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Indiana Ken 10-23-2012 18:44:06 66.249.234.243 Report to Moderator

If you assume the following: Trailer deck height = 2 ft, Ramp length = 6 feet, only one set of tractor wheels are on the ramps at any given time, 70% of total tractor weight is on the rear wheels and all tires have air/roll freely. The incline of the ramps is 18.5 degrees and the sine of 18.5 degrees is 0.316. Since only one set of wheels are on the ramps at any time the maximum pull will be when the rear wheels are on the ramps. To estimate the winch pull we take the sine of 18.5 degrees and multiply by the weight on the rear wheels. For example: 0.316 x 0.70 x 8000 lbs = 1771 lbs of winch pull. Note, I am not saying your trailer needs to be the dimensions listed above however, since no details were given I just picked some numbers to use as an example. If the dimensions of your trailer are different then the winch load will be different. Also, the connection at the tractor and the position of the winch can have some effect however since this is a rough estimate that detail need not be taken into account at this time. Now, what size winch to buy? I don't have any experience with the winch capacity needed for a 1771 lb load. Perhaps someone else can provide a recommendation. [Reply]   [No Email]