POWERWINCH 315 User manual

056016-001 July, 2012
OWNER'S MANUAL
Model 315
BOAT TRAILER WINCH
pw315101
12 Volt Powered Winch
Power-In/Free-Wheel Out Operation

PROPRIETARY STATEMENT
The Powerwinch Trailer Winch is a product 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
Winch Specifications.............................................................................. 2
Approximate Rolling Load Capacities (values are in pounds)................ 2
Winch & Boat Capacities (values are in pounds) ................................... 2
Mounting the Unit....................................................................................3
Mounting the Unit.......................................................................................... 3
Wiring the Unit.........................................................................................4
Operating the Winch...............................................................................5
Unloading The Boat....................................................................................... 5
Loading the Boat........................................................................................... 5
Emergency Hand Crank................................................................................ 6
Maintenance.............................................................................................7
Lubrication..................................................................................................... 7
Replacing the Cable...................................................................................... 7
Troubleshooting Guide.................................................................................. 8
Replacement Parts List ..........................................................................9
Warranty.................................................................................................11

POWERWINCH 315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH
1
SAFETY INFORMATION
WARNING AWARNING INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION,
WHICH, IF NOT AVOIDED,COULD RESULT IN DEATH OR SERIOUS INJURY AND/OR MAJOR
PROPERTY DAMAGE.
CAUTION ACAUTION INDICATES A POTENTIALLY HAZARDOUS SITUATION THAT
MAY CAUSE MINOR TO MODERATE PERSONAL INJURY AND/OR PROPERTY DAMAGE.IT MAY
ALSO BE USED TO ALERT AGAINST UNSAFE PRACTICES.
NOTE: A note indicates further information about a product, part, or step.
Tip: A tip provides helpful suggestions.
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.
ALWAYS stand away from the winch during operation. ALWAYS stand clear of
the area behind and between the load 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.
NEVER wear loose fitting clothes, scarves, ties or jewelry when operating the
winch. Loose clothing can become caught in moving parts.
ALWAYS use the recommended cable. Never substitute rope for cable.
ALWAYS block the vehicle wheels to help prevent the vehicle from moving
when pulling a load with the winch.

315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH POWERWINCH
2
SPECIFICATIONS
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 charts below are based
on a single line pull and 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.ALWAYS LEAVE A MINIMUM OF FIVE
WRAPS OF CABLE ON THE DRUM TO ACHIEVE THE RATED LOAD VALUES.
Winch Specifications
9 5/8"
8"
4 1/2"
8 3/4"
11 5/8"
Power In
Switch
Clutch Control
Knob
Power
Socket
pw315001
Model
Line Speed
@ Capacity
(FPM) Gear Ratio Voltage Circuit Breaker Unit Weight
315 15 270:1 12VDC 30 amps 22 lbs.
Approximate Rolling Load Capacities (values are in pounds)
% Incline Level 5% 10% 20% 30% 50% 70% 100%
˚Incline 0˚3˚6˚11˚17˚26˚35˚45˚
315 16500 10005 7530 5250 3915 2790 2295 1935
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.
Winch & Boat Capacities (values are in pounds)
Vertical Lift Capacity Approximate Boat Weight* Approximate Boat Size*
315 1650 4000 14-17 Feet
* 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.

POWERWINCH 315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH
3
MOUNTING THE UNIT
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.

315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH POWERWINCH
4
WIRING THE UNIT
WARNINGS
ALWAYS disconnect the battery before working on electrical equipment.
ALWAYS use the recommended wire size and rated circuit breakers. Failure
to use the furnished and recommended sizes can cause a fire hazard and
void warranty.
When routing the wiring, avoid sources of heat.
When routing the wiring, avoid sharp edges that can cut or fray the wire
insulation.
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. Slip the boot and cover over the end of the wire cable.
2. Strip approximately 3/8” of insulation from the red and black wires.
3. Attach the wires to the plug. The red wire goes to the gold terminal, the black wire
goes to the silver terminal.
4. Screw the cover onto the plug and slip the boot over the cover.
5. Attach the circuit breaker to the battery's POSITIVE (+) post or positive (+) terminal of
the starter solenoid.
6. 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).
7. 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.
Attach Ground
to Vehicle Frame
30 amp
Circuit Breaker
Connect To Positive (+)
Post of Vehicle Battery
12V Vehicle Battery
pw315002
Power Plug
to Winch
Red Wire
Black Wire
Secure Harness to Frame
Approximately Every 18”
Red Wire
Gold Terminal
Black Wire
Silver Terminal Plug
Plug
Cover
Boot

POWERWINCH 315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH
5
OPERATING THE WINCH
WARNINGS
To avoid personal injury and property damage, clear the area around and behind
the boat of people, animals and obstructions before loading or unloading the boat.
Never stand between the load or anchor point and the winch. Serious personal
injury could occur if the cable breaks.
ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling the cable. Steel cable can cause
serious damage to hands.
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.
UNLOADING THE BOAT
1. Attach the cable hook to the bow eye on the
boat.
2. Connect the power to the winch. The plug goes
into the socket on the right side of the winch.
3. Remove the tie down straps from the boat.
4. Slowly turn the clutch knob counterclockwise to
release the winch brake.
5. Allow the boat to slide off the trailer. If
necessary, the clutch knob can be tightened
to slow the speed of the boat.
6. When the boat is in the water, release the cable hook.
7. Tighten the clutch control knob clockwise until finger tight to set the brake.
8. While maintaining tension in the cable, press the switch on the winch. Roll
the cable up completely. DO NOT allow the cable to roll up loosely, damage
to the cable and winch components could occur.
CAUTION Do not allow the cable hook to roll into the winch.
Damage to the level wind plate can occur.
9. Secure the cable hook to prevent any accidental injury or damage.
LOADING THE BOAT
1. Align the boat and trailer.
2. Loosen the clutch knob (turn counterclockwise) and free-wheel the cable to the
boat. Attach the hook to the eye on the bolt.
NOTE: If the winch cable is initially difficult to pull out, try engaging the
motor for a few seconds with the clutch fully released. This should free the
clutch allowing the cable to pull out.
3. Tighten the clutch control knob clockwise until finger tight to set the brake. DO NOT
over tighten the clutch knob; over tightening can cause damage to the clutch.
4. Step clear of the cable and boat.
5. Press and hold the switch. Power in the cable until the boat touches the bow
stop. Release the switch.
6. When fully loaded, secure the boat to the trailer.
Power In
Switch
pw315003
Set
Release

315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH POWERWINCH
6
EMERGENCY HAND CRANK
An optional emergency hand crank is available when there is no power (i.e. a dead
battery).
WARNING NEVER USE THE HAND CRANK TO ASSIST A RUNNING MOTOR.
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY CAN OCCUR.
1. Disconnect the power cord from the winch.
2. Tighten the clutch control knob clockwise
until finger tight to set the brake. DO NOT
over tighten the clutch knob; over
tightening can cause damage to the
clutch.
3. Remove the nut from the shaft on the left
side of the winch.
4. Place the emergency handle onto the
shaft and secure to the shaft with the nut
removed previously. Tighten the nut
snugly against the handle.
5. Turn the crank handle to wind in the cable.
6. After the boat has been secured on the trailer, remove the handle from the
shaft. Replace the nut on the shaft and tighten until approximately 1/8" of
thread is showing on the end of the shaft.
7. Store the handle.
Nut
Rotate Handle to Retract Cable
PW315004

POWERWINCH 315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH
7
MAINTENANCE
LUBRICATION
The following steps should be performed a minimum of once a year or when the
unit is placed in storage.
Cable: Lubricate the cable with Whitmore's Wire Rope Spray, WD40 or
equivalent. Spray the shaft and the cable as the cable is being wound.
Gears: Remove the covers and lubricate the gears with lithium base grease. Be
careful not to get grease on the clutch lining (refer to figure on page 9).
REPLACING THE CABLE
WARNING ALWAYS USE THE EXACT POWERWINCH REPLACEMENT CABLE
(P/N P7188800AJ). WINCH RATING AND CABLE STRENGTH ARE MATCHED FOR SAFE
AND OPTIMUM PERFORMANCE.NEVER REPLACE THE CABLE WITH ROPE.
CAUTION ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling the cable. Steel
cable can cause serious damage to hands.
1. Disconnect the power cable.
2. Loosen the clutch knob (turn counterclockwise) and free-wheel the cable
completely out.
Stranded Cable
Stop Sleeve
Crimp or Solder
Over End of Cable
Completed Installation
Counterbore
Drum Flange
pw315005
3. Cut the old cable off approximately 2" from the cable drum.
4. Insert the new cable through the shaft. The cable must be inserted through
the side opposite the counter bore.
5. Insert the stop sleeve over the end of the cable until the cable is flush with the end
of the stop. Solder or crimp the stop onto the cable.
6. Pull the cable back through the shaft until the stop is seated in the counter bore of
hole.
7. Tighten the clutch control knob clockwise until finger tight to set the brake. DO NOT
over tighten the clutch knob; over tightening can cause damage to the clutch.
8. Reconnect the power harness to the unit. Power-in the cable, keeping tension on
the cable as it is winding. The cable must wind from the top of the cable spool.
CAUTION If the cable is not wound correctly, it may cause loss of
power and risk damage to the level wind plate. If the cable is not correct (too
loose or wound on one side), unwind the cable then rewind while keeping
tension on the cable.

315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH POWERWINCH
8
TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE
WINCH DOES NOT OPERATE
A. Confirm power to winch
1. Check that vehicle battery is fully charged.
2. Confirm connections are for tight & clean.
3. Check wires that are worn or bare that may
cause shorts.
Correct as required.
B. Check circuit breaker at battery
Bypass circuit breaker and test winch.
Does the winch run?
CAUTION Do not operate the winch
without the circuit breaker. Removing the CB
from the circuit is ONLY for testing.
YES If winch runs, circuit
breaker is bad, replace.
NOReconnect circuit breaker.
Contact your authorized
service center.
LOAD SLIPS
A. Load slips during retrieval Thrust washers and thrust bearings
are worn or deformed. Replace
B. Load slips back after boat is retrieved Clutch bearing inside the 120 gear
has failed. Replace gear assembly
C. Check clutch lining
The clutch lining is located on the 120
tooth gear under the LH (clutch side) of
the case. Ensure that the clutch is clean
free of grease.
Clean as required. If clutch lining is
worn or damaged, replace the 120
tooth gear assy.
CABLE DIFFICULT TO PULL OUT
A. If the winch cable is initially difficult to pull out, try engaging the motor for a
few seconds with the clutch fully released. This should free the clutch
allowing the cable to pull out.

POWERWINCH 315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH
9
REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST
pw315501
3
4
9
8
10
1
2
2
5
6
7
11
12
13
13
14
15
15
15
15
16
16
17

315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH POWERWINCH
10
Item Part Numbe
r
Description Notes
1 P7188500AJ Cable Assy, 7/32" x 20'
2 R001266 Cover Kit 1
3 P5594700AJ Emergency Hand Crank Optional
4 P7700000AJ Quick Mount Kit Optional
5 R001274 Motor Assy
6 R001267 Switch
7 P7816100AJ Socket, Power 1
8 P7833901AJ Wire Harness w/ items 9 & 10
9 P7816001AJ Plug, Wire Harness
10 P7837200AJ Circuit Breaker, 30amp
11 R001260 Level Wind Plate
12 P7940500AJ Clutch Knob Kit
13 R001262 Clutch Pad Kit
14 R001265 Ratchet Pawl Kit
15 R001264 Gear Kit
16 R001268 Shaft Kit
17 R001263 Bearing Kit
18 R001269 Fastener Kit
Notes 1. Fasteners are included with kit.
2. Fasteners and washers not indexed on illustration are part of the
fastener kit (item 18).

POWERWINCH 315 BOAT TRAILER WINCH
11
WARRANTY
Carefree of Colorado (hereafter referred to as Carefree) warrants to the FIRST retail Purchaser that
the Powerwinch Product described in this manual is free of defects in material and workmanship
within the terms and conditions as set forth below. Carefree’s obligation under this warranty is
limited to the repair or replacement, at Carefree’s option, of any defective component within the
stated warranty period. THIS WARRANTY IS NOT TRANSFERABLE.
1. DURATION
a) 1 year on parts and labor.
b) Carefree will pay the transportation charges for return shipment to the purchaser of any
product received for legitimate warranty repair.
Warranty duration is not extended by the length of time the product is not in use or the time
that the purchaser is deprived the use of the product. The duration of coverage is determined
by the date of the original product purchase, not the date of repairs.
2. WHAT IS COVERED UNDER THIS WARRANTY
Defects in the manufacturer’s material and workmanship of product under normal use, and
which occur within the duration of the warranty period.
3. WHAT IS NOT COVERED UNDER THIS WARRANTY
a) Improper installation and/or any consequent damage or failure that results from improper
installation of the product.
b) Normal
wear.
c) Conditions that are not related to the material or workmanship of the product: including
any failure that results from an accident, wind, rain, or other acts of God.
d) Purchaser’s abuse, including but not limited to neglect; failure to operate, use or maintain
the product in accordance with the instructions provided with the product.
e) Any component not sold or manufactured by Carefree.
f) Any failure that results from the use of another manufacturer’s product with a Carefree
product that is not specifically approved by Carefree.
g) Any incidental, indirect, or consequential loss, damage or expense that may result from
any defect, failure or malfunction of the product.
h) The removal or alteration of any product component or device. In the event of such
removal or alteration, this warranty is void.
i) Any expense related to delivery or pick-up of product to/from the service dealer.
4. RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE PURCHASER
IN ORDER FOR THE WARRANTY TO BE HONORED,THE PURCHASER MUST HAVE PROOF OF
PURCHASE.FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY DELAY OR VOID ANY
WARRANTY CLAIM.
a) Retain dated proof of purchase for the product, and provide it as requested.
b) Perform
“Periodic Maintenance” as specified in Owner's Manual.
c) Use reasonable care in maintenance, operation, use and storage of the product in
accordance with the instructions contained in the owner’s manual.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES THE OWNER SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS.THE LAWS OF CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS MAY
GRANT THE OWNER ADDITIONAL RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES.Except as set forth above; Carefree makes
no warranty, whether statutory or otherwise, including without limitation, any warranty of
merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. Carefree shall have no liability except to repair,
replace or adjust defective products and parts. Carefree specifically excludes any liability, whether
in contract, tort or otherwise, for personal injury, property damage, economic or consequential
losses. Carefree has not authorized any person or company to alter the terms of this warranty.
It is Carefree of Colorado’s policy and practice to continuously improve the company’s products and
services. Therefore, Carefree reserves the right to make changes in design and components,
without notice, whenever it is believed the quality of the product will be improved, but without
incurring any obligation to incorporate such improvements in any product, which has been shipped,
or in service.