08/31/2026
BOATERS BEWARE!!!!
I was/am in the need for a new trailer winch for my Ranger. The Fulton F2 (2000lb) was recommended. A new one installed and it lasted 2 days. No F2's could be found to replace it. I picked up a Fulton XLT1800 on a return/trade in right away as only 1 could be found locally. I did not open the box, but came home and dug for info on Fulton as I just wanted to get a barely adequate winch, just in case I could not find something else. The XLT1800 has been returned.
Here is where things got interesting. Fulton's parent company is filing for bankruptcy and the company is not supporting their products through any warranty. Makes sense since I could not get in contact with them or get any kind of response in regards to their garbage F2 winch. They have subsequently supposedly been sold, but product availability and product & warranty support is non-existent.
Here is the breakdown of what is going on...
- First Brand Group acquired Horizon Global (Fulton, Reese, Draw-Tite, etc) in 2023
- First Brand Group sold off Horizon North America to Flex-N-Gate (but this could be hung up in the bankruptcy case)
- Chapter 11 bankruptcy is still in progress and liquidation of assets is still in the works, but it is heading into a Chapter 7 liquidation.
Although Fulton is not itself filing for bankruptcy, the group owning/formerly owning it is. This is causing product availability issues as well as warranty nightmares. Often, any items that may be manufactured during times like these are inferior in quality.
It is my personal opinion after doing research on winches, your best choice is the Amercan made Dutton-Lainson brand. The 1800lb and the 1900lb are the two that were recommended as a replacement. These are the DLC1800 or the DLX1900.
It is no wonder why the use of Fulton winches on new boats/trailers is next to non-existent. Dutton-Lainson it is. The Ranger will be back ready to go no later than Friday evening.
The one pictured below is the one that is on its way to me.
Fox River Marine
