Winch in toy hauler Garage

I bolted a Harbor Freight remote winch.
Just make sure you fuse it.

An epidemic would have already happened if one was to occur.

taken wrote:
I'm not lucky. I chose a manufacturer deliberately that does this correctly. (Just one of a million things I considered before purchase.) Sure, some manufacturers cheap out on the installation but it usually rears it's head the first time you put a ratchet strap on the ring and crank something down. That's the exception, not the rule, but sure, why not take a peak under your garage if you haven't before.

On the flip side, I see people constantly posting issues on forums. ST tire failure. Water tanks dropping on the road. Wiring issues. Loose panels. Etc, etc, etc. In fact, it would seem that many, if not a majority of folks, join forums to report and look for help on issues/failures. However, I've yet to comes across a D-Ring failure epidemic even though I'm here, on IRV2, and quite a few other forums daily so your version of common must be a bit different than mine.

From my perspective, you are fortunate (some may say lucky) to have the wherewithal to choose a manufacturer that 'does it correctly'. Not everyone has the knowledge, awareness, and financial resources to do so.

Appreciate you acknowledging the fact my suggestion to check the d-rings has some redeeming quality in terms of safety. Thanks.

Lastly, does something have to be epidemic as a precursor to practicing safety? In some cases doesn't safety awareness prevent an epidemic in the first place?

I'm not lucky. I chose a manufacturer deliberately that does this correctly. (Just one of a million things I considered before purchase.) Sure, some manufacturers cheap out on the installation but it usually rears it's head the first time you put a ratchet strap on the ring and crank something down. That's the exception, not the rule, but sure, why not take a peak under your garage if you haven't before.

On the flip side, I see people constantly posting issues on forums. ST tire failure. Water tanks dropping on the road. Wiring issues. Loose panels. Etc, etc, etc. In fact, it would seem that many, if not a majority of folks, join forums to report and look for help on issues/failures. However, I've yet to comes across a D-Ring failure epidemic even though I'm here, on IRV2, and quite a few other forums daily so your version of common must be a bit different than mine.

taken wrote:
Not "lucky" at all. The D rings in my RV are rated to 5k and screwed/bolted into a metal brace under the flooring. Most decent haulers are built the same.

Yes, you are lucky whether you realize it or not. You're lucky that the manufacturer of your rig took the time to install the d-rings properly. It's common knowledge that quality control is sometimes very lacking in the TT industry. I can't tell you how many d-rings I've seen pull loose that were simply installed with self-tapping screws.

Important to remember there are those who may own a toy hauler that may not fall under your so-called "Most decent haulers" category. For these folks a quick look to verify the integrity of their d-ring mount may prevent a serious accident.

Not "lucky" at all. The D rings in my RV are rated to 5k and screwed/bolted into a metal brace under the flooring. Most decent haulers are built the same.

taken wrote:
My D-Ring winched in my 1300# PWC and trailer without issue over and over. Don't panic.

No panic taken. Just a reasonable suggestion to those who may not be as "lucky" as you.

My D-Ring winched in my 1300# PWC and trailer without issue over and over. Don't panic.

QFP wrote:
the wife bought me a bumper mount Warn winch but you have given me a good idea with the hooks and D rings. That's why I like this forum thanks!!!

Before trusting a D-ring to pull a 800-1000 lb. bike or 1000++ lb. watercraft up a ramp, suggest verifying it's bolted to something substantial underneath the floor first.

D-rings on some toy haulers will pull right out of the floor with very little tension.

We winch a PWC and trailer (with full tank of gas) that weighs around 1100-1200 lbs. into our toy hauler. The winch is permanently mounted to the frame using 3/8" bolts.

If a bike breaks lose, you've got brakes. No such plan B with a PWC trailer.

Use straps to a plate I fabricated with a Harbor Freight winch. I ran some wires from the 12volt side and used a 30 amp dryer plug and receptacle to handle the amperage. Use it to pull my jetski into the back.