Futura lowering trailers use a winch with Dyneema rope to raise and lower the deck. On Sport Range trailers, the winch is mounted under the deck. On Generation 2 and Generation 3 trailers, the winch is mounted in the toolbox.

The winch rope spools unevenly on the drum, causing it to “jump,” skip, or jerk during raising or lowering.

The Dyneema rope is wound onto the drum in a tight, uniform formation at the factory. Each wrap sits neatly against the previous one, and the layers build evenly across the drum width. As long as the rope stays under tension, this formation is maintained.

If the winch is allowed to continue running after the deck has touched the ground during lowering, the rope goes slack on the drum. Once tension is lost, the tight uniform formation can break down: wraps shift, gaps form, and the rope can cross over itself.

When the winch winds the rope back in under load, the tight upper wraps crush down into the loose lower layers, causing the rope to jump and spool erratically. This is a common issue on any horizontal drum winch, from 4x4 recovery winches to mobile crane winches, and the cause is always the same: tight line running over a loose foundation layer.

On later model Sport Range trailers with SmartControl, the system automatically prevents the winch from overrunning and keeps the rope under tension. This issue is more common on Generation 2, Generation 3, and earlier Sport Range trailers without this protection.

This procedure resets the rope on the drum with correct tension and even distribution.

Safety: You must go under the trailer to access the winch rope. Do not attempt this procedure with a vehicle on the trailer. Work on flat, level ground only. Ensure jack stands are rated for the trailer weight and are positioned securely before going underneath.

1. Support the trailer on jack stands. Place jack stands under the rear of the trailer frame so the deck is held up and cannot lower to the ground when the winch releases tension. Confirm the trailer is stable and secure before proceeding.

2. Release the winch tension. Use the remote to run the winch until all tension is off the rope. The jack stands will hold the deck in position while the rope goes slack on the drum.

3. Switch to free spool mode. Disengage the winch clutch to allow free spooling.

4. Pull all rope off the drum. Manually pull all of the rope off the winch drum completely. Lay it out straight on the ground.

5. Inspect the rope and drum. Before winding the rope back on, inspect the full length of the rope. If the black outer sheath is damaged or frayed, replace the rope. Also inspect the winch drum for any cracks or wear.

6. Re-spool under tension. Re-engage the winch clutch and use the remote to wind the rope back onto the drum. As the winch pulls the rope in, apply firm pressure by gripping the rope and allowing it to slide through your hand. This tension ensures the rope lays down in a tight, even formation across the drum. The person holding the rope must be the one operating the remote control so they can stop the winch at any time. Take utmost care not to allow your hand to be pulled into the winch.

7. Re-engage and test. Once all rope is back on the drum, remove the jack stands and raise the deck using the remote. Observe the rope spooling during the raise cycle to confirm it is winding evenly.

Gently pull the rope by hand to assist level winding while the winch operates. This helps the rope find its natural lay on the drum. If the issue persists after a second re-spool, your trailer may need to be assessed by a trained Futura technician.

When operating the trailer, stop the lowering winch as soon as the back of the trailer touches the ground. Allowing the winch to continue running after the deck is down is what causes the rope to go slack and lose its formation on the drum.

If you require additional support, please get in touch with the Futura team directly, and we will gladly assist you in resolving the matter.