My wife just bought me a new Warn A2000 winch (birthday gift [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img] ). Since she didn't know you need an installation kit I just ordered one from Cablela's with a roller fairlead. I'm wondering if any other Kodiak drivers could let me know if there are any problems/tricks you could let me know about regarding installing it? Also has anyone used the Cabela's kit on a Kodiak? Lastly have a question about the winch itself since I've never owned one 'til now: Does it hurt if it gets submerged in mud or water for a few seconds?
Thanks guys-I can't wait to get it bolted on and try it out. I have a few small pieces of firewood logs in a small steep creek bed I'm going to try to pull out first off! I'll try to post some photos when I get the kit from Cabela's.
[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-cool.gif[/img]

 

I just installed my winch from my old big bear onto my Kodiak today.
It's pretty straightforward.Mine did not come with a kit but I assume you will get a mount plate for the front.This makes it easy.It bolts to the frame perfectly and the winch and the fairlead of course bolt to it.I have the dial switch,your may have the rocker.If thats the case most guys are mounting it on the handlebars.I mounted my dial switch on the rack on the left side so I can use the throttle if needed.I did end up removing the seat,gas tank plastic cover,left side gas tank bolts,front rack and the black insert that covers the front air snorkel for the belt.I mounted my solenoid inside that area.It worked out good,it's protected and I was able to get the voltage for it via the hot wire for the 12volt
outlet.The solenoid only lets it work when the key is one.Some people do not use it but I have a three year old that LOVES switches if you know what I mean.I ran the cables along the frame under the tank and they come out to the switch between the tank cover and the front cover itself.That kept me from cutting plastic.If any other questions let me know.
How do you like the Hatfield/Mccoy area? I have been to Wv several times but only to raft the new river and gualey river.Nice area!
2000 kodiak
1995 wolverine
1988 big bear[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

I forgot.My winch is 12 years old and HAS been wet.LOL.[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]

 

Submerging them does not hurt them at all. My solenoid is located in the storage box under the seat and keeps it clean and dry. I put it on the side w/heavy duty fasteners from Radio Shack, works like a charm. Be careful to not leave your key on as I did, it will wear your battery down quick. Also, the winch will not work unless the battery has a full charge.

 

I Just installed the Warn Winch from Yamaha on mine last week, before I went to Hatfield/McCoy Trails.

I mounted My Solenoid on the outside of the storage box, much like it shows in the directions.
I ran my Cables along the frame rails through the existing wire ties and mounted my switch on the front rack on the little rise right in front of the steering stem.

I had read on here somewhere, and decided to wire mine to work only when the headlights are on. This helps keep little fingers from playing with the switch during a ride and winding the winch in to tightly . It also allows the solenoid to remail nice and cool because its only being used when you need it.
Hope this helps!

Ron

 

Guys thanks for the info! Kodiac1-embarrasingly enough, I have not yet been down to Hatfield/McCoy! Probably next spring. Everybody I talk to that's been down there had a great time though!

BTW KT-did you get the mount kit from Yamaha also? And did you need your winch when you were down on the H/M trails?
Later

 

Hillhound, Not speaking for Kodiac, but I just came back from a weekend there.
The trails are great, some wide open riding, and some low range 4x4 riding. The Scenery is beautiful.. On some of the trails, Im not sure If A Sport Quad could do them, simply because of Ground Clearance issues.Some of the trails have VERY steep drop offs on the side. The winch was not needed, but came close a couple of times!, Not much mud to speak of, but Rocks Galore!
By the way, My Warn Works Great, I submerged it in mud and used it to Pull Myself out without the help of the engine, worked great, was real impressed!

Ron

 

Guys I got the winch installed today and it seems to be working fine. Kodiac1 I took your advice on where to mount the solenoid and Ktmexc I mounted the control on that rise off the rack like you said. The solenoid is wired in with the ignition so thanks JHAM I'll remember to make sure I turn off the key!

The only problem I had was that I found out my front bumper setup was bent and the mount plate holes would'nt line up with the ones on the bumper. So I spent some time pounding it back into shape. It's not perfect but it works ok and you could not and still can't tell it was bent by looking at it. Now I can pull my wife's Recon up those muddy steep little hills and my bro-in-law's Foreman when he buries it in a creek! LOL! [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-happy.gif[/img]
Thanks again for the input-it was helpful!