How to build a portable trailer winch - Harbor Freight Badlands 5000

How to build a portable trailer winch - Harbor Freight Badlands 5000.
I've been wanting a portable trailer winch and came up with a removable, self contained design that holds all the electrical components. I used a Harbor Freight Badlands 5000 that I can power with a jump pack or jumper cables. I can use it on my trailer and easily move it to anything with a receiver hitch. As long as you're reasonable with your expectations an ATV winch can work well on a trailer.

[@bryanwalker7031]

I've had a winch sitting in a box over last 10 years. FINALLY ... someone provided an answer to some of the ???? to get me to complete this idea. Thank you.

[@Mitalayeka]

This is really appreciated thanks for taking your time to show how it can be done.

[@glennwilbur2546]

Enjoyed your commentary and the 0n fly engineering that we all encounter as DIYers.

[@LindenRanch]

Very nice. Love the portable power source.

[@SkitzerPoindexter]

Cool video. I built a similar setup in spring of 2019. I used the same winch and plate that you did, but never found a good solution for the solenoid mess. I really like how you did yours. The idea of the jump pack is a good one, too. I added two bolt on receiver hitches to the floor of my shop, so I could winch dead vehicles in, and got the wireless remote for the winch. The whole thing works well except that my winch line likes to bunch up on one side. Yours seems to do what it's supposed to. LOL

[@PRBB25]

Next project winch remote install. This helped me out a lot it got the ole gears in the thinker going. Thanks for sharing

[@concretegutter]

Great job

[@concretegutter]

I just bought one I’m sure that’s all I’ll need

[@stephengmeiner3264]

Nice build. I picked up the 8000lb winch a few years ago and bought the wireless remote. It’s very handy. You could have been on the tractor steering it while running the winch. Those blocks are nice too. I use mine a lot. I mount my winch on a trailer mover on my 3 point of my Kubota and have an Anderson Plug on the ROPS for quick connection. The plug is on 4 AWG welding cable that runs to the battery.

[@willtricks9432]

Wireless is a lot better. Cheers

[@beetlefang]

It's funny...I have the same tractor and basically the same trailer, a 20 foot. This video exactly explained what my dad was saying I should do next with a harbor freight wench. Thanks for teaching me.

[@adamj8293]

Fairly easy project and will come in very handy. I haven’t had to use it yet other than testing, but when the day comes that I really need it I’ll definitely be happy to have it.

[@Scoutss21962]

Great video. I have a similar setup with the same winch on a 14' utility trailer. I have a battery box with an Optima battery, I've loaded several 6000lb vehicles with the snatch block. I purchased the wireless remote which really adds to the package. The Badlands 5000lb winch is one of the best deals out there. I've had mine for several years and it has never failed me.

[@adamj8293]

Glad to hear that. I didn’t realize they had a wireless remote for the 5000 lb. I’ll have to check into that. Thanks!

[@Stinker337]

By putting that block on it definitely made a difference. I can hear that it wasn't bogging the winch down as much. I just purchased a 2024 32 ft. car hauler that I am gonna mount a 12000 lb. Badland winch onto it. You gave me an idea to mount it the same way. Except I will make the receiver tube longer to put a 45° brace underneath the backside. Thanks

[@adamj8293]

That 12,000 Badland will load anything you hook onto. Good choice and good luck with the build.

[@iainearl27]

Really glad I found your video. Thank you for the great tips on setting up this winch. Bought it for my half ton truck to use in the bed and a just in case for offroading. I know it's a little small to pull my truck but it'll work in a pinch. I was getting ready to return the winch after just having bought it due to the fact that all the electronics are external and with my set up I would have no way to make it modular and protect everything from the weather. Defiantly going to do a similar set up to yours. Keep the great ideas coming.

[@ryantaft1757]

This is awesome, 100% going to copy this design. Thanks!!

[@daveh.8488]

Nice simple set up. I'm setting up a trailer winch now, but I'm using Anderson quick connects. I have one mounted under my truck bumper so I can hook up any of my trailers quickly or use it with jumper cables I made for it.

[@mattm.1842]

“Maybe I need to give it a little rest I don’t know we’ll keep going” 🤣 Great video! Love the set up.

[@arcraider937]

After the 1st time i used mine . Found a wireless remote . What a difference.

[@g.jeffreypowell270]

Nice video I built something very similar for my Badlands 1200lb winch. My is a permanent mount.I got a 12v battery from Battery warehouse, like a power wheels type of battery.I have everything in the battery box. Very nicely done

[@yourbuddyaj]

Thank you for showing the strength of your job. I’ve seen a lot of videos of the install but no demo.

[@NVRLWENF]

Such a great video. Thanks.

[@daveredlinger7194]

THANKS SO MUCH FOR A REAL FINE DEMONSTRATION, IT HELPED ME A GREAT DEAL!

[@danielcolfer4671]

Awesome set up.

[@willtricks9432]

Doing mine in the morning. Cheers

[@tims.5995]

Great project, I liked the use of the jump pack to power the winch. I would make some kind of adapter to hook it to a tree. Thanks for sharing ur ideas . 🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@adamj8293]

Tree mount is a good idea. I plan to build a mount inside my shop with a lift point on the ceiling so I can use it for basic lifts off the floor too. Stay tuned for that.

[@willtricks9432]

Tree mount for pulling roots out. Cheers

[@manonfirelj]

Thanks for the video, it helped with my installation .

[@adamj8293]

Glad it was helpful. It’s a great addition to any trailer. Thanks!

[@kevinsievert5489]

Thank you for the valuable information! I just completed my trailer winch project tonight and I did it almost exactly how you did it and it worked great! I have some pictures and a short video I wish I could share with you all but can’t put them here in the comments 😢

[@jamesharless5357]

Great job,works great!👍🏻

[@barbarianleatherandblades8686]

Great ideas on this I was just thinking about this same project earlier today. Safety Damping is needed there though. Harbor Freight has a wireless remote for $40 that will retro fit that wench.

[@adamj8293]

Safety dampening definitely a good idea. I try to stay to the side out of harms way but easy to throw something over the cable just in case. Good luck with your project.

[@danielalamo2075]

Nice set up! I bought a used 16 foot car trailer. It didn't come with the winch. But it had a hitch receiver mounted on a heavy plate just forward of the deck where previous owner had his winch. I have seen others mount the winch on the deck or removable like yours. But I would rather have the full deck available for a vehicle. I made the plate hinged so I can build a storage box underneath. I just won't be able to get into it with the winch mounted. I just haven't had the time to finish. And when the time comes, I have no money for supplies.

[@modificationnation73]

I put my 5k winch on a hitch vice holder and use it on my truck and welded a receiver on my car hauler for it as well.

[@Pbaglio21]

Awesome video!

[@bigred06100]

Nice setup

[@miatafunrun3078]

Nice Install. I have not tried, but read on HF, the Badlands remote works with this winch.

[@adamj8293]

Someone else mentioned that too. I definitely need to check into that. Would make loading by myself much easier. Thanks!

[@dougmckenzie680]

Be sure and read your manual, the 5,000 lb. cap.is only available on the first wrap of cable on the drum. The more wraps of cable on the drum, the more the pulling power decreases. Hope this helps.

[@jrbrumley9334]

NICE JOB!!!

[@johnlong384]

I've been there and did remove the winch on my 34' trailer from were you have and placed it in front of the bar in order to have it out of the way after it has caused problems when loading several vehicles or lager loads at the same time.

[@MrBIGTEE504]

Great job nice build liked and subscribed

[@terrywalker9904]

Great idea, if your trailer uses a 7 pin connector, use the pin that is 12 volt power from the truck and put a female from that on the trailer and a male connector on the winch doing away with a jump box or booster cables.... I watched your video to the end...

[@Bars_on_wheels]

Nice work sir

[@rjl110919581]

great video put lead run from the front of a truck back of truck carry extra power down to winch on the trailer from Australia

[@Georgiaguntraining]

I would have put the box inline with the winch and asaved 10" of trailer space in the middle. Good idea on the bolts for battery hookup.

[@rudisolihin6168]

Good job

[@kentstringer4160]

Nice job. Clamps on drill press. Is that to hold plat form level? W D for drilling. Water works as well. You solution fits the need.

[@bethrhodes7329]

1st- Beautiful Boxer!!! 2nd- I am wanted to attach a winch to our ford ranger 08 truck bed to pull up a floor scrubber. Looks like it definatly can pull it. Do you have recommondations for how to attch to the truck bed?

[@brianpetersen8521]

One other thing - my winch has a small red wire that will go to the positive ignition switch. I don’t want/need to use an ignition. What is done with this wire on both the rocker switch and the remote?

[@kenny5174]

I have a 8000lb. you really need a wireless remote, would enable you to sit on the tractor, and operate the steering, brakes, etc. I use my winch also in my receiver hitch on my truck. the remote allows me to drive the tractor under power and pull from the truck at same time.

[@adamj8293]

I agree Ken. Wireless is on my to do list. I recently upgraded to a 9,000 lb. More power and better duty cycle.

[@kevinosimmons]

Needed to see the installation of the solenoid

[@jimthvac100]

I would of been interested in how much the battery voltage dropped while using the winch under load. The winch may of pulled hard simply because because the battery could not provide enough amps for the winch and instead the supply voltage from it just dropped causing the winch to slow down. The first thing I thought of when I seen that small Dewalt jump box is that the battery inside was not big enough for that Winch.

[@brianpetersen8521]

Maybe I missed the link and couldn’t find the video when I went to you channel, but can you send me the link to the clamp on receiver hitch for your tractor bucket?

[@AZHerps]

Since doing this video do you happen to have a better idea how long the battery pack lasts?

[@clintboots8250]

What was ur measurement for the braket

[@victorialittle1861]

Where's the link for the bucket hitch?

[@djcrash1104]

Did you find that the connector for the white wire was too large to fit on the small center screw? I had to trim it for it to connect. I really liked this video because I was wanting to do the same thing. I want to use a metal Ammo can but I’m not sure yet how to connect the power bolts so that they don’t arc.

[@adamj8293]

It’s been a while but seems like I remember having an issue with the white wire too. I too thought about an ammo can but went with plastic to avoid any electrical issues. If you can find some good grommets and plastic washers to insulate the bolts you may also want to spray plastidip on the inside of the can to add insurance. I was thinking about the same thing and might try that on my next one.

[@ryanfil1927]

How to hook it up to the battery permanently?

[@luismendoza6672]

Does it need to covered of rain? Or is it waterproof i just installed mine on my trailer is kinda tight to fit something to cover it

[@adamj8293]

The Badlands 5000 unit I have is supposed to be waterproof. I just don’t like the idea of it sitting out in the weather all the time so I’d try to cover it somehow if possible. May not hurt it right away but may shorten its life.

[@kennethboyer2338]

That tractor is probably at the limit for that winch with the FEL and whatever is on the rear.

[@hectortan2849]

Nice set up. But why the need to pull the tractor when you can actually drive it up the trailer? Just wonderin’

[@adamj8293]

Just a test/demonstration. I wanted to see how well it pulls.

[@nonedispose7420]

On your last pull, the hook to the trailer rail did not look very secure. I could not tell if you made a hole to set the hook in or not. Hopefully I am wrong. Take care.

[@georgenettlesjr1466]

Where did you buy the complete wiring kit and remote solenoid?

[@adamj8293]

They came with the winch

[@mikah4051]

If it was me, I was just drive the tractor on to the trailer. Just kidding, thanks for sharing.

[@bradjenkins932]

The more raps of cable on the drum, the less it will pull.

[@thesmallenginekid]

the 5k rating is with snatch block. 2500lb straight line pull.

[@adamj8293]

The 5k winch I had from HF was 5k for single line pull. That’s for the first wrap of the drum of course which usually doesn’t happen.

[@GusgusA1]

double the capacity ONLY when snatch blocking on the first wrap of the drum.

[@KenMrKLC]

You have the same problem as me making videos.... The "Um" curse..... The more I try and stop saying it so many times I just cannot.... I am supposed to replace that time you say "um" with silence..... But its Soooooo hard once the camera starts. I have been cutting out a lot of the "ums" in my videos when I can but thats no fun to do so its a punishment to help me stop. Nice setup you made

[@Handirifle]

MOST Harbor Freight winches only achieve their rated pull (5,000 lbs in this case) AFTER the snatch block is employed.

[@firehawk956]

What does the tractor weigh?

[@adamj8293]

Somewhere between 2500-3000 lbs

[@TheVojtas99]

what capacity Dewalt? Thanks

[@adamj8293]

Mine is a 1400. Seems to have good power and lasts quite a while

[@DonCatherman]

You kept laying down the controller.and walking back to the tractor to steer it...why did you not carry the controller with you..it has plenty of Cord..I have the same wench...pull and steer at the same time..good video just the same..I am doing the same with mine..hooked to back of pick-up truck..at gooseneck point...build space in already installed tool box on truck.. storage for went as well.... intended use,,pull boat on trailer..and or anything on open car hauler..will add something to use it in enclosed race trailer as well...light easy to move why not use it everywhere you can...

[@AztecWarrior69]

So many things that you could have done better but there is one thing you are doing wrong. 36:28 Do not hook it anywhere it can slide or fall off. I your case it is both. First the obvious, it very possible that it can slide along that channel. It could slide at the wring time. Second and more important, is never hook it to where it can come off. If there is a time when the cable becomes slack, like when the tractor just passes the ramps, that hook can slide forward and off the channel. Then if the tractor rolls back, the cable is no longer secure. Always hook on to something that allows that spring loaded hook keeper, to do its job. I had many other tips listed but I accidently hit the back button. So I will leave you with at least this one. Use Anderson Power connectors.

[@mrmagnificent4551]

How much did it cost?

[@adamj8293]

The winch was $188 after tax, plus some misc steel. A little over $200 all in.

[@pirateatfourty]

i use my 2000 pound winch to pullup the tailgate. well ramp/ and to help unload my boss hoss trike worksout just fine do however need to get a solar charger and controller to keep the battery charged, one of my brilliant ideas was hey why not put my huge generator on the trailer and use it to charge the battery lol i would need the winch to pull up the generator.. not a good idea lol

[@Handirifle]

The circuit breaker is to protect the winch motor and wiring, not the car.

[@user-rh9mh5kh3p]

50 cal ammo box and lawnmower battery

[@malmal5158]

2" box section

[@jamesharris4744]

Love those boxers

[@JohnC-kc5uh]

Wireless remote, is your fix

[@adamj8293]

Agreed!

[@JohnC-kc5uh]

@@adamj8293 I should have waited and watched the whole video, before making my comment. Lol still thumbs up on your video

[@BillSias-op7xw]

Why did you move the camera, much rather see the tractor pulled.

[@terrygriffith7907]

I only buy steel floor trailers to haul cars and pickups but i buy a lot of vehicles that does not have tires i use a 9,000 lb winch i have loaded one ton trucks with out tires with no problems wood floor trailers is good if the cars you haul cars with tires but i haul junk cars most of them has no tires spend a little more money for a steel floor and haul some junk lol

[@lostinspace280]

Channel Iron

[@pete7894]

Get a blanket on that cable and duty cycle!!!

[@mellong1719]

It's amazing watching you torture that winch, maybe you should find out what your doing before you share.

[@adamj8293]

Ha! That’s the point its a test to see what it will handle. If it couldn’t handle that tractor I would know I’d need to upgrade. From what I’ve seen those HF winches will handle a lot of abuse regardless of duty rating. Thanks for the comment!

[@virgilgray]

UUHHHHHMMMMMMMM

[@chaseyangtze4689]

You should always clamp down work piece.. drills press milling garbbed you can get cutting up 😢

[@knowsbetter1]

Remote and sit on your tractor.

[@adamj8293]

I’ve since upgraded and that’s exactly what I do! Thanks

[@louisp.3332]

You couldn’t possibly be doing it all more wrong then you are doing it for your safety. 1) Never stand where you are standing because if the cable breaks it will take your head off! 2) Always lay something on top of the cable to break the fall if the cable snaps! They actually make things for that but I use an ankle weight for exercise. 3) That winch cable is going to break I assure you! You should have bought a more heavy duty winch. 4) You should always be sitting on the tractor as you winch it or if it fails it’s going to roll backwards and kill somebody..:

[@robertdominiczak6523]

Sorry 5 minutes in and to much yap yap

[@tdotw77]

Couldn't you have just used the receiver winch mounts they sell along with the wiches instead of making one? 🤔 Yours is probably alot stronger than the China made reciever winch plate is though I'm sure! I want to put one of thses together too. Want to be able to use on front & back of truck(f250 7.3L), gotta add the front reciver tho. I don't have the trailer...yet, but id like to get one too - so winch would be nice to have for that too. I've seen a few ppl on here that built these using the store bought winch trays, just curious why you chose this way instead?👍🏻👌🏻🛠️🔧🔩📐✏️📏⛓️⚙️🔌🔋⚡💥💨✌🏻🚜

[@tdotw77]

I guess yours is much bigger so the other one wouldn't work - unless modified. 😅