How many of you have hooked up your own winch? Is is ok to run power directly from the battery into the twist style switch (no fuse, so you can use the winch without the key)? It seems to work great but I am worried about it draining my battery.

Is this ok?

 

Yes .....you can do it and not run down your battery.... but its not a very good idea to not have a fuse or breaker in line. If the winch motor or wiring short out and there is no inline fuse or breaker to stop current, you will have either a fire or at the very least a melted mess of wires. Granted the likelihood is small, but why take the chance? If it happens out on the trail it would be a ruined day!

 

Trailboss,

Thanks for your reply. What AMP fuse would you suggest for a Warn 2500?

I'll check thier website too and let you know if I find a recommended amp

 

Your best bet is to use a breaker rather than a fuse. I dont know what amperage they recommend but 80 to 100 amps should be ok, but you could check with Warn. Or if anybody out there knows for sure?

 

I have to ask why don't you want to use the solenoid provided? If you're worried about the solenoid having power when the key is on, simply install a switch to cut power to the solenoid when not in use. I don't like the idea of wiring the winch switch "hot" simply because my kids, or somebody else is likely to reel the cable in and suck my fairlead through the bashplate when I'm not around, let alone the risk of shorting out the electrical system. Granted, this can happen anyway, but it's less likely to happen if the key has to be on. Seems not everyone knows what the "rotary" switch is for, so they turn it to see what happens. I always figure the best bet is to install it as the factory suggests.

I'm not sure about the Warn 2500, but the solenoid on a Warn 2000 fits great in the rear storage compartment. Siply drill a couple holes for the wires, then silicone em up when you're done. The solenoid is about as weatherproof as you'll ever see.

 

Powercat, did you purchase the winch from AC? If so the wiring is very straightforward. It should take you about 2 hours to do the whole install. It also comes complete with everything you need, there is no splicing or cutting of wires. There is no need to have a fuse in the heave guage wire that goes to the winch. If you use the 2 prong plug to hook up the switching circut (small wires) you don't need a fuse on it either, it is fused allready trough the acc in the fuse block.

 

Mudcat, no I bought a U2500. So I had to buy the switch and wiring separate. I saved alot of money doing it that way.

But it does sound pretty hassle free for the AC one...

 

I got the kit from AC too. It couldn't be easier. The holes are even pre-drilled in the battery compartment for the solenoid. It took me a little over an hour.

It was well worth the extra money.