Is a 3,500 lb winch enough for my ATV?

Do the math with your total loaded weight multiplied by at least 1.5, then compare it to the winch's rated line pull. Our team can help with your model's weight.

Can you switch from steel cable to synthetic rope?

Yes, but also switch to a new hawse fairlead, as BRP recommends for its synthetic rope.

Wireless or wired remote?

Wireless lets you stand well away from the line to see the pull; wired doesn't depend on a battery. Having both is handy.

Do I need a snatch block?

It's not required, but a snatch block nearly doubles pulling force and lets you change the pull direction. Winch accessory kits often include a tree strap, snatch block, shackle and gloves.

Can you install my winch?

Yes. Book an appointment with the service department at one of our locations.

Parts & Accessories

ATV and Side-by-Side Winch: How to Choose and Use One

By the Groupe Contant Team · Published October 17, 2026

Quick Answer

What winch capacity do you need for an ATV or side-by-side?

The common rule is to choose a winch whose rated line pull is at least 1.5 times the vehicle's loaded weight (vehicle, riders, gear and cargo), not just its dry weight. That's a minimum: actual pull drops as the rope builds up in layers on the drum. Also plan for the mounting plate and wiring harness made for your model.

A winch is one of the most useful accessories on an ATV or side-by-side in Quebec: it gets you out of a mud hole, clears a tree fallen across the trail and lifts a snow plow blade in winter.

But a poorly chosen or poorly used winch can be dangerous. This guide covers choosing capacity, rope type, installation, the remote and basic safety rules.

Choosing the Right Capacity

Start from the total loaded weight — Use the vehicle's weight with riders, gear and cargo, not the dry weight shown on spec sheets.
Multiply by at least 1.5 — That's the generally recommended rule of thumb for minimum rated line pull. Extra margin helps if you often pull in deep mud or on slopes.
Know how to read the rating — Rated capacity is usually measured on the first layer of rope, closest to the drum. The more layers are wound on, the less pull is available.
Use a snatch block when needed — A snatch block lets you nearly double your pulling force and change the direction of the pull.

Synthetic Rope or Steel Cable

BRP states that its replacement synthetic rope must always be used with a new hawse fairlead to prevent premature wear: don't run synthetic rope through a roller fairlead worn by steel cable.

Criteria	Synthetic rope	Steel cable
Weight and handling	Lighter, easier to handle	Heavier
Fairlead	Hawse fairlead	Roller fairlead
Weak points	Sensitive to abrasion and heat; needs a protective sleeve	Can kink and develop sharp broken strands
Handling	Always wear gloves	Always wear leather gloves (sharp broken strands)

Installation: Mounting Plate, Harness and Remote

Our service department can handle the full installation. Winches, plates and harnesses are grouped in the Winches & Towing category of our store (also for side-by-sides).

Mounting plate — On Can-Am ATVs and side-by-sides, BRP specifies that a model-specific winch mounting plate must be installed first.
Wiring harness — A harness designed for the vehicle simplifies the hookup and is required for installation on several models.
Wired or wireless remote — A wired remote needs no battery; a wireless one lets you step away from the vehicle and the line to get a better view. Many kits include both.

Basic Safety Rules

Wear leather gloves to handle the rope, and avoid loose clothing and jewelry.
Never step over a line under tension and never stand in line with it: a line that breaks can whip back with enough force to cause serious injury. Keep bystanders well back.
Lay a damper (winch blanket) over the line to absorb some of the energy if it breaks. It's a supplement, not a replacement for staying clear.
Anchor to a solid point; around a tree, use a tree saver strap and a shackle rather than wrapping the rope back on itself.
Never spool the rope all the way out: keep wraps on the drum as the manufacturer specifies.
Pull in short bursts to let the winch motor cool, and follow your winch's manual.

Using the Winch With a Snow Plow

On an ATV or side-by-side with a plow, the winch often lifts the blade over and over during each outing. Those repeated, sharp-angle pulls wear out the main rope. BRP offers a short section of synthetic rope designed for plowing, which protects the main rope during the season.