So, my dad and I were thinking about ways to use a small winch to hoist a jet ski, small boat, etc. using a rear mounted winch. The idea is that instead of having to back down into the surf you could attach the winch cable and let the winch do the work. Then just drop it down on the hitch ball. So far we have 2 main theories on how it could work. Mine is to mount winch on horizontal roll cage (where speaker bar would be) and winch from up high then drop it down on the receiver. My dad's idea is to get an extra long receiver hitch with a winch plate mounted behind the hitch ball and go from there. Few main questions. Would the roll bar support that much weight/force and which one seems better? Other ideas are appreciated too. We are just looking at cheaper ATV winches 2000 lbs or so right now. See pics below for visual description.

Option 1


Option 2

 

I'd go with #2. Tomken used to make a winch multi-mount that you could slide a hitch into so you could keep the trailer hooked up -I am assuming that is the plan.

You could also just use a come-along or get a snowmobile winch - one that is secured with straps or a chain so it would not be mounted permanently.

If you had a front receiver you could push the trailer down to the water and use a frame mounted winch to bring it up, back up the ramp and switch ends with the trailer.

Don't use the rollbar.

 

I too would opt for option #2. The only way I would use the first choice would be after reinforcing the cage for the rear pressure that would be exerted on the cage.

Option #2 would be the cheaper and more practical method of getting the ski or boat up the hill.

 

I've got a better idea for you. Go have a look at the way a dry-dock trailer works. See it in action. They pull sailboats and large boats out of the water at the end of the season. The trailer disconnects, and slides down under the boat. Then is winched back in place once the boat is loaded.

You could do the same thing in miniature. Cut the trailer tongue and sleeve it. Install a small winch and do the same thing...

 

I vote #2 as I don't think the roll bar is designed for such stress on a continual basis. Just my $.02

 

Option 2 as well. You don't want to compromise the strength of your roll bar by using it as a winch point.

 

i would get a winch mount it in the bumper and use it, if not option 2 is better would you be lowering the tailer and all to the watter?or just the jetskis? if its the trailer i would add a wheel system you can swing out of the way.