ATV Winch Accessories: Customizing Your ATV Winch

Choosing which ATV winch to buy is just one of many decisions you’ll make as you outfit your ATV for off-road use. You’ll also have to decide how to mount your ATV winch, and what additional equipment is needed to use your ATV winch effectively.

The cheapest way to mount your ATV winch is to purchase a generic winch mounting plate, also called a universal mounting plate. While this may save you money, it can add frustration. The risk is that you’ll have to modify the plate if it doesn’t fit the winch and the ATV. Drilling extra holes or cutting the plate will reduce the plate’s structural integrity.

An easier alternative is to find an ATV winch mounting kit that’s designed for your winch and your ATV. ATV mounting kits include all the hardware you’ll need, such as brackets, nuts, bolts, and washers. Since custom ATV winch mounting kits require no modification, they’ll be easier to install and potentially safer to use. You can find mounting kits that place the ATV winch on the front of your vehicle, the rear of your vehicle, or both. Multi-mount kits are the most convenient, as they allow you to switch the ATV winch from the front to the back of the ATV, or vice versa. Note that to use a multi-mount ATV kit, you may also need to buy an ATV winch wiring kit and winch carrier plate.

Once you start shopping around, you’ll find many winch accessories and winch parts that either protect your ATV winch or make your ATV winch easier to use. Here are some to consider:

ATV winch accessory kit: A WARN ATV winch accessory kit includes a snatch block, tree trunk protectors, and shackles. You can buy these items separately, but the kits typically include a handy carrying bag.

Fairleads: Fairleads guide your winch rope and protect it from wear and tear. Your winch should come with a fairlead, but you may need a replacement, particularly if you switch from a wire rope to a synthetic rope.

Gloves: You will need a strong pair of gloves to avoid tearing up your hands on the winch rope.

Plow system kit: If you live in a cold climate, you might consider purchasing an ATV plow kit. These kits use your ATV winch to turn your ATV into an efficient snow plow. Use an ATV plow once to clear your driveway, and you’ll swear off shovels forever.

Remote control: The winch remote is a must-have for self-recovery situations. You’d use the remote to operate your winch without having to be on the ATV. Many ATV winches come with some form of remote, but you might want to upgrade or replace your stock remote for more versatility.

Snatch block: A snatch block helps you with angled pulls and optimizes the pulling power of your winch.

Tree trunk protectors: You need tree trunk protectors to avoid damaging tree bark with your winch rope. These wide straps, which are typically made out of nylon, wrap around the tree and then attach to the end of your winch rope.

Wire rope extension: Your ATV winch will come with a cable, but you may want to invest in a wire rope extension to increase the reach of your winch. Lastly, your most important ATV winch accessory is your user’s manual. Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for wiring, installing, and using your ATV winch.