Winch battery disconnect and circuit breaker?

[ShadowsPapa]

That's funny! I'll have to show this to the guys.

I did some quick digging, and it's becoming a more common install method, and a couple of companies have said "protects against winch solenoid failure" (meaning contacts weld together and it won't shut off), among other reasons listed.

Still - when someone askes about a switch and/or other protection, and there are a whole lot of us out here who have done such things and can show installations, part numbers, sources and so on - interesting to see someone try to tell them it's stupid and unnecessary to do so.

As far as OEM installs - I could suggest some don't use such things because of the cost and extra labor of installation at the factory. Just a possibility.........

As far as accidents - look at the hits posted here in the forum were the front bumper, even frame ends, were compromised. Battery wasn't laying down by the engine but any winch cable could have been pinched or scrapped.

I say- those who don't want such things - just don't do it, but let those of us who DO want such things do it, without being insulted or called names like we're in middle school.
If you don't want it, just don't install it, but don't slam the rest as mere fools who don't have a clue.
I used to work in a shop that ran two wreckers, 24/7 towing services, along the I35/I80 corridor. The stuff I've seen, yeah, I want my disconnect and if I'm an idiot, fool, or bubble boy for doing so, so be it. It's far far better to be a bit safe. I mean, we do carry insurance and yet most will never use any of it.

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[Lost1wing]

I told my wife that I was called a bubble boy. She laughed and choked on her wine.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

There's a lot of impact and accident types. Nothing will ever be 100%, but if it handles even some of the possibilities............

 

[Rusty PW]

You've had a bad day if the thermal protection tripped. It's still a bad day if you bypassed the protection and smoked the winch motor. I guess you just have to pay attention to the duty cycle limits. Be careful!

Warn winches you buy from from anyone do not have these protections. Only the Warn winches that come on the PW. Another thing about the PW Warn winches. Ram rates them at 12,000 lbs. They are really the M 15000 winch. Not the M 12000. So you have to buy parts for the M 15000.

 

[Rusty PW]

I what to know how the factory Warn winch for the 2025 JL is wired? And if it has any built in protections.

 

[Lost1wing]

Warn winches you buy from from anyone do not have these protections. Only the Warn winches that come on the PW. Another thing about the PW Warn winches. Ram rates them at 12,000 lbs. They are really the M 15000 winch. Not the M 12000. So you have to buy parts for the M 15000.

I think that thermal switch is to protect itself from user abuse. I have not read about a y thermal switches on the Apex or Warn Evo 12. It would be nice to have one to protect the winch, but I can also see the need for a thermal bypass switch for emergency use.

 

[Rusty PW]

I think that thermal switch is to protect itself from user abuse. I have not read about a y thermal switches on the Apex or Warn Evo 12. It would be nice to have one to protect the winch, but I can also see the need for a thermal bypass switch for emergency use.

Then why is it not on all Warn winches?

Oh.....a another thing on the PW Warn winches. They rotate in the opposite direction and has a different control box.

 

[SamJ3]

That looks great. Would you mind sharing the source for the mounting plate and parts? I appreciate it. That’s exactly what I am looking for.

Thanks. I purchased the switch and terminals on Amazon. Search for "Battery Disconnect Master Cutoff Switch" to get several similar switches (about $15 ea.). The breaker was included with my winch. I fabricated the mounting plate from some scraps cut from a plastic bumper. I've seen several online; Google search for "jeep jl winch disconnect switch mounting bracket".

Also, (for anyone questioning the double protection) another reason, beyond safety for the cutoff switch is battery drain. My which has a wireless controller, so it always (when connected) is using some power listening for the controller.

 

[Freems]

I use an Anderson connector. Have the one connected to my battery mounted to the frame rail with the weather cover on it. The one from my winch is tucked into the bumper. Easy to connect when needed and leave it connected if desired. Custom cables are available in different lengths. I got mine from Amazon, made in USA as well.

I also use the one from the battery to power my Viair 450 compressor and have an Energizer 30’ long jumper cable to attach as well.

Very convenient.

Your story’s credibility dropped exponentially with the comment “…Amazon, made in USA as well.” Nothing the big “A” sells in made in the USA!

 

[Zachanadandy]

LOL, seriously? Now the insults?

Amazing when someone comes in asking about a cut-off and possible fuse or breaker, then a couple come in dissing them, and insulting as if THEIR way is the ONLY right way?
And yet there are winch makers who say you must use a switch, and several not only sell them, but some include them.

Wow. A guy asked about a switch and suddenly he's a bubble boy and doing it all wrong because you don't believe in them.

Since he was asking about a switch, maybe he wants to use one.
Those of us who have, can show solid examples.
And there's no real downside to a switch. Point of failure? The whole truck is full of points of failure.
How many reports have there been of their cutoff switch failing?

I'll repost for a point - apparently at least one winch company is run by bubble boys -

That clearly says recommended not required, and calling hard wiring winches a "faulty install" is where the insults started? Like I said if it makes you feel better run all the fuses and switches you want. Most don't recommend a disconnect at all and I've yet to see 1 that recommends an ocp device as they all understand that if it will flow enough current for a 400A+ hard pull it will flow the max CCA long enough that it isn't actually protecting anything.

 

[RDakota]

Thanks. I purchased the switch and terminals on Amazon. Search for "Battery Disconnect Master Cutoff Switch" to get several similar switches (about $15 ea.). The breaker was included with my winch. I fabricated the mounting plate from some scraps cut from a plastic bumper. I've seen several online; Google search for "jeep jl winch disconnect switch mounting bracket".

Also, (for anyone questioning the double protection) another reason, beyond safety for the cutoff switch is battery drain. My which has a wireless controller, so it always (when connected) is using some power listening for the controller.

Thanks!

 

[OVERLORD]

Not sure if I posted this before, found on Etsy.

Pretty cool!

 

[Pismo61]

Not bash anybody,but to me its just another failure point.I had one in my JK days and never got another.How
ever I still like reading about this stuff.

 

[GWolgamott]

Not bash anybody,but to me its just another failure point.I had one in my JK days and never got another.

Some would argue that the entire electrical system is, doesn't necessarily mean we should hard wire everything . Personally I didn't want an under the hood switch so I have a solenoid that is hooked to a switch panel I have lights wired into. Needed? No, but had open switch so wasn't a reason not to and an extra safety precaution. The failure points are highly unlikely to fail and in a pinch the solenoid is right next to the battery. Would take me less then 5 minutes to wire it directly if needed.

 

[OVERLORD]

Some would argue that the entire electrical system is, doesn't necessarily mean we should hard wire everything . Personally I didn't want an under the hood switch so I have a solenoid that is hooked to a switch panel I have lights wired into. Needed? No, but had open switch so wasn't a reason not to and an extra safety precaution. The failure points are highly unlikely to fail and in a pinch the solenoid is right next to the battery. Would take me less then 5 minutes to wire it directly if needed.

That's how I originally hoped to do it, through the accessory switch panel. Trying to find a simple solenoid to do so, became a challenge.

My greatest concern, was not to have a hot wire going through the tight confines of the front bumper ...... Justin Case .....

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