An indicator for use with a winch is disclosed. It includes; a sensor for determining the load on a winch, a controller in communication with the sensor, and a load indicator comprising multiple lights in an array. Each of the lights in the array can be changed by the controller from one appearance to another. The controller is configured to change the appearance of each of the lights in the array, with the number of lights with a changed appearance being proportional to the load sensed by the sensor. Preferably, the indicator is incorporated into a fairlead for use with a winch.