10 Best Utv Winches 2025 in the United States

The SmittyBilt X2O-17.5K Waterproof Winch (model SB97517) is a strong contender in the UTV winch category, boasting a high load capacity of 17,500 lbs. This makes it suitable for heavy-duty recovery tasks. One of its standout features is the waterproof design with an IP68 rating, ensuring that it performs well in adverse weather conditions.

The OPENROAD 6000 lbs UTV Winch is a solid choice for anyone needing a reliable and powerful winch for off-road vehicles. It offers a strong 6000-pound load capacity suitable for most UTV recovery or towing tasks. The synthetic rope (1/4" thick and 50 feet long) is a good feature since it’s lighter and safer than steel cables. Its 2.0kW permanent magnet motor provides steady power and can start with a low current draw, which is helpful if your vehicle’s battery isn’t very strong. The winch uses a three-stage planetary gear system with a high gear ratio (166:1), which balances pulling power and line speed. You get about 20 feet per minute speed when the winch is not under load, slowing to nearly 3 feet per minute under heavy weight—typical for this class of winch.

The AC-DK 5500 lb ATV/UTV winch is a solid choice for off-road enthusiasts needing a reliable and fairly powerful winch. Its 5500-pound load capacity suits most UTV recovery and towing tasks, making it versatile for vehicles like the YXZ1000R, Maverick, and similar models. The winch uses a high-quality Dyneema synthetic rope, which is light, strong, and safer than traditional steel cables because it reduces the risk of dangerous snapback. The motor is a 12V permanent magnet DC type with 2.7 horsepower, delivering stable power without overheating issues. It features an advanced planetary gear system with a 166:1 ratio, offering decent pulling speed — about 2.1 feet per minute under load and nearly 20 feet per minute unloaded — which helps save time during recovery.