Help Center
Trailer Winches
Owners Manuals
Mounting Templates
RC23, RC23-S & RC30 Trailer Winches
712, 712-S, 912 Trailer Winches
915 Trailer Winch
Trailer Winch FAQs
Winch will not operate- Electric Winches
Check power connections and circuit breaker to battery
Make sure all power connection points (i..e wires) are in good condition and the connections are tight and clean.
Bypass the circuit breaker and test the winch. If the winch runs then the circuit breaker needs to be replaced. If not, reconnect the circuit breaker.
For Electric Winches Only.
Load slips- Electric Winches
Load can slip during retrieval, back after boat is retrieved or it could be a clutch lining issue
If load slips during retrieval, thrust washers and thrust bearings are worn or deformed. Make sure to replace.
If load slips back after boat is retrieved, clutch bearing inside the 120 tooth gear has failed. Replace gear assembly.
If it is neither of those options, check clutch lining. Clutch lining is located on 120 tooth gear under the LHS (clutch side) of case. Ensure that clutch is clean and free of grease. Clean as required. If clutch lining is worn or damaged, replace the 120 tooth gear assembly.
For Electric Winches Only.
Cable is difficult to pull out- Electric Winches
The clutch lock up cable
If winch cable is initially difficult to pull out, try engaging motor for a few seconds with clutch fully released. This should free clutch allowing cable to pull out.
For Electric Winches Only.
Key fob remote does not operate winch- Electric Winches
For optimum performance, remote should be operated within 10-15 feet from winch- battery and reprograming follow after
Check remote battery. Battery must provide a minimum of 9V to correctly transmit to the receiver. If it does then the battery is good move onto reprograming. If not, replace the battery.
To reprogram remote/receiver, check in the owners manual here. If the steps do not work, the transmitter or receiver is defective. Contact your authorized service center.
For Electric Winches Only.
Light will not turn on- Electric Winches
Lighting issues could be bulb, switch, or remote related
Check bulb. Read in the owners manual here on how to check the bulb. If those steps do not work replace the bulb.
If light does not turn on with switch but works with remote, the switch is bad and will need to be replaced.
If the light does not turn on with remote but works with switch, check the remote. It will be on of two options: battery or reprograming options.
For Electric Winches Only.
Winch not secured to frame- Manual Winches
Check square washer
Ensure square washer is properly installed on top of frame.
Hand knob is tight- Manual Winches
Check ratchet system
Ensure ratchet system is properly greased. Refer to routine maintenance instructions in the owners manual here.
Strap does not move- Manual Winches
Check strap on spool
Ensure the strap is sufficiently tight on spool. Turn crank arm until the load pulls strap tight on spool.
Marine Winches
Owners Manuals
Discontinued Models
Marine Manuals (Discontinued)
Mounting Template
36' Class, 41' Class and 46' Class Windlasses
Sport Fishing 450 Windlass
300 Capstan, 1000 Capstan and Quick Catch Pot Puller
Marine Winch FAQs
Winch will not operate
Check power connections and circuit breaker to battery
Make sure all power connection points (i..e wires) are in good condition and the connections are tight and clean.
Bypass the circuit breaker and test the winch. If the winch runs then the circuit breaker needs to be replaced. If not, reconnect the circuit breaker.
For 46′ Class Windlass Only:
Rope slips or jams when retrieving
Check rope size and rope condition
The rope can be the wrong size, frayed or worn, or too stiff. Make sure to replace the rope.
Chain slips or jams
Check chain size and chain condition
The chain can be the wrong size, links could be bent or corroded, or chain is kinked. Make sure to replace the chain.
Anchor line will not Free-Fall
Check if rope is tangled in rope locker, chain kinked, or anchor is wedged in bow roller
If rope is tangled in rope locker make sure to untangle rope and ensure there are no kinks or twists before anchoring.
Make sure to unkink chain.
Free anchor if it is wedged in bow roller.
How to calculate the anchor weight
Let's do some math
Anchor + Rode/Rope/Chain + Any Hardware ≤ 1/4 thePulling Power of the Unit
Camper Winches
Owners Manuals
Discontinued Models
Camper Manuals (Discontinued)
Mounting Template
Motorized Folding Camper Winch
Camper Winch FAQs
Winch will not operate
Check power connections and circuit breaker to battery
Make sure all power connection points (i..e wires) are in good condition and the connections are tight and clean.
Bypass the circuit breaker and test the winch. If the winch runs then the circuit breaker needs to be replaced. If not, reconnect the circuit breaker.
Camper top extends over or under
This is either a lower limit switch issue or an upper limit switch issues
If the motor continues to run after the top is down; or, the motor stops before the top is down. The lower limit switch is set incorrectly. Refer to owners manual on how to reset.
If the motor continues to run after the camper top is fully raised; or, the top is not raised high enough before the motor shuts off. The upper limit switch is set incorrectly. Refer to owners manual on how to reset.
Camper top lowers without motor
Need to tighten or replace the clutch
The folding camper winch uses a clutch to maintain tension in the drive gears. If the top slowly slips down, it will be necessary to tighten the clutch. Locate the clutch on the right side of the winch. Loosen the jam nut. Tighten the inner nut approximately 1/8 of a turn. Tighten the outer jam nut. Retest and repeat as necessary.
Adjusting the Limit Switches
Camper roof will not raise high enough
The limit switches turn off the winch when the camper top is closed (lower limit switch) and when the top is fully extended (upper limit switch).
Setting the Lower Limit Switch After attaching and winding the cable, it is necessary to set the lower limit switch.
1. Locate the RED down limit switch.
2. Using a 4mm allen wrench, turn the screw clockwise to increase the time the motor runs. Turn the screw counterclockwise to decrease the motor run time.
3. Test the setting:Make sure that the latches for the camper top are released. Use the winch switch and raise the camper top 10″-12″. Use the winch switch to lower the camper top. If the top does not close completely before the motor stops, the limit switch is prematurely shutting off the motor. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to increase the motor run time. If the motor continues to run after the top is down, the limit switch is not shutting off the motor soon enough. Repeat steps 1 through 3 to decrease the motor run time.
Setting the Upper Limit Switch
1. Raise the camper top to the maximum height recommended by the camper manufacturer. There is generally a cord or other visual indicator to indicate when the top is at the correct height.
2. Use a brace to support the camper top while adjusting the winch.
3. Locate the WHITE up limit switch.
4. Using a 4mm allen wrench, turn the screw clockwise to increase the time the motor runs. Turn the screw counterclockwise to decrease the motor run time.
5. Test the setting: Remove the support brace from step 2. Use the winch switch and lower the camper top 10″-12″. Use the winch switch to raise the camper top. If the camper top stops below the recommended height, the limit switch is prematurely shutting off the motor. Repeat steps 1 through 5 increase the motor run time. If the motor continues to run after the camper top is fully raised, the switch is not shutting off the motor soon enough. Repeat steps 1 through 5 to reduce the motor run time.
Electric lift won't operate
Electric lift will not raise the camper roof at all
If having issues with the electric lift operation and separate from the winch operating, it is time to replace the relay. Ensure that the wires go to the same terminals on the new relay as they were positioned on the old relay.