POWERWINCH RC23 User manual

P5593104AVr6Printed in USA May, 2022
OWNER'S MANUAL
RC23 & RC30 Trailer Winches
These instructions apply to all models listed.
Details and procedures unique to a specific model are labeled appropriately.
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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
Thoroughly read the manual 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.

ii
PROPRIETARY STATEMENT
The Powerwinch RC23 and RC30 Trailer Winches are products of Scott
Fetzer Electrical Group or SFEG,located in Fairview,Tennessee,USA. The
information contained in or disclosed in this document is considered proprietary to
SFEG. Every effort has been made to ensure that the information presented in
the document is accurate and complete. However, SFEG 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. SFEG reserves the right to cancel, change, alter or add any parts
and assemblies, described in this manual, without prior notice.
SFEG agrees to allow the reproduction of this document for use with SFEG
products only. Any other reproduction or translation of this document in whole
or part is strictly prohibited without prior written approval from SFEG.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Safety Information..................................................................................iii
Specifications.........................................................................................iii
Installation ...............................................................................................1
Mounting the Unit .......................................................................................... 1
Assembling the Pulley Block ......................................................................... 1
Double Lining the Winch ........................................................................ 1
Wiring the Unit............................................................................................... 2
The Remote Transmitter ............................................................................... 2
Testing the Remote................................................................................ 2
Programming a Replacement Remote ................................................... 3
Remote Operational Notes..................................................................... 3
Replacing the Remote Battery ............................................................... 3
Operating the Winch...............................................................................4
Unloading The Boat....................................................................................... 4
Loading the Boat ........................................................................................... 5
Manual Override Switch ................................................................................ 5
Emergency Hand Crank ................................................................................ 6
Operating the Light........................................................................................ 7
Replacing the Light Bulb Units ............................................................... 7
Maintenance.............................................................................................7
Lubrication..................................................................................................... 7
Replacing the Cable...................................................................................... 8
Troubleshooting Guide .................................................................................. 9
Replacing the In-Line Fuse .................................................................. 10
Illustrated Parts List..................................................................................... 11
Cover and Electronics .......................................................................... 11
Gear Assemblies.................................................................................. 13
Warranty.................................................................................................15

iii
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.
WARNING This product can expose you to chemicals including
Di-isodecyl phthalate (DIDP), Vinyl Chloride and Cumene, which are known
to the state of California to cause cancer or birth defects or other
reproductive harm. For more information visit www.P65warnings.ca.gov
CAUTION ALWAYS block the vehicle wheels to help prevent the
vehicle from moving when pulling a load with the winch.
CAUTION SHOCK HAZARD.ALWAYS unplug the wiring harness
before attempting to install, relocate, service or perform maintenance on
the winch.
CAUTION NEVER use the winch to lift or move people or animals.
CAUTION NEVER use the winch for overhead lifting.
CAUTION NEVER attempt to pull a load greater than the rated
load of the winch.
CAUTION ALWAYS stand away from the winch during operation.
ALWAYS keep objects, people and animals away from the camper and camper top
when operating the winch. Serious injury could occur if the cable breaks.
CAUTION NEVER wear loose fitting clothes, scarves, ties or jewelry
when operating the winch. Loose clothing can become caught in moving parts.
CAUTION ALWAYS keep hands clear of the cable spool (drum area).
CAUTION ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling the cable.
Steel cable can cause serious damage to hands.
CAUTION Remove all tools used for manual override operation
before operating the winch with the electrical power.
CAUTION NEVER use the winch to exclusively hold, support or
permanently secure the load. Use separate straps to support the load.
CAUTION 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.

iv
SPECIFICATIONS
9 1/2”
9”
11 1/2”
Power Socket
Light Switch
Clutch Control
Knob
Emergency
Crank Handle
12V Light
Override/Learn
Switch
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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. Always leave a minimum of
five wraps of cable on the drum to achieve the rated load values.
Chart 1. 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˚
RC23 24000 13340 10040 6800 5220 3720 3060 2580
RC30 40000 23345 17570 11900 9135 6510 5355 4515
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.
Chart 2. Winch & Boat Capacities (values are in pounds)
Model Vertical Lift Capacity Double Line Pull Approximate Boat Weight* Approximate Boat Size*
RC23 2,400 4300 7500 17-23 Feet
RC30 4000 7500 11500 23-30 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.
Chart 3. Approximate Rolling Load Capacities (values are in pounds)
Model Line Speed @ Capacity (FPM) Gear Ratio Voltage Circuit Breaker Unit Weight
RC23 14 225:1 12 vdc 60 amps 34 lbs
RC30 8 450:1 12 vdc 60 amps 36 lbs
Noise Level during Operation: less than 98db (A).

POWERWINCH RC 23 &RC30 TRAILER WINCHES
1
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 onthe 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 boweye 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 tocreate equal height, raise or lower the winch stand. In most
cases, trailer manufacturers have adapters 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. Eyebolt is supplied by
the installer.
Bow
Eye
Eye Bolt
Pulley Block
Level
12" minimum
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ASSEMBLING THE PULLEY BLOCK
1. Place the two screws through one of the tear drop 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.
Double Lining the Winch
1. With the cable threaded through the block, hook the pulley block to the bow eye.
2. Power out the cable and attach the cable hook to the eyebolt next to the winch.
3. Power in the cable.
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Side Plate
(x2)
Pulley
Cable
Hook
Bushing (x2)
Screw (x2)
Nut & Washe
r
(x2)

RC 23 &RC30 TRAILER WINCHES POWERWINCH
2
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.
Attach Ground
to Vehicle Frame
60 amp
Circuit Breaker
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
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Power Plug
to Winch
Red Wire
Black Wire
Secure Harness to Frame
Approximately Every 18”
NOTE: If the winch does not operate, follow the troubleshooting guide on page 9and
check the in-line fuse (page 10) 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
and verify that the motor is
running. Release the button.
If the motor runs, the winch is
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.
Winch Light
Press ON/OFF
ON/OFF
Press and Hold
for 3 Seconds to
Turn On Remote
Winch IN
Press to Pull
Cable In
Blue LED
On When Transmitting
pwRC008

POWERWINCH RC 23 &RC30 TRAILER WINCHES
3
Programming a Replacement Remote
1. Connect the 12V power cable to the winch.
2.
7.
Release the clutch knob and pull the cable out
about 4 feet.
Hold down the up position of the toggle on the back of
the winch.
When the LED on the winch lights up, release the
Wait for the light on the winch to flash 4 times, and turn off.
Hold the on/off button on the key fob until the LED on the winch flashes once.
After the LED has flashed one time, tighten the clutch knob and press the ↑
button on the key fob to run the cable in. Press the light button on then off to
test the LED.
•The transmitter (remote) is an electronic device and should be kept dry at all times.
•The remote operates best within a 10'-15' range from the winch (receiver).
Maximum operating distance is 30'- 40'. Actual distance may vary depending on
the environment the remote is used in.
•For best operation, hold the remote level with or above the winch.
•The transmitter and receiver have been tested and complies with the limits for a
Class B digital device pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy. There is
no guarantee that interference will not occur in any particular installation. This
interference may affect radio and television reception.
•To prevent accidental operation of the winch and to preserve battery life, the
remote must be turned off after every use.
Replacing the Remote Battery
The remote uses a 12V size A23 battery. Batteries are available through your local
battery outlets. For best performance, the battery should bechanged every 3
months or twice during the boating season. Actual battery life is dependent on
frequency of use, environmental conditions and the condition of the remote.
1. Remove the small screw from the back of the remote.
2. Carefully separate the two halves of the remote.
NOTE: When removing the old battery, make note of the polarity of the
battery. When inserting the new battery, place the negative end against the
coil spring terminal.
3. Remove the old batteryand insert the new battery.
4. Reattach the covers and screw removed previously.
Press to Learn
Manual Override
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4.
Remote Operational Notes
8.
3.
6.
toggle.
5. Press the ↑ button on the key fob until LED flashes one time. Then release.

RC 23 &RC30 TRAILER WINCHES POWERWINCH
4
OPERATING THE WINCH
WARNING 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.
WARNING Never stand between the load or anchor point and the
winch. Serious personal injury could occur if the cable breaks.
WARNING 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.
CAUTION ALWAYS wear leather gloves when handling the cable. Steel
cable can cause serious damage to hands.
NOTICE After using the winch, always disconnect the power cord from
the socket to avoid moisture collection in the socket and prevent the
possibility of short circuiting.
NOTICE To prevent damage to the motor, do not operate the winch
continuously for periods over 20 minutes. Allow the motor to “rest” for a
minimum of 1 hour.
UNLOADING THE BOAT
1. Attach the winch cable hook to the bow eye on the boat.
2. Connect the power to the winch. The power cord plug goes into the socket on the
right side of the winch.
3. Remove the tie down straps from the boat.
4. Slowly turnthe 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 button on the remote.
Roll the cable up completely.
NOTICE 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.

POWERWINCH RC 23 &RC30 TRAILER WINCHES
5
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 isinitially 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 knobclockwise 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, winch and boat.
5. Turn on the remote by pressing the ON/OFF button until the blue LED illuminates
and the winch light flashes.
6. Press and hold the button. Power in the cable until the boat touches the
bow stop. Release the button.
7. When fully loaded, secure the boat to the trailer.
MANUAL OVERRIDE SWITCH
If the remote is lost or damaged before retrieving the boat, a manual override
switch is provided on the back of the winch.
1. Connect the power to the winch. The power cord plug goes into the socket on the
right side of the winch.
2. Align the boat and trailer.
3. Loosen the clutch knob(turn counterclockwise) and
free-wheel the cable to the boat. Attach the hook to
the eye on the boat.
4. 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.
5. Press down and hold the manual override switch Power inthe cable until the
boat touches the bow stop. Release the switch.
6. When fully loaded, secure the boat to the trailer.
Press to Learn
Manual Override
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RC 23 &RC30 TRAILER WINCHES POWERWINCH
6
EMERGENCY HAND CRANK
An emergency hand crank is stored in the LH cover. The crank is used 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. Remove the outer nut from the shaft on
the side opposite the clutch knob.
3.
4.
Remove the emergency crank handle
from the storage position and place on
the shaft.
Secure the handle to the shaft with the
nut removed previously. Tighten the
nut snugly against the handle.
5. 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.
6. Turn the crank handle to wind in the cable.
(clockwise for RC30, counterclockwise for RC23)
7. After the boat has been secured on the trailer, remove the handle from the
shaft. Replace the nut on the shaft and tighten firmly against the inner nut.
8. Place the handle in the storage position. Make sure the handle is firmly
seated in the storage position before traveling.
CAUTION Remove all tools used for manual override operation
before operating the winch with the electrical power.
Clutch Knob
Manual Crank
Outer Nut
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Storage Position