How to wire a winch

[sea_ledford]

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

 

[MidOH]

Yep, wire it straight up. No fuse.

I've always just disconnected the positive on mine, carefully.

 

[The other Sean]

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.

 

[madcratebuilder]

I relocated the controller box to the engine bay and use Anderson connectors with a straight run to the battery.

 

[Lindenwood]

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.

 

[Matoolie]

I am planning my winch install on my 2014 4runner and I bought a Blue Sea e-series shutoff switch for power lead.

 

[sea_ledford]

Thanks for the replies! I'll probably just wire it in for now and pick up a switch later.

 

[Dilldog]

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.

 

[PonoAdventures]

you could also get something like the warn battery disconnect:

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

 

[OVRLNDER]

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.

 

[MOAK]

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.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Anderson connectors

 

[Dilldog]

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.

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.

 

[OVRLNDER]

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.

When I bought it, the price was $50, so I went with it. I didn't even realize the price jumped up.

 

[Dilldog]

When I bought it, the price was $50, so I went with it. I didn't even realize the price jumped up.

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.

 

[OVRLNDER]

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.

Just about 2 years ago.

 

[Dilldog]

Just about 2 years ago.

2 years ago, I think you would have struggled to piece that kit together for cheaper than 50.

 

[slomatt]

I have a fuse inline with my winch's positive cable, just in case there is a short. The wire is wrapped in a section of hose but over time vibrations could still potentially wear through the insulation. The fuse is cheap insurance.

 

[Redbear]

What size fuse do you run with a 10k lb winch?

 

[madcratebuilder]

What size fuse do you run with a 10k lb winch?

I would not use a fuse. I use a Anderson connector, takes seconds to unplug if needed.