Last two trips my boat trailer winch strap has loosened while traveling home. Before leaving the ramp parking lot, I ensure strap is pulled all the way up, boat bow is resting on roller. No wiggle room, tighter than "dick's hat band". Additionally, boat buckles tightly secured at transom. The roads here in Hamilton County Tennessee or horrible and I drive with extreme caution. My winch strap was replaced probably three (3) years ago. This has never happened before. Think I need a new winch? Thanks in advance for your thoughts. 

Is it slipping teeth or is the locking mechanism coming loose?

Also after securing the strap drive a few feet and hit your brakes hard. If the trailer strap is loosen then tighten. If not refer to @Jig Man recommendation.

Are you sure the strap did nkt some how loosen on the winch itself? Like underneath it. You wouldn’t be able to tell by looking. 

1 hour ago, Jig Man said:

Is it slipping teeth or is the locking mechanism coming loose?

Not sure about it slipping teeth, I will mark it this week when I go fishing and check at ramp and at home. No to locking mechanism. Thank you. 

58 minutes ago, GaryH said:

Also after securing the strap drive a few feet and hit your brakes hard. If the trailer strap is loosen then tighten. If not refer to @Jig Man recommendation.

did that. thank you. 

14 minutes ago, Susky River Rat said:

Are you sure the strap did nkt some how loosen on the winch itself? Like underneath it. You wouldn’t be able to tell by looking. 

I pulled the strap out and wound it back on tight. thank you.

Check the spring that holds tension on the locking latch.  I assume you’re using the clicker locking latch in the hard clicker position and not free spin.  Check the spring is holding it tight and not letting the latch unclick temporarily on bumpy roads.

17 hours ago, casts_by_fly said:

Check the spring that holds tension on the locking latch.  I assume you’re using the clicker locking latch in the hard clicker position and not free spin.  Check the spring is holding it tight and not letting the latch unclick temporarily on bumpy roads.

Never thought of that. Will do. Many thanks. 

Not sure what kind of boat or trailer you have, but the mount itself that's holding the crank could slide too if it's like mine.  Mine are attached via the trailer frame using heavy duty U-bolts but they slowly slide backwards over time.

 

The newer trailers are welded into the frame now.

Do you use a safety chain? When mine loosens usually the switch falls out of the locked position to the unlocked position, but that's what the safety chain is there for...  for backup 

Just now, RHuff said:

Do you use a safety chain? When mine loosens usually the switch falls out of the locked position to the unlocked position, but that's what the safety chain is there for...  for backup 

Oh yes, I sure do. I appreciate the heads up. 

On 5/12/2025 at 1:04 PM, Leeboy said:

Never thought of that. Will do. Many thanks. 

upon examination, my trailer winch does not have a spring

46 minutes ago, Leeboy said:

upon examination, my trailer winch does not have a spring

We have a winner. And an easy fix for

you. Hardware store for the win. 

47 minutes ago, casts_by_fly said:

We have a winner. And an easy fix for

you. Hardware store for the win. 

upon further examination, I did locate the spring. it was in the inside of the latch. one end is kinda of stretched. and the spring is loose. 

Just now, Leeboy said:

upon further examination, I did locate the spring. it was in the inside of the latch. one end is kinda of stretched. and the spring is loose. 

I will take a picture tomorrow and post. thanks. 

16 hours ago, Leeboy said:

upon further examination, I did locate the spring. it was in the inside of the latch. one end is kinda of stretched. and the spring is loose. 

I will take a picture tomorrow and post. thanks. 

well, picture is too large. I cannot figure out how to reduce/resize. 

9 minutes ago, Leeboy said:

well, picture is too large. I cannot figure out how to reduce/resize. 

 

Making sure the boat is up all the way in the home position is critical.

What I do is simply take a Sharpie and mark the strap above the roller.

This also ensures the back of the boat is even with the bunks.

 

Note:

The safety cable is a temporary save.

If not addressed promptly the bow of the boat will porpoise wildly.....I know. 🫢

 

 

great advice, thank you.