If you’re still relying on a manual winch to load your trailer, now might be the perfect time to consider upgrading. Electric winches have come a long way in recent years, becoming more affordable, reliable, and user-friendly across the board.
At Eco-Trailer, we’ve embraced this shift by offering 12V electric winches powered by an onboard battery – available as an optional extra on all our models. That’s right: you can be ready to load and use an electric winch straight from day one, if you like.
Why Go Electric?
Electric winches offer a range of benefits that make them a smart choice for modern vehicle transport:
- Remote-control operation makes solo loading fast and safe
- Consistent pulling speed with no physical effort required
- Integrated 12V battery system supplied as standard on all Eco-Trailers
For regular users, or anyone transporting heavy or high-value vehicles, an electric winch saves time, reduces risk, and makes the loading process stress-free.
That said, manual winches still have a place for light-duty or occasional use. They’re simple, lightweight, and don’t rely on electrical systems – ideal if you’re working off-grid or loading smaller, lighter vehicles. However, they do require more physical effort, and can be slow or challenging to use single-handed.
Electric Winch Upgrades: Now or Later?
If you’re ordering a new trailer from Eco-Trailer, we highly recommend specifying your winch setup at the time of build. But don’t worry if you’re not ready just yet—our electric winches can be easily added at a later date. Whether you’re upgrading your equipment or retrofitting an older model, we offer winch kits and batteries that integrate cleanly with our trailers.
👉 [Browse our full range of electric winches and battery kits here]
Steel Cable vs Synthetic Rope: What’s the Difference?
Alongside winch type, the cable material also plays a key role in usability and safety.
At Eco-Trailer, we’re phasing out traditional steel wire cables in favour of synthetic rope—and for good reason.
✅ Why We Prefer Synthetic Rope:
- No painful frays or steel splinters—much safer for your hands
- Lighter and easier to handle during setup
- Won’t rust or kink like steel cables
- Safer in the event of a break, with no dangerous recoil
While steel cables have long been the industry standard, synthetic rope is the smarter, safer, and more practical option for most users, particularly when loading alone.
Need Help Choosing? Just Ask.
Whether you’re unsure which winch setup suits your needs, or you want honest advice on upgrading an existing trailer, our team is here to help. We don’t just build trailers—we bring real-world transport experience from motorsport, classic car transport, and high-value vehicle handling.
At Eco-Trailer, we’re always happy to offer practical, tailored advice to ensure you get the most from your trailer. Contact us today.
