Winch disconnect switch ideas...

[KG4NEL]

For those who've installed cutoff switches under the hood, care to share a photo of your setup and the bracket you used? I'll have aux switches, but I'd prefer a manual on/off to taking up a switch space, plus the chance of the solenoid ever burning out when I need the winch the most.

Thinking one of those Blue Sea Systems disconnects, but just looking for ways to mount it cleanly.

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[Reinen]

Don't worry about the solenoid burning out. If that does happen, just move the cables to the same side of the solenoid and bypass it. Then move the cables back to the original positions when you're done. Just make sure your wrench doesn't create a short between the positive cable and any metal ground.

I'd post a pic of my solenoid setup but while it is perfectly safe and functional, it isn't the prettiest and not worthy of recommending. ?‍

 

[dbp512]

I don't have a winch yet, but when I pick one up I'll likely add something like this ATO 600A solenoid. The highest current winches I've been looking at are the warn zeon 12k at 469A, so this should be more than capable of providing the sustained load without issue. What looks even more appealing, at least potentially, is the ability to add additional circuits to it via auxiliary terminals.

 

[jaymz]

Post #36. Pic was snapped before power cable to winch was installed. Bracket is just a piece of 1.5 or 2 inch aluminum angle with a notch cut in it.

 

[4xFUN]

Here you go, Warn Power Interrupt Kit triggered by AUX 4. Took thick piece of aluminum, formed, drilled and painted black. Used one existing threaded insert and installed another in the fender. AUX wiring is near as well as great factory grounding points. About as close to OEM looking as possible!

 

[Mx5red]

I have a manual disconnect, because I didn’t want to use an aux switch. But, there is an advantage to not having to open the hood to turn on the winch. When I was in awkward recovery positions it was hard to open hood and turn it on (if I forgot to turn it on at beginning of trail).
Conversely I think it is one less thing to fail, trusting manual switches more.
Mine is also ugly so copy someone else’s?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/where-are-you-powering-the-winch.29534/post-742710

 

[BUSHRVN]

I went with a manual switch. I just bent a piece of 1/8” aluminum and cut it to the profile to fit and make use of an OEM fender bolt and an OEM tab inside the fender that has a 6mm nut already on it. It’s solid. Sprayed it flat black.

 

[Pig-Pen]

I dont have pics of mine but it basically looks like this. Same HF switch and Centera mount

https://centerak.com/products/jl-jt-winch-switch-mount

 

[ParadigmDawg]

I have a manual disconnect, because I didn’t want to use an aux switch. But, there is an advantage to not having to open the hood to turn on the winch. When I was in awkward recovery positions it was hard to open hood and turn it on (if I forgot to turn it on at beginning of trail).
Conversely I think it is one less thing to fail, trusting manual switches more.
Mine is also ugly so copy someone else’s?

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/where-are-you-powering-the-winch.29534/post-742710

That is similar to what I use but mine is just stuffed between the battery and fender mount area. The only time I forgot to turn it on was the one time I got stuck. Luckily I was able to jump to my bumper, open the hood, flip it on and jump back without getting any mud on my shoes.

 

[GATORB8]

I ran the Warn PIK on an Aux for a couple years. Just redid everything and got rid of it and went to a Blue Sea 300A terminal fuse.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019ZBTV4/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&th=1

 

[ajn507]

Can someone tell me why this is needed? Is it not a good idea to just wire it to the battery?

Alan

 

[jeep1]

Can someone tell me why this is needed? Is it not a good idea to just wire it to the battery?

There is a concern that in a front collision, the winch cables can be cut or shorted which can lead to a fire.

 

[Buddy Lee]

Can someone tell me why this is needed? Is it not a good idea to just wire it to the battery?

Alan

It’s a personal preference. 26 years in the fire service and I have been to hundreds of car accidents and vehicle fires. Not one time during our investigation into the cause did I ever suspect a winch cable as the culprit. That said, I see no reason not to do it if it gives someone peace of mind. My winch cables are directly attached to the battery as designed with no issues or worries. Just make sure you take your time running the cables to prevent any damage or chafing and remember to check on them every once in a while like any other maintenance item.

 

[ajn507]

@Buddy Lee Thanks. I'm confident the way I have the wires run and tied off but I'm going to put a split loom cover on the wires for a little more protection.

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