, whether you’re wedged between a couple of boulders, hung up on a tree, or stuck deep in the mud, a premium winch can be the difference between calling for backup and pulling yourself to safety. However, with numerous winches on the market, selecting the best product that suits your needs can be challenging. 

Thankfully, RealTruck has done the hard work for you. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to pick the proper winch setup for you—from weight ratings and cable types to mounting options and key features. We’ll also highlight some of the best off-road winches from brands like Smittybilt, Rugged Ridge, Superwinch, and our own RealTruck Traction Recover winch to ensure your rig has a reliable backup plan.

Off-roading is an unpredictable motorsport. Even with a heavily-modified rig running lockers, lifted suspension, and beefy tires, there’s always a chance you’ll wind up stuck. A winch gives you the ability to recover yourself without needing to call in a favor from a buddy or an expensive tow from an off-road recovery service. 

Winches aren’t just for off-roaders, however. These accessories can be a handy addition to the trucks of ranchers, blue-collar workers, hunters, and trail service professionals, enabling them to pull themselves or others out of sticky situations. Other benefits include trail or jobsite cleanup, as a winch makes moving heavy, oversized objects and equipment far easier—from downed trees to inoperable cars. 

From a safety standpoint, a winch is also a solid investment. With precise control over tension on the cable, the direction you’re pulling, and the ability to make minute adjustments on the fly, a winch is a far safer and slower recovery method than yanking on a stuck vehicle with a strap or rope. 

Lastly, winches are a sort of badge of honor, showcasing that your ride doesn’t just talk the talk—it walks the walk. Paired with a heavy-duty bumper, off-road lights, and a tidy wiring job, it shows you’re a serious wheeler that’s prepped for any adventure. 

Choosing the right winch for your needs comes down to a few key factors, including the amount of weight you need to pull, the type of winch line you prefer, and how you plan to use the winch. Ensuring your winch meets all these qualifications ensures years of reliable recovery. 

Starting with capacity, choose a winch rated at approximately 1.5 times your vehicle’s gross weight, or the maximum weight of the vehicle, its fuel, passengers, and max cargo. For example, if your truck has a gross weight of 5,000 pounds, aim for a winch with a capacity of at least 7,500 pounds. 

Next, choose the type of line you prefer. The two main cable types are steel-braided and synthetic, with each offering distinct characteristics, pros, and cons. Steel cable is rugged, durable, and resistant to abrasion. However, it’s heavy, susceptible to corrosion, and can be more dangerous if it snaps. Alternatively, synthetic rope is lightweight, easier on the hands, and safer under tension, though these benefits come at the expense of additional care and maintenance to ensure adequate line life. 

Other features you may consider include motor power, gear type, water resistance, and whether to opt for a wired or wireless remote control. Ultimately, the right winch is the one that fits your vehicle, suits your needs, and is within your budget. 

Not all winches are created equal. Rather than opt for the most expensive option on the market or an unreliable no-name model, consider these five capable winches available from RealTruck, including our in-house offering—the RealTruck Traction Recovery 13K. 

The RealTruck Traction Recovery 13K winch is a heavy-duty solution designed for serious off-roaders and workhorses. With a considerable pulling capacity of 13,000 pounds, a reliable 7 HP motor, and a durable synthetic line, this winch offers serious power in a sleek, lightweight package. 

Regardless of the terrain or climate, the RealTruck Traction Recovery winch is built to perform. The aluminum alloy construction is corrosion-resistant, while the IP68 waterproof rating ensures reliability in any environment. 

Features: 

• 13,000-lbs. pulling capacity

• 7 HP electric motor

• 100-ft. synthetic rope

• IP68-rated for dust and water resistance

• Lightweight aluminum frame

• Wireless remote control 

• Standard winch bolt pattern for effortless mounting

Also from RealTruck, the Rugged Ridge 12,500 LB Trekker winch is a solid contender. Featuring a durable yet lightweight aluminum body, sealed weatherproof gearbox, and an impressive 12,500 lbs. pulling capacity from the 6.6 HP series-wound motor and planetary gearing, the Trekker is a go-to choice for full-size trucks and built Jeeps. 

Installation is straightforward, thanks to the included mounting plate and standard mount pattern. The included wired remote makes operation a breeze, but Rugged Ridge’s optional wireless remote is the icing on the cake, enabling you to winch in and out from the comfort of the cab. 

Features: 

• 12,500 lbs. pulling capacity

• 6.6 HP series-wound motor and planetary gearing

• Durable cast aluminum housing

• Wired remote with wireless option

• Available with steel or synthetic rope

• Standard mounting pattern for broad compatibility

The Smittybilt X2O Gen3 is engineered with the modern off-roader in mind. Its sealed 7 HP motor is designed to keep water, dust, and debris out for long-lasting performance. The waterproof control box also enables reliable operation in any climate. To remove clutter from the winch, Smittybilt offers an optional USB rechargeable wireless controller. 

Smittybilt pulled out all the stops for the X2O Gen3, which features an improved gear design for superior efficiency and speed. Heavy-duty synthetic rope offers great strength without sacrificing weight or longevity. For mid-size trucks, half-tons, and Jeeps, the Smittybilt’s 10,000 pull rating is more than enough to do the job. 

Features: 

• 10,000 lbs. pulling capacity

• 7 HP sealed motor

• Waterproof 500A control box

• Wireless controller with USB

• Synthetic winch line

• Optimized gear ratios for speed and power

• Multiple mounting options for the control box

Superwinch’s SX winch line is often regarded as a dependable workhorse, offering reliable performance at a mid-range price point. Featuring options such as synthetic or wire rope, a relocatable control box, and a 5.5 HP sealed motor with a 3-stage planetary gear drive, the SX 12000 delivers a substantial amount of power for most applications. While not the highest-spec’d entry on this list, what the SX 12000 does deliver is reliable performance, durability, and a simple install. 

Features: 

• 12,000 lbs. pulling capacity

• ⅜” wire or synthetic rope

• Lighted drum for nighttime visibility

• Relocatable die-cast aluminum control box

• 12-ft. wired remote control

OVS’s (Overland Vehicle Systems) SCAR series winch is a solid contender for heavy-duty off-road rigs. Featuring an impressive 12,000 lbs. pull rating from the 7 HP motor and 3-stage planetary gearing, the OVS SCAR 12 can handle most full-size trucks and Jeeps. Standout amenities include your choice of rope materials, an included wireless remote control, an IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, and an automatic drum braking system. 

Features:  

• 12,000 lbs. pulling capacity

• Steel cable or synthetic rope

• Wireless remote control

• Service-friendly modular design

• IP68-rated against water and dust

• Low decibel sound output for quiet performance