UTV Recovery Power

BADLAND APEX 5500 lb. UTV Long-Drum Winch

The BADLAND APEX 5500 is a long-drum UTV winch built with a 5500 lb. capacity and synthetic rope. It delivers the pulling power and extended line needed to confidently recover your UTV from tough terrain, backed by a complete hardware kit for straightforward mounting.
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Engineered for dependable recovery

Key design elements that make the BADLAND APEX 5500 a dependable tool. From its efficient motor to the durable synthetic rope, each component is selected for reliable performance and ease of use in real-world recovery scenarios.
Built for tough recoveries

Pull with confidence when terrain gets challenging

Reliable pulling power for UTVs

With a 5500 lb. line pull capacity, this winch provides the raw power needed to recover UTVs, trailers, or equipment from mud, sand, or steep inclines. It’s engineered to handle demanding pulls without hesitation, giving you the assurance to tackle difficult situations.

Extended reach with long drum design

The long drum design holds more synthetic rope, extending your reach for recovery points farther away. This is crucial for trailers or when you need extra cable to find solid anchor points on uneven ground, making your recovery operations more flexible and effective.

Safer, stronger synthetic rope

Synthetic rope is lighter, stronger, and safer than steel cable—it won’t store energy under load or develop sharp burrs. This high-strength, corrosion-resistant line is built for maximum pulling power and easy handling in all conditions.

Ideal for UTV and trailer recovery

This winch is built for users who need a reliable, high-capacity recovery tool for lighter vehicles and utility tasks. It excels in situations where power, portability, and straightforward operation are critical.

UTV and Side-by-Side Recovery

UTV and side-by-side owners can rely on this 5500 lb. winch to self-recover from mud, sand, or steep trails. Its compact size fits well on these machines, and the synthetic rope is easy to handle in the field when you need to set up an anchor point.

Trailer Vehicle Loading

Mounting this winch on a utility or car trailer provides a powerful tool for loading non-running vehicles. The long drum and synthetic rope make it easier to pull cars onto the trailer bed without the risk and weight of steel cable.

Farm and Job Site Utility

For farm or job site tasks, this winch can help move heavy equipment, pull out stuck implements, or clear debris. The automatic brake holds loads securely, and the wired remote gives you precise control from a safe distance during operation.

Custom Jeep Installations

Some users have successfully installed this winch inside modified bumpers on smaller Jeep models. Its compact dimensions and all-inclusive kit make it a viable option for custom fabrication projects where space is limited.

Portable Multi-Use Setup

The winch can be mounted on a portable receiver hitch for use across multiple trailers or vehicles. This flexibility allows one winch to serve different recovery needs, making it a cost-effective solution for versatile users.

Lightweight Vehicle Trail Recovery

With its high-strength synthetic rope and reliable motor, this winch is suitable for trailside recovery of lighter vehicles like Suzuki Sidekicks. It provides peace of mind when exploring remote areas where getting stranded is a risk.
Simple setup guide

Get your winch mounted and ready

Hand tightening a bolt to secure the winch mounting plate to a UTV frame.

Secure the winch to its mount

Begin by securing the winch to a compatible winch mount or plate using the provided hardware. Ensure the mount is rated for the winch’s capacity and firmly attached to your UTV’s frame or bumper for a solid foundation.
Power wires from the winch being connected to a battery terminal with a wrench.

Connect power to the battery

Route the power wires directly to your UTV’s battery, ensuring a solid connection. Use the included disconnect switch for safety and the dash switch for convenient in-cab operation during recovery.
Synthetic rope threaded through a hawse fairlead with the premium hook attached.

Thread the rope and attach hook

Install the hawse fairlead and feed the synthetic rope through it. The included premium hook and hook strap provide a secure connection point. The abrasion sleeve protects the rope where it contacts the fairlead during pulls.
Real-world performance

See what owners are saying

TrailerOperator

I bought this for my 16-foot trailer and was surprised by its strength. It pulled a 1968 F100 onto the trailer without slowing down. I later added a wireless remote, and now the combo is perfect. This winch is staying on the trailer for good.

OffRoadRecoverer

This is my second winch. I appreciate the high tensile strength rope which doesn’t fray like the galvanized wire on older models. These units are now on three different race car trailers, and they perform reliably every time without issues.

SxS Explorer

I’ve used it to move trees off the trail and it has pulled my Sidekick out of a few jams. The wiring harness is good quality and long enough for small 4x4s. I even mounted it inside a modified Jeep bumper, and it fits perfectly.

MudTrailUser

I’ve been stuck multiple times in deep mud with my SxS, and this winch pulled me out every time. The dash button is great, and I got the wireless remote for extra convenience. It’s been about 18 months, and it still works flawlessly.
Common questions

Get answers before you buy

Common questions about installing, using, and getting the most out of your BADLAND APEX 5500 UTV winch. Find answers to help you decide if it’s the right fit for your vehicle and recovery needs.
Yes, this winch is designed for UTVs and comes with all necessary mounting hardware, including a premium hook, hook strap, hawse fairlead, fairlead mounting plate, a 10 ft. wired remote, dash switch, and complete power wiring with disconnect. You have everything needed for a straightforward installation.
The synthetic rope provides excellent performance. It’s high-strength, corrosion-resistant, and safer than steel cable because it doesn’t store energy or form sharp frays. Many users praise its reliability and the fact it’s easier to handle during recovery operations.
The permanent magnet motor is optimized for power delivery while minimizing excess heat. This allows for fast line speeds during recovery and helps the winch maintain performance under load, so you can complete pulls efficiently without overheating.
This winch is built for recovery and utility tasks. While some reviewers have used it for lighter UTVs, its 5500 lb. capacity is specifically matched for UTVs and trailers. For heavier full-size vehicles, you would want a winch with a higher capacity rating.
Absolutely. The automatic brake is a key safety feature that holds the load when you stop pulling. The free spool clutch with an oversized knob allows you to quickly pull out line by hand to reach an anchor point, then engage the motor for the powered recovery.
Users report that installation is simple, especially when mounting with compatible brackets. The quality wiring harness has sufficient length for small 4x4s, and the included dash switch provides convenient in-cab control. A wireless remote is a popular add-on for extra flexibility.
Complete your setup

Accessories and related gear

Explore compatible accessories and related recovery gear to complete your setup. Find the right mounting solutions, remotes, or additional equipment to get the most from your new winch.