How hard is it on the alternator on an Atv to operate a winch? I have a 8000# warn winch on my pickup and have burned out many alternators. I talked to an alternator rebuilder and he told me that I need to wait and let the pickup idle for at least 5 minutes to recharge the batteries. He said that when I wind up the cable and take off without waiting the alternator goes to full charge and burns out the regulator. Since I have started waiting the alternators have lasted a lot longer.

 

I do not understand that you are burning up alternators. A voltage regulator is basically a device that senses the condition of your battery, and if the battery needs it, will allow the alternator to charge at its max output for which they are designed. One thing to consider is that a regular automotive battery when sevearly discharged, will never be the same when recharged and will eventually lead to a shorted battery (most likely your problem or try switching rebuilders) with repeated drainings. The standard car batt is made for starting your car and running the electrical accessories, not running a high powered winch and being almost completly drained. I would recommend that the next battery you install be a 27 series starting/deep cycle one. The deepcycle is made to be compleatly discharged and recharged with few ill effects. If you do purchase a new batt, make sure it is a starting/deepcycle and not just a deepcycle as the latter do not have very good cranking power. Hope this helps.

 

I plan on purchasing a 1999 Polaris explorer 400 4x4 like this week, and it comes with a winch. But loet me get this straight, you say it really doesnt matter the pulling capacity, (cause they are lying) but it is the battery? How can you make sure it will work all of the time and not go dead on you? Also, is there just a "light switch like" button mounted on your handle bars? I know I am asking stupid questions but I feel like i need to know. Thanks

 

Don't worry about your battery going dead. Just make sure the winch you buy is a "warn" and that it has the freewheeling option on it. The switch is usually a rotary style one that is mounted to the front rack (to big to mount on the handlebars), left hand side. (so that you can give throttle and operate the winch simultaneously)