winches

I have 18 winches total on a 51’ step deck. They’re on sliding tracks, so I can move them to different places or sides as needed.

 

I have 16 sliding winches on driver side only. I’ve only used all 16 twice on a 48ft flat.

 

I have 10 on each side.

 

8 on each side should be adequate, any less and you'll probably be pulling out ratchets more often then you'd want..
i wouldn't suggest putting them all on one side either in case you run into a load with a higher tipping risk

 

20.
Also, if you’re getting additional winches, get the galvanized ones.

 

14 on driver side only, sliding, and it’s the bare minimum. 2 portable winches for backup/ cross torque.

More the better.

 

24 on trailer, 12 per side. Could put a strap every 2 feet if needed.

 

It's a personal preference thing.

If you pull the same trailer, you can usually pick your poison. On a flatbed. Some flats allow for moving winches from side to side. Or adding winches.

You just have to decide what your liking will be.

I liked the left side so I could jump out and walk down the trailer to tighten throughout the trip.

You want some on the right side for the trouble loads that might lean left from the pull. You can pull from both sides to keep the load balanced.

You want up to 4 ratchet straps or more. Not all trailers will slide front to back. Some cut short.
Also, you might have a damaged trailer that won't allow winches to slide at a certain point. Or accumulated dirt in the track. Or any other reason.
If you can't get the winch where you want it. There's always the ratchet option.

Stepdecks aren't as flexible for moving winches. Wheel wells won't allow for winches. So you'll have to use ratchets. Pallet loads for example. If your step is 48. You only have to worry about 2 wells. A 53 with sliding axle will have 3 wells.

Most loads can be secured with 15 or less. Some require 18. There's 2 loads that require 21. Might be more loads but I"ve only ran in to 2.

I wouldn't roam the country with less then 15 and ratchets.

Also, winter time is the worst for flats. Snow and ice accumulate in the tracks. Winches freeze in place. Dirt accumulates in the winches making them hard to spin. Straps freeze up. A claw hammer will be your best friend in the winter. For the ice. Along with penetrating oil to rinse the dirt out of the winches and free them up with lubrication.

 

12 in driver side 8 in passenger side