RC 30
OWNER'S MANUAL
RC23 & RC30 Trailer Winches
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12 Volt Powered Winch
Wireless Remote Operation
Remote Power-In / Freewheel-out operation
Spot Light Mounted in Housing
Refer to the Specifications Page for Load Capacity
These instructions apply to all models listed. Details and procedures unique to a
specific model are labeled appropriately.
P5593104AV Printed in USA September, 2008
PROPRIETARY STATEMENT
The Powerwinch RC23 and RC30 Trailer Winches are products of Carefree of
Colorado, located in Broomfield, Colorado, USA. The information contained in or
disclosed in this document is considered proprietary to Carefree of Colorado. Every
effort has been made to ensure that the information presented in the document is
accurate and complete. However, Carefree of Colorado assumes no liability for errors
or for any damages that result from the use of this document.
The information contained in this manual pertains to the current configuration of the
models listed on the title page. Earlier model configurations may differ from the
information given. Carefree of Colorado reserves the right to cancel, change, alter or
add any parts and assemblies, described in this manual, without prior notice.
Carefree of Colorado agrees to allow the reproduction of this document for use with
Carefree of Colorado products only. Any other reproduction or translation of this
document in whole or part is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from
Carefree of Colorado.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information ................................................................................... 1
General Safety Information ........................................................................... 1
Specifications .......................................................................................... 2
Installation ............................................................................................... 3
Mounting the Unit .......................................................................................... 3
Assembling the Pulley Block ......................................................................... 3
Wiring the Unit ............................................................................................... 4
The Remote Transmitter ............................................................................... 4
Testing the Remote ................................................................................ 4
Programming a Replacement Remote ................................................... 5
Remote Operational Notes ..................................................................... 5
Replacing the Remote Battery ............................................................... 5
Operating the Winch ............................................................................... 6
Unloading The Boat....................................................................................... 6
Loading the Boat ........................................................................................... 6
Manual Override Switch ................................................................................ 7
Emergency Hand Crank ................................................................................ 7
Operating the Light ........................................................................................ 8
Replacing the Light Bulb ........................................................................ 8
Maintenance ............................................................................................. 8
Lubrication ..................................................................................................... 8
Cable Replacement ....................................................................................... 9
Troubleshooting Guide ................................................................................ 10
Replacing the In-Line Fuse .................................................................. 11
Illustrated Parts List ..................................................................................... 12
Cover and Electronics .......................................................................... 12
Gear Assemblies .................................................................................. 14
Warranty ................................................................................................. 17
Powerwinch 2145 W. 6th Avenue Broomfield, CO 80020
by Carefree of Colorado 303-469-3324 ♦ www.powerwinch.com
POWERWINCH RC 23 & RC30 TRAILER WINCHES
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING
A WARNING INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED,
COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY AND
/OR MAJOR PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION
A CAUTION INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION THAT MAY CAUSE MINOR
TO MODERATE PERSONAL INJURY AND
ALERT AGAINST UNSAFE P RACTIC ES
NOTE: A note indicates further information about a product, part, or step.
Tip: A tip provides helpful suggestions.
/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE. IT MAY ALSO BE USED TO
.
GENERAL SAFETY INFORMATION
The following Safety Precautions Must be Followed at ALL Times
Failure to follow the warnings and cautions in this manual could result in
serious injury and/or property damage.
Thoroughly read the manuals furnished with this product and be familiar with the
controls. Do not allow individuals to operate the winch without understanding the
safe operation and procedures for the equipment.
WARNINGS
ALWAYS unplug the wiring harness before attempting to install, relocate,
service or perform maintenance on the unit.
NEVER use the winch to lift or move people or animals.
NEVER use the winch for overhead lifting.
NEVER attempt to pull a load greater than the rated load of the winch.
NEVER use the winch to exclusively hold, support or permanently secure the
load. Use separate straps to support the load.
NEVER use the winch alone to secure the boat to the trailer during transit.
Use separate straps or equivalent to secure the boat to the trailer.
ALWAYS stand away from the winch during operation. ALWAYS stand clear of
the area behind and between the load or anchor point and the winch.
Serious injury could occur if the cable breaks.
ALWAYS keep hands clear of the cable spool (drum area).
ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling the cable. Steel cable can
cause serious damage to hands.
NEVER wear loose fitting clothes, scarves, ties or jewelry when operating the
winch. Loose clothing can become caught in moving parts.
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RC 23 & RC30 TRAILER WINCHES POWERWINCH
SPECIFICATIONS
Light Switch
Override/Learn
Switch
Clutch Control
e
t
S
9”
R
e
e
l
s
e
a
Emergency
Crank Handle
Knob
12V Light
Power Socket
9 1/2”
11 1/2”
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Various load conditions affect winch performance. The line pull required for a
specific application depends on the weight of the load, condition of the trailer
rollers, and the degree of the loading ramp incline. The chart below is based on
a single line pull and is provided as a guideline in calculating pulling capabilities.
WARNING
THE CABLE FASTENERS ON THIS OR ANY WINCH ARE NOT DESIGNED TO HOLD RATED
LOADS INDEPENDENTLY
Chart 1. Approximate Rolling Load Capacities (values are in po unds)
% Incline Level 5% 10% 20% 30% 50% 70% 100%
˚ Incline 0˚ 3˚ 6˚ 11˚ 17˚ 26˚ 35˚ 45˚
RC23
RC30
A 10% incline (6˚) is 1 foot rise in 10 feet.
To convert from pounds (lbs) to kilograms (kgs) divide by 2.2.
Capacity can be increased by using a pulley block.
24000 13340 10040 6800 5220 3720 3060 2580
40000 23345 17570 11900 9135 6510 5355 4515
Chart 2. Winch & Boat Capacities (values are in pounds)
Model
RC23
Vertical Lift
Capacity Double Line Pull
2,400 4300 7500 17-23 Feet
RC30
* Boat size and weight is approximate and varies depending on boat type.
When calculating boat weight, use the fully loaded weight that includes boat,
motor, fuel, water, gear etc.
Chart 3. Approximate Rolling Load Capacities (values are in po unds)
Model
RC23
Line Speed @
Cap a c i t y ( F P M ) Gear Ratio Voltage
14 225:1 12 vdc 60 amps 34 lbs
RC30
Noise Level during Operation: less than 98db (A).
2
. ALWAYS LEAVE A MINIMUM OF FIVE WRAPS OF CABLE ON THE
DRUM TO ACHIEVE THE RATED LOAD VALUES
Approximate
Boat Weight*
.
Approximate
Boat Size*
4000 7500 11500 23-30 Feet
Circuit
Breaker Unit Weight
8 450:1 12 vdc 60 amps 36 lbs
POWERWINCH RC 23 & RC30 TRAILER WINCHES
INSTALLATION
MOUNTING THE UNIT
The following instructions are for standard mounting of the winch. A quick mount
kit is available (p/n P7700000AJ). If installing with the quick mount kit, follow the
directions with the kit. Steps 3, 4 and 6 apply when using the kit.
The winch can be mounted on the trailer in the same position and location as an
existing hand winch.
1. Remove the existing hand winch.
2. Position the unit on the trailer mount stand.
3. Confirm that the winch's cable hook and the bow eye on the boat are at the
same height when the boat is in the fully loaded position on the trailer.
If the bow eye is too high, extra pull is required of the winch and extra stress
is exerted on the boat's stern and bow eye.
If necessary to create equal height, raise or lower the winch stand. In most
cases, trailer manufacturers have adaptors available for use with a winch.
4. Confirm that there is a minimum of 12 inches clearance between the winch
and the bow eye when the boat is in the fully loaded position. If necessary,
extend the bow stop to obtain the clearance.
5. Bolt the unit using a minimum of two (2) 3/8" grade 5 machine bolts and lock
nuts. If the existing mounting holes do not line up with the winch, use the
bottom of the winch as a template and drill two (2) 7/16" holes in the
mounting surface of the trailer stand.
6. If using a double line pull (using a pulley block), install a 3/8" eyebolt on the
stand as close as possible to the base of the winch.
12” minimum
Level
Pulley Block
Eye Bolt
ASSEMBLING THE PULLEY BLOCK
1. Place the two screws through one of the teardrop plates
and hold in place.
2. Slide a bushing over each screw.
3. Slide the pulley wheel and hook over the bushings as
shown. The components fit loosely on the bushings.
4. Wrap the cable around the pulley.
5. Place the second tear drop plate over the screws and
secure using the washers and nuts provided.
Bow
Eye
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RC 23 & RC30 TRAILER WINCHES POWERWINCH
WIRING THE UNIT
The following instructions are for permanently wiring the winch. Two additional wiring
kits are available and sold separately: A universal bumper wiring kit (p/n P7702101AJ)
and a quick connect wiring harness (p/n P7866000AJ) for temporary connections. If
installing one of the kits, follow the directions with the kit.
1. Attach the circuit breaker to the battery's
POSITIVE (+) post or positive (+) terminal of
the starter solenoid.
2. Attach the ground wire (black) to the vehicle frame. Clean the metal frame with a
wire brush or equivalent then attach the ground lug using a 5/16" bolt and lock nut
(bolt and nut not furnished).
3. Route the wire under the vehicle and along the frame. Avoid sharp edges and
moving parts. Secure the wire to the frame approximately every 18" using nylon
ties or equivalent.
Connect To Positive (+)
Post of Vehicle Battery
12V Vehicle Battery
60 amp
Circuit Breaker
Red Wire
Secure Harness to Frame
Approximately Every 18”
Black Wire
Attach Ground
to Vehicle Frame
Power Plug
to Winch
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NOTE: If the winch does not operate, follow the troubleshooting guide on page 10
and check the in-line fuse (page 11) before returning the winch.
THE REMOTE TRANSMITTER
The RC23 and RC30 winches are equipped with to operate with a RF (Radio
Frequency) transmitter and receiver. The transmitter and receiver are factory
programmed to communicate with each other.
Testing the Remote
1. Connect the 12V power cord to
the winch.
2. Press and hold the remote's
ON/OFF button for 3 seconds.
The blue LED will illuminate and
the winch light will flash.
3. Loosen the clutch knob (turn
counter clockwise) to prevent the
winch from pulling the cable in.
4. Press and hold the
button
Winch IN
Press to Pull
Cable In
Blue LED
On When Transmitting
Winch Light
Press
ON/OFF
ON/OFF
Press and Hold
for 3 Seconds to
Turn On Remote
and verify that the motor is
running. Release the button.
If the motor runs, the winch is
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ready for use.
5. Tighten the clutch knob, the winch can now pull the boat onto the trailer.
CAUTION
WHEN NOT IN USE, PRESS THE ON/OFF BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE REMOTE. THIS WILL
PREVENT THE WINCH FROM ACCIDENTALLY OPERATING WHEN NOT IN USE
.
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