Winch Power Switch

FadeToGray

TJ Enthusiast
Supporting Member
Joined
Feb 4, 2019
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192
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NH
Do you guys run a power interrupt switch of some sorts for your winches?

Or is that not really needed?
 
I'm really not the right one to answer but I do not. Have only used my winch once. My winch cannot be powered without the wireless controller being activated or the same remote hooked up by the backup cord. Some wire up in cab controls that can be used without the remote. I can see the usefulness of that and in that case a switch would be needed in my opinion.
 
Yes. I like having one for safety
 
Do you guys run a power interrupt switch of some sorts for your winches?

Or is that not really needed?
I have my winch wired in my dash. I do have a toggle that I have to click on, and two push buttons for in and out. My aux battery is wired straight to the winch with no interruptions.

You can see it here it is the "Plan B" switch and the two buttons next to it are the in and out:

92750
 
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I have my winch wired in my dash. I do have a toggle that I have to click on, and two push buttons for in and out. My aux battery is wired straight to the winch with no interruptions.

You can see it here it is the "Plan B" switch and the two buttons next to it are the in and out:

View attachment 92750
I did the same.
@FadeToGray 12voltguy sells great in cab switches.
 
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When i installed my winch i thought about it. Then came to the conclusion that the starter motor does not have a disconnect. It has a full time 12v large cable running to it and has no issues.

Just make sure the power cable for the winch is not ever going to rub on anything that could damage it.

I do inspect my winch power cable every oil change and every time after I inspect the line.
 
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I have my winch wired in my dash. I do have a toggle that I have to click on, and two push buttons for in and out. My aux battery is wired straight to the winch with no interruptions.

You can see it here it is the "Plan B" switch and the two buttons next to it are the in and out:

View attachment 92750

Is there a way to wire in cab winch controls like that that leave the waterproof winches waterproof?
 
Is there a way to wire in cab winch controls like that that leave the waterproof winches waterproof?

I wired mine to places that already had wires. So mine isn't any less waterproof than it was before I started. Well except in side the cab perhaps, but if that is what you are asking then you would want some waterproof switches and some silicone. Now if you are just talking about the solenoids, then I have seen people move them to under the hood, but I didn't find it necessary. Some people do it for looks rather than waterproof.

Are you planning on submerging your TJ?
 
Are you planning on submerging your TJ?

I'm not b opening to buy you never know what might need to be done. They make winches waterproof for a reason and the install I've seen requires drilling into the housing of the winch to connect the wires that run to the dash. I might at some point try running a second winch remote wire and use that to hard wire switches and then I just need to get out and plug that into the winch the same as you would connect the remote.
 
I'm not b opening to buy you never know what might need to be done. They make winches waterproof for a reason and the install I've seen requires drilling into the housing of the winch to connect the wires that run to the dash. I might at some point try running a second winch remote wire and use that to hard wire switches and then I just need to get out and plug that into the winch the same as you would connect the remote.
I think the winches are waterproof for the most part. I don't think the solenoids necessarily have to be. Mine is wired into the cab into switches that look stock but are not waterproof by any means. I am pretty sure I can submerge my winch under water and still use it. I have done it before, Not on my current setup, but with rigs a while ago. Also I have never submerged my which and had it just start working because it was under water without hitting the switch.

You may be just trying to solve a problem that doesn't really exist. I mean if we are talking an occasional creek crossing I think you will be OK, but if you are going to use it as a Swamp Buggy, you may want to really worry more about waterproofing. I believe you are going to run into other issues with without waterproofing before your winch is actually the issue.

I am not trying to discourage you from waterproofing your rig, all I am saying is I didn't do anything to waterproof mine, so I am not really a good resource for waterproof information on your winch controls. I just let my freak winch fly baby!