UTV Recovery Essential

APEX 5500 lb. UTV Long-Drum Winch

This Badland APEX 5500 lb. UTV Long-Drum Winch is built specifically for side-by-sides, offering the extended rope capacity and pulling power needed to conquer challenging terrain. It provides the confidence to tackle deep mud, steep hills, and heavy loads without the premium price tag.

Built for Power and Durability

Engineered for the demands of off-road recovery, this winch combines a powerful motor, durable construction, and user-focused controls. Key components like the hardened steel gears and IP68/69K sealing ensure reliable performance in the toughest conditions, from deep mud to dusty trails.
Confident Recovery Power

Handle Tough Terrain with Confidence

Extended Reach for Demanding Jobs

The long drum design holds 50 feet of high-strength synthetic rope, providing extended reach and reliable pulling power for the most demanding UTV recovery situations. This capacity ensures you can tackle deep mud, steep inclines, or heavy loads without compromise.

5500 lbs of Reliable Pulling Force

This winch delivers a robust 5500 lb. line pull capacity, engineered to handle the weight of UTVs and trailers with ease. The permanent magnet motor and hardened steel gears ensure consistent, powerful performance when you need it most.

Built to Withstand the Elements

An IP68/69K rating means this winch is fully sealed against dust and water, even under high pressure. You can operate in rain, river crossings, or muddy trails without worrying about internal damage or corrosion.

Designed for Your Recovery Needs

This winch is ideal for UTV owners who venture into remote areas, trail riders who encounter obstacles, and trailer operators who need to load or unload vehicles. It provides the pulling power and durability required for recovery, utility tasks, and securing loads in demanding outdoor environments.

UTV Trail Recovery and Obstacle Clearing

Perfectly sized and rated for popular side-by-sides and UTVs. The long drum design provides ample synthetic rope for recovery in deep mud, sand, or on steep, wooded trails where you need extended reach.

Trailer Loading and Vehicle Hauling

Mount it permanently on your trailer tongue or in the bed of your truck. The 5500 lb. capacity and portable design make it excellent for pulling vehicles with flat tires, loading non-running projects, or positioning equipment.

Overlanding and Remote Worksite Support

With its robust construction and sealed electronics, this winch withstands rain, river crossings, and dusty environments. It’s built for the unexpected situations that arise during overlanding trips or remote work site operations.

Property Maintenance and Land Clearing

Use it to clear fallen trees, pull stumps, or move heavy debris from driveways or properties. The reliable pulling power and easy controls simplify labor-intensive tasks around a home, farm, or ranch.

Solo Recovery with Controlled Operation

The included remote and dash switch offer safe, controlled operation from inside the vehicle. The automatic brake holds loads securely, making single-person recovery operations safer and more efficient.

Building a Capable Recovery Kit on a Budget

As a value-focused option, it delivers the capacity and features of premium winches at a more accessible price point. It’s an excellent choice for building a capable recovery kit without overspending.
Installation & Operation

Get Your Winch Up and Running

The winch being secured to a mounting plate with stainless steel hardware.

Secure and Wire the Winch to Your UTV

Begin by securing the winch to the mounting plate using the provided stainless steel hardware. Follow the included wiring diagram to connect the power wires, contactor, and dash switch. Ensure all connections are tight and the disconnect switch is accessible.
The Hawse fairlead mounted with the synthetic rope threaded through it and attached to the hook.

Mount the Fairlead and Route the Rope

Attach the Hawse fairlead to the mounting plate, ensuring it is aligned with the rope drum. Carefully pull the synthetic rope through the fairlead and secure the premium hook to the rope end using the included sleeve.
The oversized clutch knob being turned to engage the free spool on the winch.

Operate the Clutch and Control the Pull

Engage the free spool clutch by turning the oversized knob to release the rope manually. After rigging your load, switch to power mode and use the wired remote or dash switch to control the pull. Always maintain a clear line of sight.
Proven in the Field

Real-World Winch Performance

Off-RoadTrailer

I mounted this on my 16-foot trailer to pull classic cars. It pulled a 1968 F100 onto the trailer without even slowing down. The power is impressive for its size, and the synthetic rope is a major upgrade. It’s staying on the trailer permanently.

MudRunner

Installed this in my car trailer and it works perfectly. Plenty of power and the line speed is great for what I need. The install was straightforward, and I would highly recommend it to anyone needing a reliable winch.

RecoveryReady

I use this winch as a portable unit on my Jeep and it has saved me multiple times. The synthetic rope doesn’t fray like wire rope, and the dash button control is great. It pulls my Sidekick out of deep mud every time without hesitation.

TrailerTech

I welded a receiver on my car trailer tongue for this winch to make it portable. It has pulled a Camaro with flat tires, British roadsters, and a Prius with zero issues. A huge upgrade from my old manual come-along.
Your Questions Answered

Practical Winch Questions and Answers

Common questions about the Badland APEX 5500 UTV Winch cover installation, performance in various conditions, and maintenance to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your vehicle and recovery needs.
Yes, this winch is designed for straightforward mounting on a variety of UTV models. It includes all necessary hardware, a mounting plate, and a wiring harness with a dash switch. Many users report a simple installation process using standard tools.
The high-strength synthetic rope is lighter, stronger, and safer than traditional steel cable. It does not store kinetic energy, reducing the risk of dangerous recoil if it snaps. It’s also more resistant to fraying and easier to handle in the field.
While its primary design is for UTVs, its 5500 lb. capacity and robust construction make it suitable for trailers, light trucks, and other off-road vehicles. Users have successfully mounted it on trailers for pulling vehicles and equipment.
Basic maintenance involves rinsing the winch with fresh water after exposure to mud or salt, periodically inspecting the synthetic rope for abrasions, and ensuring all connections remain tight. The IP68/69K rating provides significant built-in protection.
The package includes the winch, premium hook, hook strap, Hawse fairlead, fairlead mounting plate, 10 ft. wired remote, dash switch, removable abrasion sleeve, power wires, disconnect switch, and contactor. Everything needed for a complete installation is provided.
The automatic brake engages when you stop pulling, holding the load securely in place without requiring manual intervention. This provides reliable holding power and enhances safety during recovery operations, especially on uneven terrain.
Winch Knowledge Hub

Maximize Your Winch Performance

Explore compatible accessories, maintenance guides, and recovery techniques to get the most out of your Badland APEX winch. Learn how to properly rig your load, protect your investment, and perform effective recoveries in various scenarios.