Find Out What Size Winch You Need Right Now!

A winch can be your best friend in a pinch that can get your 4x4 out of most sticky situations. But deciding what size winch to buy can be a little trickier than some might expect. Though there are basic calculations you can use, there is a lot more to choosing the right winch size to ensure you’re covered in every situation. 

If you’ve been wondering, “what size winch do I need for my 4x4?” this handy guide will help you understand all there is to know about winch sizes and how to choose the right one for your 4WD. 

Figure out the load capacity of your 4x4

One of the first things you need to do to figure out what size winch to use for your 4x4 is to find your vehicle’s gross vehicle mass (GVM) or gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR). This information is usually listed on the information sticker on the inside of your driver’s side door or in your owner’s manual. 

The load capacity of your vehicle is the total weight of your car, including passengers and standard gear that has been fitted. If you have added mods to your 4WD already, like a suspension lift kit, you need to include the typically heavier weight of these to your factory GVM to find the total current weight of your vehicle. 

Do the math

Once you’ve found the info you need on the total weight of your vehicle, it’s time to do some basic sums. The calculations around what size winch for 4x4 models are rough, so you don’t need to be a mathematician to figure it out. You just need information on all the variables first. 

The industry standard for calculating the winch size you need for your 4WD is GVWR x 1.5.

This means that the winch you choose should be 1.5 times heavier than your total vehicle mass, but this can also be pushed up to 2 times heavier. 

Speak to the experts

Once you’ve done your basic figures, you will have a ballpark idea of what size winch you need, but many more factors come into choosing the right winch for you. The team at 4x4 Mods Australia have years of experience in selling winches to off-roaders that are tried and tested.

Aside from being keen 4WDers themselves, the team at 4x4 Mods also carry one of the best ranges of winches and recovery gear in Australia. The expert team will be able to give you the right advice on what size winch for your 4x4 make and model that comes from years of experience in delivering quality 4WD mods to the Australian market. 

Other considerations

When answering the “what size winch do I need for my 4x4” question, there are a few more factors that the experts will consider over just the GVM of your vehicle. 

Larger 4WDs

With much larger vehicles, industry-standard calculations don’t always work. If you have a huge GVWR, then you can’t double it to get your winch size; otherwise, you will end up carrying a tank!

Bigger is better

When it comes to following the standard for winch sizes, you might end up with a smaller winch, especially if you prefer to travel light, but this is not recommended. When it comes to winches and pulling capacity, bigger is always better and, in most cases, safer when you’re in a bind. 

Lessened pulling capacity

Did you know that when you have a full spool on your winch, its power can be reduced by up to 40%? If you know what kind of loads you’ll need to pull, then you need to consider this before you purchase your winch and when you are operating it too. Experts say you should always use your winch from a distance for the best pulling capacity. 

Battery and alternator quality

Choosing a winch is always directly related to the ability that your 4WD has to power it. Older or lesser-quality batteries mean the power is not there when you really need it to fuel your winch and recovery gear. The same goes for the ability of your alternator to recharge your battery during use. A quality battery and alternator are key to ensuring that your winch is just as effective as it should be when you get into a tight spot.

Accessories you might need for your winch

Once you’ve decided what size winch to buy, you will also need to decide on the accessories you might need. If you do a lot of bush bashing, a tree strap will become your best friend for pulling yourself out of a tight spot without damaging the environment around you. 

If you are considering weight when it comes to the winch you will use for your 4x4, then the difference between steel cable and synthetic rope can make a big difference. While both options have benefits, synthetic rope is significantly lighter than steel cable. 

Buy your new winch today

Contact the team at 4x4 Mods Australia today to discuss all of your winching needs. With a wide range of quality winches available from reputable manufacturers worldwide, our team can help you find the perfect winch for your 4WD.