Installing a Power Winch

[itsonlymoney]

I'll be installing a power winch on my trailer. Winching the boat onto the trailer by hand has just been getting tougher and tougher over the years.

I'm curious, for those that use an electric winch, is a preferred method to run the electrical harness up to the tow vehicle's battery or run a seperate battery for the winch. My two concerns are killing my auto battery (not real likely) versus having an auxilary battery stolen off the trailer. (more likely)

I'm towing with a suburban so there may be a way to carry the battery in the back utility compartment as well.

I'm mostly curious as to whether anyone has suffered any ill effects by installing a 60amp plug and running a permanent circuit on the vehicle. I'm just not sure about vehicles with all they're computers and accesorry circuits now days.

Thanks

 

[EricG]

Re: Installing a Power Winch

I have a power winch and I got the wiring kit twice so far (I changed vehicles once). You run the wire with a breaker on it right from the battery to the back of the vehicle. I used wire ties to secure it on the way back and piggybacked on other wiring where I could. Never a problem, just keep your motor running for the few minutes that you use the winch. Very easy install.

 

[asautt]

Re: Installing a Power Winch

I just hooked up a Power Winch RC23. I didn't use the cable enclosed with the unit as I wanted to keep that as a spare in case I decided to tow the boat with another vehicle. I ran a quick disconnect setup on my Dakota to power the winch.

I ran a pair of 8 gauge wires from the vehicle battery to the back bumper. Found a pair of connectors rated for 75 amps at an RV store. They look like a mini version of the connectors used on the cables to recharge an electric forklift. Bought a replacement circuit breaker and male plug for the power winch. Built up a 6 ft cable with a connector at one end and the male plug at the other.

The setup works fine. Have used it both with the Dakota running and not. Really haven't seen a surge in the charge rate after using it with the vehicle not running, but will probably leave it running when using the winch when possible.

Alan

 

[itsonlymoney]

Re: Installing a Power Winch

This winch is the RC23 as well. I found a 12v junction just below my alternator that will make this hook up a cinch. I have the 8 ga. wire and can pick up a jack & plug at my local RV surplus just down from where I live.
Beats lugging a battery in & out of the back of the Suburban or leaving one on the trailer to eventually be stolen. I'm considering adding a lock to my winch somehow as well to discourage its theft.

Thanks guys!

 

[asautt]

Re: Installing a Power Winch

Just don't omit putting a fuse/circuit breaker close to the battery or alternator connection point. Could get pretty ugly if you short out 8 gauge wires somewhere close to the gas tank.

Alan

 

[dingbat]

Re: Installing a Power Winch

This winch is the RC23 as well. I found a 12v junction just below my alternator that will make this hook up a cinch. I have the 8 ga. wire and can pick up a jack & plug at my local RV surplus just down from where I live.
Beats lugging a battery in & out of the back of the Suburban or leaving one on the trailer to eventually be stolen. I'm considering adding a lock to my winch somehow as well to discourage its theft.

Thanks guys!

I've have a 2001 Tahoe and a Rule 4200 winch. Tried tying it at that connection at the red box. Can't close door with fuse attached. Easier running directly to the battery. Have a Optima battery. Has both side and top post connections. Bought a marine post to stud type battery clamp and connected to the top post of the battery.

Follow the brakes lines down the drivers side frame rail and you'll see holes in the frame. Easy to run cable inside the frame. Exits about a foot infront of the bumper. Straight shoot. No problems. Used connector noted above.

25' / 40 amp kit came with 6 gauge wire. Voltage drop OK, Should have bumped up to 4 gauge.

FWIW: Used a jump box for 2 years. Box finally died. Installed harness on truck. Battery could care less about the discharge.

 

[itsonlymoney]

Re: Installing a Power Winch

The 6ga. does sound like a better idea rather than the 8ga. that came with the harnesses. I have two jacks for my winch. one that will be used for hardwiring fitted with a 60 amp breaker and another that has battery clamps installed. I'll get the hardware together and get a harness installed.

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Installing a Power Winch

I put an 8000 lb winch on my Jeep and, because I also had a receiver mount winch I could use on the back, I ran a set of wires to the back with a connector to match the winch. Most importantly, I installed a quick disconnect under the hood so that the rear wiring only has power when needed. I also made up a set of jumper cables to plug into the back connector for those times when someone needs a boost.