There are several things you need to know about a winch prior to purchasing.

1.Pull Rate - We offer a selection from 2500 to 5000#. Check out how the load drops as you go from the 1 wrap to 4. A wrap is one layer of cable on the drum, at 4 you have four wraps on the drum.

2.Current Draw - This is probably the most important specification you need to look at. Notice how the current draw goes up as the wraps increase and the load/rate goes down.

3.Wire Gauge - This plays an important part in the current draw and duty cycle of the winch. Current (amps) flow on the outside surface of a wire, not thru the center. This is why a stranded wire will carry a low more amps than one that is solid. Example: Welding cable is made up of many small strands this allows more amperage and less current drop over a given distance. Wire "gauge #'s" are determined by the diameter, the current capacity for any given wire goes up as the number of strands are increased.

4.Gear Ratio - Most people like to have a high line feed rate when they are trying to get the cable back on the winch after using it. A high ratio means a fast intake of cable but you lose power on the winch. Remember a "high ratio" will have a smaller number and a "lower ratio" will have a large number 125:1= high 156:1=lower. Lower ratios cause the winch to pull less amps.

5.Motor HP - The higher the HP rating on a motor the higher the pull rate. The current rate (amp draw) will also drop in some instances with a higher HP rating for the same pulling load.

Xtreme Products hopes this helps you with your decision. Check out the comparison charts and make an educated purchase. Or contact us and we will be glad to help you with you decision.