What is an electric winch?

Electric winches use electricity from a vehicle to wind wire around a drum in order to pull objects connected to the end of the wire. Electric winches are used on vehicles such as tow trucks to help move disabled vehicles.

Electric winches are attached to vehicle batteries as a power source, and car owners must install power switches to operate winches. People must be careful to choose winches that are appropriate for the weight and frame strength of their vehicles and may have to purchase specialized bumpers to attach winches. When towing another vehicle, people using electric winches should put their vehicles in park, set the emergency brake and unspool most of the wire prior to towing.