RickBetterley

When I get my new Cayman race car, I suspect I am going to want a remote controlled winch. I have read the various threads on winches (thank you everyone). Some seem to use a roller at the back of the trailer, others don't.
I suspect I will be using a non-wire cable but wonder about the abrasion if the cable has to drag across the trailer under load.
Based on my sailing experience, I can't imagine not having a roller, but if I use one it may be in the path of the ride side tires (not sure yet how far to the side the Cayman tow hook is displaced; maybe I should find that out).
So:
* Do I need a roller?
* If so, how do you suggest I mount it (pics encouraged)?

Crazy Canuck

Drive the car part way up the ramp so the tow hook is above the winch.

944hal

Drive the car part way up the ramp so the tow hook is above the winch.

+1 I have an enclosed trailer and use a winch to load the car. Driving the car partly up the ramp positions the tow hook above the floor where the cable doesn't drag.

Chaos

Nah, you don't need one. You could screw down a piece of delrin or hard plastic if your worried about dragging.

facelvega

+2... Also, raise the tongue as high as possible, either by driving the tow vehicle rear wheels up onto ramps/blocks (if connected), or putting blocks under the tongue wheel and cranking as high as possible. Puts the winch up higher, back of the trailer lower, less chance to drag the cable...

RickBetterley

Jeez, that is a great idea - why the heck can't I come up with simple, no cost solutions??

Drew_K

I have a remote control winch in my trailer, and it's pretty awesome. Definitely a good call.

KaiB

You may want to consder rigging up a fairlead though.

LostSouth

Worst case scenario, my nylon rope cam with a sheath to put around it at any rub point.

Phokaioglaukos

Some winch manufacturers specify wire cable only. Not sure why.

Where my cable drags a bit on the rubber floor of the trailer I lay down a small sheet of wood to protect the floor. Not a big deal.

Plavan

I just put down a thin felt door mat where it touches for a brief second. I have the Synthetic Rope. No issues

audipwr1

Worth the $100 for synthetic rope? Any new winches people like that are sub $350 I should consider?

Drew_K

My synthetic rope winch has a moveable sleeve on it that you place where the rope touches the trailer floor. The rope slides through the sleeve with minimal friction and no wear.

The synthetic rope is nice because you can touch it with your bare hands. The steel cables develop sharp edges over time, kind of like touching fiberglass insulation with your bare skin.

jrgordonsenior

He means while the trailer is connected to the truck. I just know someone might misinterpret that simple advise....

#1 for driving partially up the ramps....

XPC5

Yes, it is much nicer to handle, spools on the reel better and is lighter to boot.