Winch Size Calculator
Use your vehicle weight, desired safety factor, and recovery conditions to select a winch with enough pulling power for off-road recovery.
Moderate resistance
How to Use This Calculator
Start with vehicle weight
Use gross vehicle weight (curb weight plus cargo) for a realistic recovery scenario.
Apply a safety factor
Winch manufacturers recommend at least 1.5× vehicle weight. Increase to 2× for heavy overland rigs.
Adjust for slope and surface
Steeper climbs and soft terrain require more line pull. Choose the most challenging condition you expect.
Formula
Line Pull = Vehicle Weight × Safety Factor × (1 + Grade%) × Surface Multiplier
Example: 5,500 lb SUV, safety factor 1.5, 10% grade, muddy surface (1.5 multiplier)
Base pull = 5,500 × 1.5 = 8,250 lb
Slope factor = 1 + 0.10 = 1.10 → Adjusted = 9,075 lb
Surface factor = 1.5 → Estimated line pull = 13,612 lb → Recommended 13,500–14,000 lb winch.
About the Winch Size Calculator
Selecting the right winch prevents overheating and ensures you can recover safely. This calculator estimates realistic line pull requirements based on trail conditions.
When to Use This Calculator
- Overlanding builds: Size a winch for loaded camping rigs.
- Trail rigs: Compare line pull requirements for rock crawling vs. mud.
- Fleet vehicles: Equip utility trucks with appropriate recovery gear.
- Safety audits: Verify current winch ratings meet company standards.
Why Use Our Calculator?
- ✅ Scenario aware: Accounts for slope, terrain, and desired safety factor.
- ✅ Quick recommendation: Rounds to the nearest 500 lb rating commonly sold.
- ✅ Metric conversion: Provides kN for international users.
- ✅ Mobile ready: Perfect when shopping or planning trails.
Common Applications
4x4 enthusiasts: Choose between 8k, 10k, 12k, or 15k winches.
Rescue teams: Ensure equipment can handle worst-case recoveries.
Construction fleets: Plan recovery gear for heavy service trucks.
Tips for Best Results
- Use snatch blocks to effectively double line pull when needed.
- Rated line pull is for the first layer of cable on the drum—expect 10-20% loss on outer wraps.
- Consider synthetic rope and upgraded mounts to handle higher loads safely.
- Carry extra rigging (tree savers, shackles) to accommodate the calculated line pull.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the safety factor mandatory?
Recovery experts recommend at least 1.5× vehicle weight to account for stuck conditions, rolling resistance, and gear losses. Increase the factor for heavy overland builds.
How accurate is the slope multiplier?
The formula approximates the additional force required to overcome gravity on a grade. For extreme slopes, consider using additional snatch blocks or anchoring methods.
What if I don’t know my vehicle weight?
Use the gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) from the door jamb or scale the vehicle at a truck stop. Include extra gear weight for accuracy.
Can I use this for side-by-sides or ATVs?
Yes. Enter the lighter vehicle weight and choose appropriate safety factors. Smaller winches (2,500–5,000 lb) will suffice for UTVs and ATVs.