Hey guys. I have a 2,000 lb Chicago winch from harbor freight. Where do I start for the install? I have an 03 sp400 and am wondering if I can fabricate a mount and what should it look like. Also, does anyone have ideas of where to hang or place the switch? It's a pretty big unit. Thanks.

 

What other components came with the winch???......I'm guessing it did not come with a solenoid/contactor set-up so the "big" switch is probably a direct power switch. I most commonly see these switches mounted up front on the rack. If your winch came with a solenoid then you can mount a switch that energizes the solenoid coil on your handlebars.

If it didn't come with any wiring then you have the option of doing it either way......it's just a matter of how you want it and if you're willing to spend a little extra $$$ to do a solenoid/contactor set-up. Regardless, either way you will need to get #6 gage power wire for your winch and battery wiring. Get good quality crimp on eyelets to make your wire terminations on the battery, power switch and winch (and solenoid/contactor if you choose to go that route). If you do go that route then the solenoid coil/switch wiring needs only be something like #20 gage because it's isolated from the actual winch/battery power circut.

As far as the mount goes you may want to contact a company called KFI. They make really nice winch mounting plates for many machines. I have one on my 2004 Sportsman. It will bolt into place. The thing you may want to check when you get the mounting plate is if the Chicago winch you have has the same bolt pattern as the more commonly used WARN, Ramsey and SuperWinch set-ups. Even if it doesn't ....it probably just means you'll need to drill your own holes.

Find your mounting plate here: www.kappers.us/

 

Little advise, take that winch back and buy a warn or a ramsey. My uncle runs a harbor freight tools store here, There products are crap. The tools welders about everything you buy there is cheap junk, except hammers that they sell. Trust me it will fail.

 

The Chicago electric winch will work just fine. I have used one for almost 2yrs and have pulled ALOT of quads out of the mud including myself. They are built just like a Superwinch. It will not be as good as a name brand or may not last as long but it will get you out of a bind when needed. Just dont overload the winch and only pull for about 10-15sec at a time just like any other winch. What burns them up is the constant load with no cool down time. No winch will last if you dont let it cool.

 

I beat the hell out of my winch never have let it cool, to tell the truth i didnt know you had to let em cool down. I have used a winch on my truck a few times but cant count the times on my 700, all i am saying is you get what you pay for. Harbor freight tools and there product is cheap, thats why they sell stuff so cheap. I bought my atv used it has a 2.5 warn on it and it was put on when the quad was bought new from the original owner. The thing works without a flaw, thats 4 years of it being used and still going. Thats what i mean when i say you get what you pay for. And on the letting it cool down thing whats up with that cuz i havent been letting mine cool when i use it should i be?

 

Thanks, Back in. I do not have an aftermarket bumper on my 03. I looked at that website and am uncertain which mount will work. Any input as to what I need is appreciated. And 4X4marvo I do appreciate the input on the Chi-town winch. I received it as a christmas gift this year and will replace after it burns out, if it ever does.

 

AHHHH got it as a xmas gift, sweet. Must be nice, the wife got me socks hahahahah...good luck, i wish i could help with that mounting issue but not my bag of bones there..good luck[img]i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif[/img]

 

Looks to me like the KFI model #100430 is just the ticket for you.

Good Luck, Bob

 

As always, thanks for all the help. I've got a birthday coming up so I should be able to score the fairlead and mount for that. Sweeeet! Then all I have to do is find somewhere to git er stuck!

 

my Hf winch, has outlasted my buddy warn, don't let anyone discourge you here, mine's been under water frozen, and cover in mud and i still use it daily. works perfectly