winch wiring

[superj]

ok, how are you guys wired? in cab or out? or both? what should i watch out for while wiring and what tips do you guys who have lots of winch experience have to share?

i can tell you one thing i have learned so far, i want a bumper with a winch mount and front receiver because it is hard not having the front receiver anymore.

 

[82cj7son]

it's super easy to mount and wire a winch. everything was labeled on our winch. I'd recommend doing some water resisting if you plan on that kind of off roading but that's me...

 

[superj]

i am planning on only running dirt roads or power line trails, no water unless its on the road because of heavy rains.

it was labeled but i know some people run different controls in case they are in the cab or out and some have learned to not mount the controls to far forward because if you are in an extreme ascent then you have a hard time reaching them

 

[steady.foot]

I mounted my control box under the hood on the pasenger side fender well. It keeps it out of the weather and the hook can't smack the windshield if something snaps because i have to open the hood to use it.

 

[Jeepergeo]

Could you flip that bumper 180 degrees to put the 2" receiver on the bottom side of the bumper?

 

[superj]

no, the shackles are in the way of the mounts and the bar that runs across the front of hte frame is in the way. i was going to put it there till i found out all hte junk blocking it. i think i will just get a bumper with everything in it instead, but a small indiscriminate bumper, not a big 400 pounder

 

[jfrabat]

it's super easy to mount and wire a winch. everything was labeled on our winch. I'd recommend doing some water resisting if you plan on that kind of off roading but that's me...

In my case, i mounted the winch to the bumper, and then had to carry the mumper AND winch to put it in place... THAT was hard! not difficult, but hard to do by myself!

 

[J Smith]

ok, how are you guys wired? in cab or out? or both? what should i watch out for while wiring and what tips do you guys who have lots of winch experience have to share?

i can tell you one thing i have learned so far, i want a bumper with a winch mount and front receiver because it is hard not having the front receiver anymore.

One thing about wiring an electric winch to consider especially if you will be using it a lot or expect to have long pulls... throw the positive battery cable that comes with a new winch away. Replace it with a length of welding cable. The welding cable is created to carry large currents for a long time. The battery cable will heat quickly which makes the current draw increase which builds more heat and on and on. Heat in the motor and the wiring is the enemy of an electric winch.
One other thing, running the positive cable through some shielding is always a good idea. It that cable grounds for any reason, you will have a real problem real fast.
As for mounting wiring and switching inside, some guys like to do it. Most controls come with enough length to operate the winch from both inside and out so it is just a preference.
For a little more explanation of some of this, take a look at Winch Installation Tips

 

[jps4jeep]

The 12Volt Guy

Best product out there for this. American made too boot.

 

[clydethepirate]

The 12Volt Guy

Best product out there for this. American made too boot.

Been looking at this.
I know it would replace the hand controller.
Would you just connect this to the soleniod box?

 

[superj]

that is what i am wondering, how is the controller wired that it changes the power feed? to run back and forward

 

[clydethepirate]

In-Cab Winch Remote Control - 1
I found this which explains how it works. You just wire it directly to the solenoid. leaving the hand controller as an option if you want.

 

[clydethepirate]

I was wondering about the wireless controller
Ramsey makes one for my winch but its pricey....$ 190.00

 

[prariepunk]

I was wondering about the wireless controller
Ramsey makes one for my winch but its pricey....$ 190.00

then what happens if you get in deep just to find out you have a dead remote battery That would be my luck

 

[superj]

ha ha ha, that would suck

 

[J Smith]

ha ha ha, that would suck

If you would like to KNOW what that feels like, (having a winch that won't work when you need it) take a few minutes and read the article at:
Radical Hill

This experience spells it out with a couple of twists you've never even considered.

 

[steady.foot]

Interesting story.

 

[superj]

thats where i live, no trees to anchor to flip yourself back over