Power Winch hookup

[Scuda11]

Hi all, just got a powerwinch (not a PowerWinch make) don't have it in front of me. I have never hooked one of these up before and have a question.<br /><br />Is there an adapter or any way to connect the electric winch to my truck trailer wire setup?<br /><br />Thanks in advance,<br />Scott

 

[KaGee]

Re: Power Winch hookup

I bought a separate battery and box and leave it in the back of the truck. I made up a harness with spring clamp on connectors and hook it up when I use the winch. <br /><br />Figured it would cost just as much to run the proper wire through the truck.

 

[IL GLASTRON]

Re: Power Winch hookup

THose things draw quite a bit of power, I would stay away from wiring it to the trailer harness. You are prob going to need a dedicated line up to the battery. The battery box is a great idea.

 

[Scuda11]

Re: Power Winch hookup

Just what I was looking for, thanks guys. <br /><br />KaGee: Do you happen to have a picture of your setup?

 

[KaGee]

Re: Power Winch hookup

Originally posted by Scuda11:<br /> Just what I was looking for, thanks guys. <br /><br />KaGee: Do you happen to have a picture of your setup?

No, I don't, and the weather is bad right now for me to try and get one.<br />Sorry. Maybe tomorrow.

 

[jimmer4444]

Re: Power Winch hookup

I ran a new wire from battery with household Romax wire . I fed it under the truck tucked close and wire tied to frame and back inside when I got to rear and installed female end plug like on an extension cord with the male end attached to trailer winch,When I use winch I simply plug the two togeather. I also installed a relay at battery in case of overload or short.I'm using a Grand Cherokee to pull mine (22"Starcraft).Works great..

 

[Scuda11]

Re: Power Winch hookup

Awesome, thanks for the info. So it is to a seperate battery correct?

 

[woody20]

Re: Power Winch hookup

Scuda11, I ran some wire down to the back of my truck and got the plugs that the tow truck drives use to plug jumper cables into and did the same to the power cable for the winch, it works great and looks good. I was at ramp this weekend and a guy saw me with it and asked where I bought it, had to disapoint him and tell him I made it. He was using a battery in the back of his truck. Look at the link and its on the second page.

 

[DJ]

Re: Power Winch hookup

If your tow vehicle has a seven pin connector, one of those is battery voltage used for trailer brakes or charging a trailer battery.<br /><br />Otherwise, I have done what others have, run a seperate 6-guage wire from the battery to a plug at the bumper. Make sure to use a breaker (40 amp) at the battery.<br /><br />You only need to run one (positive) wire. A good vehicle ground will accomplish the negative side.

 

[rwidman]

Re: Power Winch hookup

Originally posted by jimmer4444:<br /> I ran a new wire from battery with household Romax wire .

You would have been much better off using #6 automotive wire. The cable you used was probably #12 or #10 at best and has solid conductors which will eventually fail from vibration. Also, the insulation on romex cable is not gas and oil resistant.<br /><br />Only one (the positive) cable is needed, the vehicle frame can be used for the negative conductor.<br /><br />There should be an appropriately sized circuit breaker installed on the battery post to protect the cable and your vehicle.