C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

Portable winch

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 07:14 PM
  #1  
Al77Vette's Avatar
Al77Vette
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 230
Likes: 6
From: Washington DC
Default Portable winch

Car stopped today on I95. I went to get a UHaul trailer and realized that three of use could not push a 3700lbs car on to the trailer. I ended up having it towed to the shop. $$$

Now I looking a portable winches. Any recommendations?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...5453_200315453

Do you think something like this is strong enough to pull a 1977 Corvette onto a trailer?
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 07:15 PM
  #2  
Durango_Boy's Avatar
Durango_Boy
Team Owner
 
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 24,125
Likes: 15
From: Columbia Missouri
Default

Originally Posted by Al77Vette
Car stopped today on I95. I went to get a UHaul trailer and realized that three of use could not push a 3700lbs car on to the trailer. I ended up having it towed to the shop. $$$

Now I looking a portable winches. Any recommendations?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...5453_200315453

Do you think something like this is strong enough to pull a 1977 Corvette onto a trailer?

I think it would work just fine so long as all wheels rolled freely and the ramp pitch wasn't too high.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 08:16 PM
  #3  
Jeffery73's Avatar
Jeffery73
Burning Brakes
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 1,164
Likes: 1
From: Port Clinton Ohio
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13
Default

I used this. It worked like a charm. It was $45 at our local Ace Hardware.



Reply
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 09:10 PM
  #4  
ddecart's Avatar
ddecart
Team Owner
25 Year Member
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 42,487
Likes: 47
SPARTAN
CI 3-4-5-6-8-9-10 Vet
CI-9 AutoX Winner
CI-3 Go Kart Champ
St. Jude '03-'04-'05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10-'11
Default

Like most anything from northern tool or harbor freight, it will probably work well a few times. A 5000 lb rolling capacity may work well enough, but it will depend on how steep the ramps are.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 10:09 PM
  #5  
DeeVeeEight's Avatar
DeeVeeEight
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by Jeffery73
I used this. It worked like a charm. It was $45 at our local Ace Hardware.



The generic name for this tool is a "come along".
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 10:10 PM
  #6  
...Roger...'s Avatar
...Roger...
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by Al77Vette
Car stopped today on I95. I went to get a UHaul trailer and realized that three of use could not push a 3700lbs car on to the trailer. I ended up having it towed to the shop. $$$

Now I looking a portable winches. Any recommendations?

http://www.northerntool.com/webapp/w...5453_200315453

Do you think something like this is strong enough to pull a 1977 Corvette onto a trailer?
Same thing happened to me once.Ended up chocking the wheels on the trailer,unhooked the tow vehicle and used a strap to tow the vette up on the trailer.actually I've had to do that a couple of times.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 10:22 PM
  #7  
DeeVeeEight's Avatar
DeeVeeEight
Instructor
 
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by DWncchs
Same thing happened to me once.Ended up chocking the wheels on the trailer,unhooked the tow vehicle and used a strap to tow the vette up on the trailer.actually I've had to do that a couple of times.
With my luck, if I tried that, my 'Vette would get yanked up the back and down the front of the trailer, or the trailer would somehow clear the chocks and take off with me on top.
Reply
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 10:36 PM
  #8  
Jclgodale3's Avatar
Jclgodale3
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
 
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 6,128
Likes: 21
From: North Alabama
Default

Originally Posted by DWncchs
Same thing happened to me once.Ended up chocking the wheels on the trailer,unhooked the tow vehicle and used a strap to tow the vette up on the trailer.actually I've had to do that a couple of times.
That sounds very unsafe
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

 Michael S. Palmer
story-1

2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

 Joe Kucinski
story-2

10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

 Joe Kucinski
story-3

5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

 Joe Kucinski
story-4

2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

 Brett Foote
story-7

Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-9

5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

 Joe Kucinski
Old Jul 8, 2007 | 10:52 PM
  #9  
SIXFOOTER's Avatar
SIXFOOTER
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Default

LOL, Roger, been there done that!
This is actually a very good method, you only have to use GOOD chocks for the trailer and have someone with a clue operating the tow vehicle. But, that said a come along is a better option
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 02:44 AM
  #10  
Bob Onit's Avatar
Bob Onit
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Default

I use Heacock Classic to insure my Corvette.
It is about $340 a year with an agreed upon value of $20K and a 5,000 mile per year restriction which I will never exceed.

To my surprise, they sent me a card and keychain tag in the mail a couple of months ago.

This is what is offered at no charge (there is some fine print) Flatbed is extra ect: But here the basic services.
________________________________________ ________

Jump Start

Dead battery? We'll bring cables and give you a jump start.

Lockout Service

Lock your keys in your car? We'll send a locksmith.

Flat Tire Assistance

We'll send someone to install your spare, and if you don't have a spare, your vehicle will be towed by a flatbed tow truck upon request.

Towing

If your car needs service, we'll tow it to the nearest qualified repair facility. Added fee to tow to a further location of your choice




Hey,I guess a couple of these services are pretty good considering it doesn't cost any extra.
The price did not go up since I've been using them so theres really nothing to lose unless they send Bubba out to the rescue
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 02:47 AM
  #11  
Bob Onit's Avatar
Bob Onit
Melting Slicks
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,341
Likes: 7
From: Connecticut
Default

I use Heacock Classic to insure my Corvette.
It is about $300 a year with a 5,000 mile restriction and they sent me a card and keychain tag in the mail a couple of months ago which did surprise me

This is what is offered at no charge (there is some fine print) Flatbed is extra ect: But here the basic services.
________________________________________ ________

Jump Start

Dead battery? We'll bring cables and give you a jump start.

Lockout Service

Lock your keys in your car? We'll send a locksmith.

Flat Tire Assistance

We'll send someone to install your spare, and if you don't have a spare, your vehicle will be towed by a flatbed tow truck upon request.

Towing

If your car needs service, we'll tow it to the nearest qualified repair facility.
Sign & Drive Convenience



Hey,I guess a few of these services are pretty good considering it doesn't cost any extra.
The price did not go up since I've been using them so theres really nothing to lose unless they send Bubba out to the rescue

http://www.heacockclassic.com/site/club/faq.asp
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 03:52 AM
  #12  
I'm Batman's Avatar
I'm Batman
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Default

Originally Posted by DWncchs
Same thing happened to me once.Ended up chocking the wheels on the trailer,unhooked the tow vehicle and used a strap to tow the vette up on the trailer.actually I've had to do that a couple of times.
My dad and I did that once in two feet of snow to get a 1931 Ford AA chassis with three stuck wheels onto a trailer...
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 04:55 AM
  #13  
Olddad's Avatar
Olddad
Racer
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 331
Likes: 0
From: Western KY
Default

Originally Posted by I'm Batman
My dad and I did that once in two feet of snow to get a 1931 Ford AA chassis with three stuck wheels onto a trailer...
Two good men could have moved it by hand unless the Model AA weighs twice as much as the Model A
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 05:37 AM
  #14  
I'm Batman's Avatar
I'm Batman
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Default

Originally Posted by Olddad
Two good men could have moved it by hand unless the Model AA weighs twice as much as the Model A
Actually, it pretty much does. AA frames and axles are seriously heavy duty...and this was a long-chassis model.
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 08:07 AM
  #15  
...Roger...'s Avatar
...Roger...
Race Director
 
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 16,528
Likes: 53
From: Dayton, Ohio
Default

Originally Posted by Jclgodale3
That sounds very unsafe
Extremely !!!!!! You are 100% correct.I could have used a change of clothes the first time because I was sweating so bad.The trick is you cant touch the brake pedal until you get on top of the trailer.Thats really scary if your IN the car being towed.
The second time I put my self in a ridiculous situation with a broken trailer winch(friends trailer) and 3 women that would not steer the trailered car(CJ5).It actually was the best and least stressful.I locked the steering wheel on the CJ, angled the trailer up a bit,layed a piece of 2x4 to stop the Cj (which I didnt need)and very slowly pulled it right up.I got out a couple times to adjust steering wheel and to move my only piece of 2x4 to the rear of tire.I took my time and it wasnt so bad but next time I will (like Sixfooter said) have a come along and let the old women operate the come along.
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 08:17 AM
  #16  
BillPk's Avatar
BillPk
Instructor
 
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 152
Likes: 0
Default

Originally Posted by DWncchs
Same thing happened to me once.Ended up chocking the wheels on the trailer,unhooked the tow vehicle and used a strap to tow the vette up on the trailer.actually I've had to do that a couple of times.
That's nuts.
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 10:16 AM
  #17  
fiberglassjunkie's Avatar
fiberglassjunkie
Advanced
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: Orono MN
Default

I have the same winch. Bought it at Northern last year and used it to pull a 68 AMX up a lawn at a 30 degree angle. No problem at all. Only issue is the cable is not very long so I had to reposition the tow car a couple of times. For a trailer it should be fine. You can't find a better deal for seventy bucks.
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To Portable winch

Old Jul 9, 2007 | 04:56 PM
  #18  
Casper's Avatar
Casper
Le Mans Master
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Mar 1999
Posts: 7,996
Likes: 0
From: McAlester Oklahoma
Default

A $29. come-along will do the trick. But I also use AAA.
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 10:31 PM
  #19  
Al77Vette's Avatar
Al77Vette
Thread Starter
Instructor
15 Year Member
 
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 230
Likes: 6
From: Washington DC
Default

Originally Posted by fiberglassjunkie
I have the same winch. Bought it at Northern last year and used it to pull a 68 AMX up a lawn at a 30 degree angle. No problem at all. Only issue is the cable is not very long so I had to reposition the tow car a couple of times. For a trailer it should be fine. You can't find a better deal for seventy bucks.
I think I will give it a try.
Reply
Old Jul 9, 2007 | 11:06 PM
  #20  
I'm Batman's Avatar
I'm Batman
Team Owner
Supporting Lifetime
10 Year Member
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Default

After trashing one of those come-alongs on the AA blizzard misadventure, my dad poked around on eBay and picked up a hand-cranked winch from a WWII Jeep. That thing will pull ANYTHING if you can get enough leverage. It just doesn't move very fast.
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 04:59 PM.

story-0
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2

Slideshow: Should you buy a 2020-2026 Corvette or wait for 2027?

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-22 10:08:58


VIEW MORE
story-1
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every Model vs Closest Competitor

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette lineup vs the world.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-20 17:58:41


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!

Slideshow: 10 major Corvette problems from the last 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-14 16:37:05


VIEW MORE
story-3
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!

Slideshow: 5 most and least popular Corvette model years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-08 13:25:01


VIEW MORE
story-4
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!

Slideshow: 2027 Corvette buyer's guide

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-17 16:41:08


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things C8 Corvette Owners Hate (But Won't Tell You)

Slideshow: 10 things C8 Corvette owners hate, but won't tell you.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-04-01 18:36:07


VIEW MORE
story-6
10 Best Corvettes Coming to Barrett-Jackson Palm Beach 2026!

Slideshow: Should you add one of these incredible Corvettes to your garage?

By Brett Foote | 2026-04-01 18:14:05


VIEW MORE
story-7
Every Corvette Grand Sport Explained! (C2, C4, C6, C7, & C8)

Slideshow: Every Corvette Grand Sport explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-26 07:13:44


VIEW MORE
story-8
Grand Sport & Grand Sport X Launch Alongside All-New 535hp LS6 V8!

Slideshow: Breaking down the 2027 Grand Sport, Grand Sport X, Stingray, and LS6 V8.

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-03-26 13:48:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
5 Reasons Bad Drivers Crash & 5 Ways to Avoid a Costly Mistake!

Slideshow: 5 reasons bad drivers crash sports cars & 5 ways to avoid a costly shame!

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-03-25 16:32:55


VIEW MORE