I haven't read anything reflecting a manual override on my electric winch which I love. I will definitely check for this on my lift because I would NOT want to get stuck if my electric lift dies. Thanks for the good information.The manual override on my electric winch is nothing more than a 7/16 bolt head on top of the worm gear on the motor. You really wouldn't know it was a manual override unless you had and read the manual. I have easy access to the winch and can easily raise and low my top with an 18-volt cordless hand drill. I can hold the drill with one hand and can raise and lower the top twice before the battery goes dead. Again, I'd love to see some photos of your system. The winch and the underside of the camper.