Using 7 way round trailer plug as power source for electric winch

[Valv]

Re: Using 7 way round trailer plug as power source for electric winch

Did you look behind the truck connector to see the size of wires the mfg installs ? Look behind your bumper, and check the gauge of the harness wires, they are ridiculous.
The trailer wires are much larger than the truck oem harness.

We use winches to recover units all the times, we run dedicated wires from the battery in front, otherwise we will pop fuses in a flash.

 

[82mustang]

Re: Using 7 way round trailer plug as power source for electric winch

We use winches to recover units all the times, we run dedicated wires from the battery in front, otherwise we will pop fuses in a flash.

What type of a connetor are you using, the 7-round, or another plug?? If its another plug, what one.

 

[Starcraft Enterprise]

Re: Using 7 way round trailer plug as power source for electric winch

Did you look behind the truck connector to see the size of wires the mfg installs ? Look behind your bumper, and check the gauge of the harness wires, they are ridiculous.
The trailer wires are much larger than the truck oem harness.

We use winches to recover units all the times, we run dedicated wires from the battery in front, otherwise we will pop fuses in a flash.

Here it is

The hot wire on the seven way plug is 12 gauge stranded and the negative is 10 gauge stranded. I assume the negative is 10 gauge because it also carries the load for the lights or trailer brakes or all of the above..

 

[e-coast mike]

Re: Using 7 way round trailer plug as power source for electric winch

Looks like you got lots of high tech advice from lots of very smart people.
I'm no electronic guru, but my set-up was fairly cheap and bullet proof so far.
First off, you might want to think about wiring your vehicle in such a way, that you'll be ready for a heavier load someday.
Also, if you have the room under your hood for a second battery, I'd go that route for sure. Let your alternator keep it charged, one less thing to have to remember before going boating, and less chance of it walking away.
Not to mention having two batteries to start the vehicle on bone chilling days.
Your 7pin plug may or may not work, depending on the pull, I used to have a PowerWinch T3200, the power plug connection plugging directly into it melted a little around the terminals, but I overloaded the winch a bit. Now I use a Rule T84R, way overkill for my Wellcraft 210 costal, but I got it cheap, and do love it so. Anyway, I purchased two identical, same size batteries with dual side/top mount connections. I had room for an additional battery tray on the drivers side. Connected the 1st battery vehicle via side terminals, then connected both batteries using #2 cable (w/sodered lugs) across the top terminals (no need for isolater). #2 cable has much beefier shielding and is less likely to be worn to short snaked across the inside of the front grill.
Run #4 cable from the second battery back underneath, then thru a rubber grommet hole thru the floor inside to my winch solenoid pack mounted inside the SUV. From there 6' of cable with forklift type battery connections (cheap) at the ends, all coiled up behind a removable rear plastic vent out of sight.
The batteries are really an investment to the vehicle, so remaining cost is minimal. Under the bumper battery connections waste away from corrosion, and are closer to the water, why do that if you can keep everything clean and shiny on the inside. Forklift type battery connections can be purchased from a local industrial supply, two male & female connections maybe $25.
I know I've said allot, even if you cant (or don't desire) to go this route, someone else may benefit reading this. Good luck.

 

[Aaron Redstone]

For anyone still thinking about using the 7-way plug for powering a winch, it’s worth considering that most winches, especially under load, will pull way more amps than the 7-way can handle safely. Even though it might seem like a convenient solution, the wiring on those plugs (usually 12-gauge) and the fuse rating just won’t cut it for serious winching.

A better option is to run a dedicated wire from your battery to the back of your vehicle, preferably with at least 4-gauge wiring. If you want to keep things simple, mounting a small deep cycle battery on the trailer and charging it via the 7-way plug is also a solid approach. That way, the winch gets the power it needs, and you avoid overheating or blowing fuses.

Hope this helps anyone thinking of wiring up their winch!