What type of winch?

Most of the manual boat winches are power in only, free on the outgoing.
I use one to lift the Shippshape on and off the Humvee's roof and it is ok as long as you let it out slowly by hanging onto the handle and lock it when you want to stop. Wouldn't want to or be able to do it with 1.5t hanging on it though.
I've also got a small 12v Superwinch which is sold to fit to boat trailers for big heavy boats and it is also only power in and freewheel out.
My father in law had it to winch his van up the drive and down beside the house running on a big 12v power supply, he towed the van out ok just couldn't back it in with only 150mm total clearance.
I think unless you get a 240v industrial winch or a "proper" 12v winch for use on a small 4wd they will have both power in and out.
Alternatively get a length of cable or plasma rope and mount a snatch block up in the garage and slingshot it up and down. Cheaper and the 4wd will do it easily.

I for one would be trying to lower a camper trailer down a steep driveway with a boat (hand) winch. You will need to get power winch to do this as you will have better control over the whole situation. Most hand winches have only got a 6 or 9 meter cable on them so if your driveway is longer then you will have more issues to deal with.
Most boats are just pushed off the trailer as the water is enough to slow them down quite considerably and then you stop it going any further with the rope you have attached to the bow.

Where were you planning on mounting the hand/electric winch?

You can buy a cradle for electric winches that lock into the tow bar reciever of your vehicle. Then all you need is to have a set of leads from the winch to go to your starting battery to run it. Depending on the size winch you get will depend on the size cabling you will need.

I would not trust a $100 hand winch to lower a $50,000 camper trailer down a driveway.

Another idea....can you turn the camper trailer around at the top (assuming the driveway is flat at the top) and then hook up the 4wd then just drive down the driveway.

If you wanted to turn the camper around at the top and to make it easier for yourself, you can buy a battery or 240V powered jockey wheel setup that will enable you to turn it as well as move it backwards and forwards. I am pretty sure you would not be able to back it down your driveway with this device but if this enables you to hook it up to the 4wd and drive forwards out of your driveway it just might save you the hassle of a winch.


crd

Have you considered a towball on your bullbar and just drive it down with the CT in front ? It takes a bit of getting used to steeringwise but a hell of a lot safer than using a winch.

For me only one solution: Go to a salvage yard and look for recycled garage door motors. They usually come with gears, run forwards and backwards, can be easily wall mounted and should be strong enough depending on the size of door. You might even get them new at a decent price.

good luck
gmd

Type doesn't matter, as long as she can cook, clean, gut fish and owns a boat and a liquor store.

There is a boat trailer winch that works both ways, it uses a friction clutch mechanism instead of a pawl. It is also used on trailer sailers to raise & lower the centreboard.
If you can't find one, I will look at work & see if I can get you a make.

Mark,

If you use a winch it will have to be fitted with a brake, having said that why not use a 240v winch placed at the bottom of the driveway, then run the cable up and through a turning block so you can lower and pull the trailer.

The winch can be covered for the weather and placed out of the way.

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