How to wire a winch

sea_ledford

sea_ledford

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Galveston, TX, USA
First Name
Chris
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Ledford
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19121

I just mounted up my new slimline bumper and winch and I'm trying to figure out the propper/safe way to wire the winch up. I know I can just attach the cables to the positive and negative posts on the battery, but I'm seeing a lot about isolators, fuses, disconnects, dual batteries, etc.

I have a 2019 4runner, with stock battery. No dual battery, or plans to get one. I'm running a warn evo 10s winch.

Do I need an isolator or fuse or something? Can I just leave either the positive or negative disconnected until I go on a trip and might need it? All the official instructions I've found are notably vague about the whole process.

Thanks!

-Chris


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Yep, wire it straight up. No fuse.

I've always just disconnected the positive on mine, carefully.
 
I have mine wired straight to the battery, I never disconnect it. I do keep a cable cutter in the driver's door pocket in case something goes wonky, then I can simply cut the power cable.
 
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I relocated the controller box to the engine bay and use Anderson connectors with a straight run to the battery.
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I wouldnt stress too much about wiring it straight to the battery, especially since this will provide the best performance. However, first, make sure you at least wrap the wires in a couple layers of electrical tape to helo prevent rubbing through and shorting out. Secondly, though, leaving the positive disconnected is also among the safest options, as is wiring in a heavy-duty manual switch to the positive side near the terminal.
 
I am planning my winch install on my 2014 4runner and I bought a Blue Sea e-series shutoff switch for power lead.
 
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When I wired up my winch I did a switch in the cab that ran a 250amp relay to disconnect the power from the winch, then ran a 250amp maxi fuse to protect from shorts during use. Having watched a truck burn down on the trail due to a shorted out winch motor Im a big fan of fusing the winch.
To add: There were a lot of other failures that lead to this; continued overload of winch, not paying attention to warning signs of shorts, not having a fire extinguisher. But I still encourage the use of at least a large high current fuse, just in case you are in a position where you need to focus on the recovery and not on the subtleties of potential issues with the winch, wiring, and vehicle battery.
 
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you could also get something like the warn battery disconnect:

www.4wheelparts.com

Warn Quick Connect - 70926

Whether you're looking to maintain, optimize, or upgrade, we offer competitive pricing on Warn Quick Connect - 70926 for your Truck or Jeep at 4 Wheel Parts. With our selection of quality brands and expert advice, we help boost your vehicle's performance and make a statement on or off the road.
www.4wheelparts.com
 
I put one of these warn power interrupt kits in and wired the switch to my apollointech switches. The winch will only have power when I flip the switch. I never like having that big of a wire always hot when not in use. With me being a volunteer firefighter and a career in auto body, I've seen my far share of fires caused my a shorted wire.
 
Ok, here are three things I have always used when wiring up my winches. I use Heavy rubber hose anywhere there is even the slightest chance of rubbing the wire. I cut the hose to length, slice it, wrap it around the wire and fasten it with tie straps. I use the slotted plastic stuff on all wire runs. I use the breakers as well. In fact any aftermarket wiring on my cruiser is wrapped the same way. I may be a bit anal about it, however, since I started doing this I’ve never had any wiring wear through and short out. 261656D7-3439-418F-962B-594A8AEA8C9E.jpeg2B6E7DA0-1D1C-410B-BAD1-AB6DE45C0861.jpegEA6EC0B8-F036-4815-A47A-1AEEF18C20B2.jpeg
 
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OVRLNDER said:
I put one of these warn power interrupt kits in and wired the switch to my apollointech switches. The winch will only have power when I flip the switch. I never like having that big of a wire always hot when not in use. With me being a volunteer firefighter and a career in auto body, I've seen my far share of fires caused my a shorted wire.
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Thats the same way I relayed I my old winch. But $85!? You can literally make that exact set up for $50-$60 in parts from a Napa. Or if youre willing to go wrecking yard hopping for parts (like I did) you can make a set up identical to that for $10.
 
Dilldog said:
Thats the same way I relayed I my old winch. But $85!? You can literally make that exact set up for $50-$60 in parts from a Napa. Or if youre willing to go wrecking yard hopping for parts (like I did) you can make a set up identical to that for $10.
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When I bought it, the price was $50, so I went with it. I didn't even realize the price jumped up.
 
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OVRLNDER said:
When I bought it, the price was $50, so I went with it. I didn't even realize the price jumped up.
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How long ago was That? I bet the price jump is in keeping with the cost of things currently. Had I bought all the parts new when I built my set up about 12 years ago it would have cost around 30 or 40. I figure at current prices you can piece that kit together for 50 or 60.
 
Dilldog said:
How long ago was That? I bet the price jump is in keeping with the cost of things currently. Had I bought all the parts new when I built my set up about 12 years ago it would have cost around 30 or 40. I figure at current prices you can piece that kit together for 50 or 60.
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Just about 2 years ago.
 
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What size fuse do you run with a 10k lb winch?
 
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