Winches draw MAJOR AMPERAGE under load. I can't remember the exact figures but it's like WAY, WAY, WAY more than 20 amps. That's why they use #6 conductors.

Use a good contactor (solenoid/relay switch) and run the skinny little low power coil wires to a handle bar rocker switch.........that's the right set up. They do make winch switches that don't use a relay and are a manual hand switch. Typically they are rotated to close the switch and are mounted on a rack because they're bulky. But they usually need to be replaced every so often and the relay/contactor/handle bar switch set up is soooooooo much better and allows far easier operation while sitting on your machine at the handle bars with brake, throttle and other controls at your disposal while winching.

 

I have installed winches with and without a relay block.
I would recommend you use 6 gauge wiring and good terminal ends.
I have found if you are only using the winch for self recovery, the rotary style switch is th way to go.
If you are using the winch with a plow, bucket, or some other reason, where you would need it closer to your hand and the brake.... You should go with th contactor block and a toggle switch.

If you are looking for a cheap install.... Buy yourself a rotary switch, some 6 gauge wire, and terminal ends large enough to handle the 6 gauge wire and find a large bench vise. (For installing the terminal ends on to the 6 guage cables)
You may run this directly to the battery with no need for a 20 amp fuse.

If you are looking for a cheap rocker panel switch and a relay block... You will still need the cable and wiring from the toggle to the relay block.

A little advice on the winch....
When pulling: to achieve the rated 2000lb rating or what-ever it may be, coil out the entire length of the cable...
For every time you add a layer to your spool, you lose winch rating.
For instance. The second time the cable winds you may lose 500 lbs of pull and so on and so forth.

Hope this helps....
If you are intersted in parts, let me know and I may be able to direct you down the right path or give you a good deal on some extra's I have.
Always keep extra parts around.


Jon

 

I just checked on amperage draw.

A typical 2500 lb unit will draw 15amps/no load and up to 188 amps at full load of 2500lbs.

One of the things that sold me on getting a Ramsey 3000lb unit is that it draws less amperage than comparable units when loaded up. It draws 150 amps at full load of 3000lbs.

I don't think a "20 amp switch" is gonna git-r-done guys.......but I'm sure the specific rotary winch switches that are rack mounted are rated for it and of course the solenoid contactors that come with most ATV winch packages.

 

First I want to thank everyone for your help. As I have said I am new to all of this and really did not know what was needed to hook up this winch, which I hope I never have to use but if I do it will be great to have.

MYWAYOUT I am working on a switch on ebay but if I dont get it and you can point me in the right direction for a cheap rotary that would be great.

Thanks

 

Not to worry!!!.......Half the fun is getting stuck-in-the-muck and winching out. LOL [img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif[/img]

Good Luck, Bob

 

You can get a hold of me at jkr308@hickorytech.net
Be glad to hook you up with one!

Jon

 

MYWAYOUT I sent you a email.

Charlie

 

Back at you kschas (Charlie)....
Let's get you set up.....

 

OK, I'm pretty ignorant in this area. Bare with me.
I have a winch mounted on the front that I got for free. I ordered a rocker switch for atv's off ebay.
Recieved the switch assembly.
It has a red power wire and two other wires with connectors.
The winch has 2 threaded connectors coming off housing.
I'm lost.

I connected the power wire(To battery) and the 2 switch connections to the winch.

If I run a ground wire from the winch to the the connectors on the winch and toggle the switch I can get it to run in or out if I also move the ground wire from one winch threaded connector to the other.

I know I'm missing something because the wires heat up and I cant keep switching the ground wire.

Can someone give me the rundown in laymans terms.

Thanks,
Ron

 

I figured it out I think.
I need a contactor

Would this work?
http://www.gorillawinches.com/...il-series-winches.html