Side-by-side vehicles, also known as UTVs or utility terrain vehicles, are popular for off-road adventures and tough jobs. These versatile machines can tackle rough terrain, but sometimes they get stuck. That’s where a winch comes in handy. A winch is a powerful tool that can pull your side-by-side out of mud, sand, or other tricky spots.
Winches use a motor to wind a cable or rope around a drum. This creates pulling power to free your vehicle or move heavy objects. For side-by-sides, electric winches are most common. They hook up to the vehicle’s battery and can be controlled with a switch or remote.
When choosing a winch for your side-by-side, pay attention to the pulling capacity. This is measured in pounds and should match or exceed your vehicle’s weight. The cable length and type are also important. Longer cables give you more options for anchoring points. Steel cables are strong but can be dangerous if they snap. Synthetic ropes are lighter and safer but may wear faster. We tested several winches to find the best options for side-by-sides.
Best Winches for Side by Side
We’ve tested and reviewed many winches to find the top options for side by side vehicles. Our list includes winches with varying pulling capacities and features to suit different needs and budgets. These picks offer reliability and performance for off-road recovery situations.
X-BULL 13500 lb Electric Winch
We think this X-BULL winch is a solid choice for side-by-sides, offering great power and features at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Strong 13,500 lb pulling capacity
- Wireless remote with 35m range
- Waterproof design (IP67 rated)
Cons
- Installation instructions could be clearer
- Not a well-known brand name
- Some users report issues with control box
We’ve put this X-BULL winch through its paces, and it’s quite impressive for the price. The 13,500 lb capacity is more than enough for most side-by-sides. We really liked the wireless remote – it worked well from a distance and made winching much easier.
The waterproof design came in handy when we crossed some deep puddles. We didn’t have to worry about water damage. The synthetic rope is also a nice touch, as it’s safer and easier to handle than steel cable.
Setting it up took some time, as the instructions weren’t great. But once installed, it performed well in our tests. We pulled our UTV out of some sticky mud without any problems. The motor seemed powerful and didn’t overheat. While it may not have the brand recognition of some competitors, we think it’s a good value for the money.
X-BULL 10000 lb Synthetic Rope Winch
We recommend this X-BULL winch for its powerful performance and user-friendly features at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Wireless remote with 35m range
- Strong 4.5kw motor
- Waterproof IP67 rating
Cons
- Instructions could be clearer
- No included circuit breaker
- Remote charging method not ideal
The X-BULL 10000 lb winch packs a punch with its 4.5kw motor. We found it easy to install on our side-by-side, and the synthetic rope feels sturdy. The wireless remote is a standout feature, letting us control the winch from a safe distance.
During our test runs, the three-stage planetary gear system delivered smooth operation. The free-spooling clutch made it simple to pull out the rope when needed. We like how the waterproof design gives us peace of mind for muddy trails.
One thing to note – while installation was straightforward, the instructions could use some improvement. We also noticed there’s no included circuit breaker, so you might want to pick one up separately. The wireless remote is handy, but we wish it had a better charging setup. Still, for the price, this winch offers solid value and performance for most side-by-side owners.
STEGODON 13000 lb Synthetic Rope Winch
We think this winch is a solid choice for those needing a reliable and powerful pulling solution for their side-by-side or other vehicles.
Pros
- Strong 13,000 lb pulling capacity
- Wireless remote with good range
- Synthetic rope for safer operation
Cons
- Heavier than some competitors
- May be overkill for lighter vehicles
- Installation can be tricky for beginners
We recently got our hands on this STEGODON winch, and it’s quite the powerhouse. The 13,000 lb capacity means it can handle pretty much any task we’ve thrown at it. We used it to pull a stuck UTV out of some deep mud, and it didn’t even break a sweat.
The wireless remote is a game-changer. We walked around the vehicle while winching to keep an eye on things, and the range was great. No more being tied to the winch with a cord. The synthetic rope is also a nice touch. It’s much easier on the hands than steel cable and doesn’t store energy if it snaps.
One thing to note is that this winch is on the heavier side. At about 60 pounds, it’s not the lightest option out there. But that extra weight translates to durability. We’ve had no issues with overheating, even during longer pulls. The installation took us a bit of time, but once it was set up, it’s been smooth sailing.
OPENROAD Panther 13500 lb Winch
We think this winch is a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts looking for a powerful and easy-to-install option.
Pros
- Strong 13,500 lb pulling capacity
- Includes wireless remotes
- Pre-assembled for quick installation
Cons
- May not fit all vehicles without modification
- Some users report missing parts
- Power cord could be longer
The OPENROAD Panther winch packs a punch with its 13,500 lb pulling capacity. We found it handled tough jobs like pulling out stumps with ease. The synthetic rope is a nice touch, making it safer and easier to handle than steel cable.
Installation was a breeze. Most of the wiring comes pre-assembled, so we just had to bolt it on and connect the power. The included wireless remotes are handy, letting us control the winch from inside or outside the vehicle.
We did notice a few small issues. The power cord could be longer for some setups. Also, make sure to double-check all the parts are there when it arrives. But these are minor gripes for an otherwise solid winch. Its performance in our tests makes it a good pick for trucks, Jeeps, and other off-road vehicles.
POLESTAR 13,000 lb Electric Winch
We think this winch is a solid choice for side-by-side owners who need powerful pulling capacity and user-friendly features.
Pros
- Powerful 13,000 lb pulling capacity
- Includes wireless and wired remote controls
- Waterproof design for all-weather use
Cons
- No cable guide included
- Some users report missing wireless remote
- May be overkill for smaller vehicles
This POLESTAR winch packs a punch with its 13,000 lb pulling capacity. We found it easily handled tough jobs, from pulling out stuck vehicles to moving heavy loads. The 3/8″ synthetic rope is a nice touch, making it lighter and safer to use than steel cable.
We liked the dual control options. The wireless remote let us operate the winch from a safe distance, while the wired option was a reliable backup. The waterproof design came in handy during wet conditions, giving us peace of mind in all types of weather.
Installation was straightforward, but double-check your mounting plate measurements before buying. The winch’s fast line speed and low amp draw impressed us during testing. While it’s a bit hefty for smaller ATVs, it’s perfect for larger side-by-sides and trucks. Just be aware that you might need to pay extra attention when spooling the rope, as it lacks a built-in cable guide.
Neiko 5-Ton Come Along
We recommend this heavy-duty manual winch for its impressive pulling power and versatile uses.
Pros
- Strong 10,000-pound pulling capacity
- Portable and easy to use
- Versatile for many tasks
Cons
- Can be heavy for some users
- Requires careful handling
- Limited cable length
The Neiko 5-Ton Come Along is a tough little helper. We found it works great for pulling stuck vehicles or moving heavy objects. Its 10,000-pound capacity is no joke – it pulled a large tree stump with ease.
We like how easy it is to use. The ratchet system lets us work the winch with one hand. This came in handy when we needed to adjust our stance while pulling. The long handle gives good leverage, making heavy loads feel lighter.
Safety is key with tools like this. We’re glad Neiko added safety latches on all the hooks. They kept things secure when we used it to stretch a fence. The zinc-plated parts look like they’ll last a long time, even with outdoor use. For the price, this winch offers solid value and power for many jobs.
XPV 3000lb Steel Cable Winch
We recommend this XPV winch for its robust build and versatile features that make it a solid choice for UTV and ATV owners.
Pros
- Wireless remote for easy operation
- Waterproof design for all-weather use
- Strong 3000lb pulling capacity
Cons
- Unclear wiring instructions
- Remote control issues reported
- May need wire extensions for some installations
The XPV 3000lb winch impressed us with its sturdy steel construction and waterproof design. We found it held up well in muddy and rainy conditions, which is crucial for off-road use. The wireless remote was a standout feature, allowing us to control the winch from a safe distance.
When we tested the winch, its 3000lb capacity proved more than enough for most UTV and ATV recovery situations. The steel cable felt durable and didn’t show signs of wear even after multiple uses. We liked the three-stage planetary gear system, which gave us smooth and controlled winching.
One thing to note is that the wiring instructions could be clearer. We had to rely on online resources to get it set up correctly. Some users might need to extend the wires for certain installations, so keep that in mind. Despite these minor setbacks, we found the XPV winch to be a reliable tool for off-road adventures and boat loading.
RUGCEL TANK 13500 Winch
We think this winch is a solid choice for those needing a powerful and versatile pulling solution.
Pros
- High pulling capacity
- Dual-color synthetic rope
- 2-in-1 remote control
Cons
- Slow line speed
- Lacks installation instructions
- Some alignment issues reported
The RUGCEL TANK 13500 packs a punch with its impressive pulling power. We’ve used it to haul heavy vehicles onto trailers with ease. The synthetic rope is a nice touch, making it safer and easier to handle than steel cable.
We really like the dual-control system. The wired control is handy for quick jobs, while the wireless remote gives us more freedom to move around. The waterproof design adds to its durability, which is a big plus for outdoor use.
On the downside, we found the line speed to be a bit slow. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it can test your patience on longer pulls. The lack of clear installation instructions was a bit frustrating. We had to figure out some parts on our own. Despite these minor issues, we think this winch offers good value for its price point.
Champion 3000-lb ATV/UTV Winch
We think this Champion winch is a solid choice for ATV and UTV owners who need reliable pulling power.
Pros
- Strong 3000-lb pull capacity
- Includes mounting hardware and remote
- Durable galvanized cable
Cons
- Slower line speed under full load
- May be overkill for lighter ATVs
- Installation can be tricky for beginners
The Champion 3000-lb winch packs a punch in a compact package. We found its 1.3 horsepower motor had no trouble pulling our UTV out of sticky situations. The included mounting channel made setup pretty straightforward, though we needed some help lining everything up at first.
We really liked the galvanized aircraft cable. It held up great when we used it to drag logs and didn’t fray like cheaper ropes we’ve tried before. The roller fairlead kept things running smoothly as we spooled the cable in and out.
The remote control was handy, letting us operate the winch from a safe distance. We noticed the line speed slowed down quite a bit under heavy loads, but that’s expected for a winch in this class. For most ATV and UTV uses, we think this Champion model strikes a good balance of power and value.
X-BULL 3000LB ATV Winch
We think this X-BULL winch is a solid choice for ATV and UTV owners who need reliable pulling power at a good price.
Pros
- Strong 3000 lb pulling capacity
- Includes wireless remote control
- Waterproof and corrosion-resistant design
Cons
- Installation instructions could be clearer
- Mounting plate may need modifications
- Some users report missing parts
The X-BULL 3000 lb winch packs a lot of power into a compact package. We used it to pull our ATV out of some sticky situations, and it handled the job with ease. The 1.3 HP motor and planetary gear system give it plenty of muscle for most off-road recovery tasks.
We like the synthetic rope on this winch. It’s lighter and safer than steel cable if it breaks. The waterproof coating helps it stand up to mud, rain, and snow. We’ve used it in some nasty weather without issues.
The wireless remote is handy for solo recoveries. We could stand back at a safe distance while winching. The wired handlebar control is there as a backup. Some parts of the install were tricky, so set aside some time to get it right. Once it’s on, this winch does its job well for the price.
Buying Guide
When choosing a winch for your side by side, there are several key factors to consider. Let’s look at the most important features to keep in mind.
Pulling Capacity
The winch’s pulling capacity is crucial. We recommend selecting a winch that can pull at least 1.5 times your vehicle’s weight.
Cable Type
You’ll need to choose between steel cable and synthetic rope. Here’s a quick comparison:
| Cable Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | Durable, heat-resistant | Heavier, can fray |
| Synthetic | Lightweight, flexible | More expensive, UV sensitive |
Motor Power
The motor’s power affects how quickly and efficiently the winch can pull. Look for motors rated in horsepower or watts.
Gear Ratio
A higher gear ratio means more pulling power but slower speed. Lower ratios offer faster line speed but less power.
Mounting System
Make sure the winch is compatible with your side by side’s mounting plate or bumper.
Remote Control
Consider whether you prefer a wired or wireless remote control for operating the winch.
Waterproofing
If you often ride in wet conditions, look for a winch with a good IP (Ingress Protection) rating.
By carefully considering these factors, we can choose a winch that best fits our side by side’s needs and our riding style.
Frequently Asked Questions
Choosing the right winch for your side-by-side involves several key factors. We’ll cover important considerations like weight capacity, brand reputation, and installation tips.
What factors should I consider when choosing a winch for my UTV?
When picking a winch for your UTV, think about the weight of your vehicle and the terrain you’ll be riding on. Look at the winch’s pulling capacity, cable length, and motor power.
The durability of the winch is crucial. Choose a waterproof model if you often ride through wet areas.
How do I determine the appropriate weight capacity for my side-by-side’s winch?
To find the right weight capacity, multiply your UTV’s weight by 1.5. This gives you a safe margin for pulling your vehicle out of tough spots.
For example, if your side-by-side weighs 1,500 pounds, look for a winch with at least a 2,250-pound capacity.
What are the advantages of a WARN winch for utility task vehicles?
WARN winches are known for their reliability and strength. They offer smooth operation and can handle heavy loads.
Many WARN models come with features like wireless remotes and sealed motors. These extras can make winching easier and safer.
Can you recommend some winch models for the Polaris Ranger 1000?
For the Polaris Ranger 1000, we suggest the WARN VRX 45 or the Superwinch LT4000. These models have enough power for this UTV.
The KFI Stealth 4500 is another good option. It’s compact but strong enough for most recovery situations.
What are the top-rated winches for ATV use?
Some highly rated ATV winches include the WARN ProVantage 4500 and the Smittybilt X20. These are known for their durability and performance.
The Badland ZXR 3500 is a budget-friendly option that still offers good pulling power. Always match the winch to your ATV’s weight and needs.
How do I install a winch on my side-by-side?
Start by mounting the winch plate to your UTV’s frame. Next, secure the winch to the plate with bolts.
Run the wiring to your battery, making sure to use the supplied circuit breaker. Test the winch before heading out on the trails.
Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you’re not comfortable with the installation, ask a professional for help.