Hand winches (manual trailer winches) are essential for loading boats, ATVs, and equipment onto trailers. No batteries, no wiring — just mechanical advantage. We compared 4 leading brands in the 2,000 lb single-speed class.
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Dutton-Lainson DL2000A | Fulton T2005 | Goldenrod | Reese Towpower |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rating | ⭐ 4.7/5 (3,500+) | ⭐ 4.5/5 (2,100+) | ⭐ 4.4/5 (800+) | ⭐ 4.3/5 (1,500+) |
| Capacity | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs | 2,000 lbs |
| Gear Ratio | 4.1:1 | 4.4:1 | 4.1:1 | 4.1:1 |
| Cable/Strap | Strap (25ft × 2″) | Cable (20ft × 3/16″) | Strap (20ft × 2″) | Cable or strap options |
| Handle Length | 10″ | 10″ | 9″ | 10″ |
| Brake | Automatic brake | Ratchet | Automatic brake | Ratchet |
| Weight | 7.5 lbs | 6.8 lbs | 7.0 lbs | 6.5 lbs |
| Price | $45–$65 | $35–$50 | $30–$45 | $25–$40 |
| Origin | ?? USA (Hastings, NE) | ?? USA (Mosinee, WI) | ?? China | ?? USA (brand, China mfg) |
| Warranty | 1-year | 5-year limited | 1-year | 1-year |
Brand Reviews
Dutton-Lainson DL2000A — Made in America, Built to Last
⭐ 4.7/5 (3,500+ reviews) | Dutton-Lainson has been making winches in Hastings, Nebraska since 1886. The DL2000A is the most popular hand winch in North America — you’ll find it on boat trailers from Bass Pro to custom builds. The automatic brake is the standout feature: the load holds instantly when you stop cranking, with no ratchet noise or pawl wear.
Pros: • Automatic brake (smooth, quiet) • Made in USA — 130+ year heritage • Most-reviewed hand winch on Amazon • All-steel construction, no plastic parts • Wide 2″ strap included
Cons: • Heaviest option • Most expensive • Strap-only (no cable option)
What users say: “Had a Fulton cable winch for 5 years, switched to Dutton-Lainson strap. Night and day difference. The automatic brake alone is worth it — no more CLACK-CLACK-CLACK at the boat ramp.” — Amazon verified purchase
Fulton T2005 — Best Warranty
⭐ 4.5/5 | Fulton (Mosinee, Wisconsin) is the other major American winch manufacturer. The T2005 uses a traditional ratchet mechanism and comes with a steel cable instead of a strap. The 5-year warranty is the best in this comparison.
Pros: • 5-year warranty — best in class • Steel cable included • Slightly higher gear ratio (easier cranking) • Lighter weight
Cons: • Cable can kink and rust • Ratchet mechanism is noisy • Cable is harder on hands without gloves
Goldenrod — Budget Pick
⭐ 4.4/5 | Chinese-made but decent quality for the price. Features an automatic brake similar to Dutton-Lainson. Good choice for occasional use or as a backup winch.
Pros: • Automatic brake at a budget price • Strap included • Adequate for light-duty use
Cons: • Chinese manufacture • Finish quality lower • Shorter handle = more effort
Reese Towpower — Widely Available
⭐ 4.3/5 | The Reese brand (owned by Cequent) is found at every Walmart and auto parts store. Basic ratchet winch that gets the job done. Cable and strap versions available.
Pros: • Cheapest option • Available everywhere • Cable or strap choice
Cons: • Most reports of gear wear • Handle can feel flimsy • Chinese-manufactured despite US branding
Cable vs Strap: Which to Choose?
Strap advantages: Won’t rust, won’t kink, easier on hands, won’t scratch boat gelcoat, stores flat, lighter.
Cable advantages: Longer service life in abrasive environments, doesn’t absorb water, thinner profile for tight spaces.
Our take: Unless you have a specific reason for cable, go with strap. Most boat trailer owners switched to straps years ago and never looked back.
Recommendation
Best overall: Dutton-Lainson DL2000A — the automatic brake is a game-changer. Best warranty: Fulton T2005 — 5 years of peace of mind. Budget: Goldenrod — automatic brake at a Reese price.
Ratings from Amazon.com and boating forums. CargoRigging.com is an independent directory.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a single-speed and two-speed hand winch?
A single-speed hand winch has one gear ratio — typically 4:1 — providing consistent pulling force at a fixed speed. A two-speed winch offers a high-speed ratio (about 4:1) for light loads and fast retrieval, and a low-speed ratio (about 8:1 or higher) for heavy pulling with less cranking effort. For boat trailer use, two-speed is strongly recommended: use high gear to take up slack and low gear for the final heavy pull up the trailer bunks.
What capacity hand winch do I need for a boat trailer?
Select a hand winch rated at least 1.25 times your loaded boat weight for a flat ramp, and 1.5 times for a steep ramp. A 3,000 lb boat needs a minimum 3,750 lb winch on a gentle ramp or 4,500 lb on a steep one. This accounts for rolling resistance, ramp angle, and friction on the trailer bunks or rollers. Under-sized winches require excessive cranking effort and wear out the gear mechanism quickly.
Should I use a winch strap or cable on my boat trailer winch?
Straps are preferred for boat trailers because they will not scratch gelcoat or fiberglass, are easier to handle (no sharp broken wire ends), and are lighter. Cables are more abrasion-resistant and last longer in sandy or gritty environments. For saltwater use, straps are better because they do not corrode — but rinse with fresh water after every use. Replace straps when you see fraying, UV fading, or any cut deeper than 10% of the strap width.