I'm getting ready to install a winch on one of my '03 Ranchers. It's an old 'el-cheapo' $80 Harbor Freight 2,000 lb winch that I had on my Jeep. The way it was wired on the Jeep was with two large cables running from the battery and a 3"-4" diameter switch that has large cables attached to it. Depending on which way you rotate the switch the winch cable will either go in or out. Many of you have probably seen something similar to this. (Hope this makes sense so far.)

Now I've seen various ATV winches that come with a contactor & a small handlebar-mounted switch, or a remote setup with a small switch at the end. I assume the contactor is a type of relay to allow the use of the rocker switch.

I am wondering if I can wire up my winch without the contactor. I'm thinking of setting it up similar to the way it was wired on the Jeep, using the large switch and connecting directly to the ATV battery.

Any reason why this wouldn't work?

Thanks -Frank

 

I believe my winch is the same setup as yours. I have a Superwinch X1 2000lb. The round switch mounts on the end of the winch itself, and has 2 wires that run back to the battery. Turn the switch toward the front of the bike, winch goes out, turn switch to the back, winch comes in (plus free spool feature). The instructions showed that is how to hook it up, very simple, and I haven't had any problems. The only downside I see, is in order to use the winch, I have to reach in under the front plastic around the tire to turn the switch. Kinda sucks if your in deep water or mud, but effective in an emergency.

Pic of the winch and switch is in my pic page, take a looksee.

 

Yep! That's exactly what I'm talkin' about. I hope you don't mind, but I copied the pics of your 'elaborate' winch mount system : ) In fact, I just might have such a mount out back somewhere! I may add the fairlead, but that should go on fairly easy. Thanks!

-Frank

 

No problem! I believe in simplicity, I didn't need any fancy mounting plate or anything! I have a fairlead, I just need to pick up some more steel to fab up a bracket for it.