Winch Wiring Tips

[Thumper4fun]

Looking for tips to wire up my winch. Routing the wires, connections, etc. Pics are welcomed.

Engo SR10S winch, using the stock bumper and a flat mount winch plate just in case your interested in the details.

 

[TJ4Jim]

For starters make sure to run the ground back to the battery, do not ground it to the frame. For the battery connections there are a few choices, one (existing battery) is to purchase the proper terminal adapters for the correct wire size or you can replace the battery with a dual terminal setup ( top and side connections) and use the side terminals for the winch. I use the dual terminals as it is definitely a cleaner install, just make sure the side terminals are rated for the full load amps (most can but a few do not). When running the cables to the winch be sure to protect the wires with plastic loom or rubber hose when passing thru potential rub areas. Also make sure the lug ends on the cables are properly applied as loose or improperly installed lugs can lead to problems.

I always give great respect when installing large diameter cables on my vehicles as the potential energy in 12 volt batteries is mind blowing.

 

[Jerry Bransford]

Just connect the winch's two large gauge cables directly to the battery, don't connect the winch's negative lead to the chassis... it needs to connect directly to the battery. Passing the cables through the grill area is a good route but the cables need to be protected from abrasion where they could be rubbed through by the sheet metal. Short pieces of old garden hose held on by zip ties work well to protect the winch electrical cables. At the least use plastic wire loom to protect the cables, protective plastic wire loom is available in the electrical department of most hardware stores or stores like Fry's Electronics.

Edit: Great minds think alike. :risas3:

 

[tworley]

Mine run thru the grill and are covered with plastic loom. Ziptied to various locations up the grill, and along the grill supports to the battery