Winch disconnect switch?

[BringTheLightnin]

Hey everyone, just got my winch in today and wondering if I can just hook it to the battery or should I get a disconnect switch? If so, would this work?


https://www.autozone.com/winch-and-...XUYA_Mc1nXmGhvEIHshoC7cEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks.

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[ShadowsPapa]

Hey everyone, just got my winch in today and wondering if I can just hook it to the battery or should I get a disconnect switch? If so, would this work?


https://www.autozone.com/winch-and-...XUYA_Mc1nXmGhvEIHshoC7cEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks.

There are a a few threads on this very topic.

YES - use a switch or a solenoid.
That switch would work, some use the Warn solenoid (or better) and some use the switch that comes with the Badland Apex 12000 winch.

On my 2020 I used the big switch that came with my winch, when I moved things over to my 2022, I used the Warn solenoid on one of my aux switches.
Some like a switch, some like a solenoid.
One reason a member said he liked the switch was because it forced him to open the hood - and an open hood could be protection against a broken rope/cable/other part lashing back at the driver or passenger in the vehicle. Not a bad point, I guess.
I like the solenoid controlled by a switch inside the cab because I can power it up from in the truck when it's really icy or mucky out and not have to reach up to open the hood.

Your call, your choice. Switch is fine and I like Bulldog stuff personally.

In any case, YES to a switch of some sort of other means of cutting off power to the front of the Jeep in case of accident, etc. - you won't have battery power up there on a cable that could get crunched, short, and cause a fire.
It's a safety thing. Why run full battery power to the front bumper - just waiting for a deer hit or other calamity to cut into that wire HOT. No power up there, the worst that happens is you need a bumper or some body work. With power, you could lose a lot more.

 

[Marman]

On my JL I ran through an electrical solenoid, required me to ensure engine was on to use. Have not transferred to the JT yet so haven't figured out how I am going to set it up. I like the manual switch you posted, might have to look into it.

 

[charliez]

A disconnect switch is always recommended. I put one on mine. The cables are big and direct to the battery so if one of them has an issue it can easily do a lot of damage or burn the whole thing up/down. I have plans to actually switch it out to a relay controlled by a switch inside.

I have what came with the badlands winch, but will be moving to this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08F28SKX1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[exfil offroad]

Hey everyone, just got my winch in today and wondering if I can just hook it to the battery or should I get a disconnect switch? If so, would this work?


https://www.autozone.com/winch-and-...XUYA_Mc1nXmGhvEIHshoC7cEQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

Thanks.

These are what I used for a quick disconnect, works great, fast, easy to use, no worries about draining batteries or shorts.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

On my JL I ran through an electrical solenoid, required me to ensure engine was on to use. Have not transferred to the JT yet so haven't figured out how I am going to set it up. I like the manual switch you posted, might have to look into it.

That's why I used aux switch #3 and set the switch to be powered only when the truck was "on" so I couldn't run it without engine running. I figured if the engine wouldn't run, I had bigger problems than just getting out of a bad spot. I can't kill the battery this way.
Plus - I use JSCAN to up the idle while I use the winch, too. It's one extra step but worth it, IMO.

A disconnect switch is always recommended. I put one on mine. The cables are big and direct to the battery so if one of them has an issue it can easily do a lot of damage or burn the whole thing up/down. I have plans to actually switch it out to a relay controlled by a switch inside.

I have what came with the badlands winch, but will be moving to this.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B08F28SKX1/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

A lot of winches would fry that in seconds. A full pull on a winch can be over 400 amps.
Besides, you should always stay 10% below the max rating of a solenoid or switch.
This is what they said right in the ad -
But never go beyond its capabilities, try to stay 10 to 15% below what the rate is for

So a 250 amp device, 10% below that you will want to keep it to 225 amps or less. Not likely with a 10,000 or 12,000 pound winch if you are running it at even less than the full winch capability.
A large winch that can draw 400 amps (or more) even at only 250-300 amps will kill that device.
I have the Badland Apex 12000 winch and my winch would make toast out of a 250 amp relay in a hard pull.

 

[BringTheLightnin]

Thank you everyone. Can anyone post a link to one that will handle the 400 amps?

 

[BringTheLightnin]

Btw I should have mentioned I ended up getting the tactik 10,000 from quadratec for now as I don't plan on using it a whole lot yet.

 

[whiteglad]

I use #4 auxiliary switch to power a 500 amp solenoid. Thus, there is no power to the front of the Jeep in the event of an accident.

 

[BringTheLightnin]

I use #4 auxiliary switch to power a 500 amp solenoid. Thus, there is no power to the front of the Jeep in the event of an accident.

I don't have aux switches

 

[billfraley]

I just ordered this one. We shall see how it goes once I get it in.

Amazon.com: PLIOSAUR 500A 12V Winch Solenoid Relay for 8000-15000lb ATV UT Trucks Winches Replacement : Automotive

 

[billfraley]

I don't have aux switches

You can use any switch, the Aux switches just make the wiring easier.

 

[Pliny]

Manual disconnect switches:

https://www.waytekwire.com/item/44056/Cole-Hersee-880062-Terra-SR-Series-300A/

https://www.bluesea.com/products/category/11/Manual_Battery_Switches

https://www.egismobile.com/shop/871...tch-mechanical-contactor-bulk-pack-5955#attr=

Keep in mind that the intermittent current rating for a switch will be higher than the continuous duty rating.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Warn winch "solenoid"
Ignore the 200 amp fuse - that's for my snow plow.

Terminal strip is how I connect to my aux switches.
12v outlet is for powering a Christmas wreath in December.

I did have this in place in my 2020 ->

 

[BringTheLightnin]

Warn winch "solenoid"
Ignore the 200 amp fuse - that's for my snow plow.

Terminal strip is how I connect to my aux switches.
12v outlet is for powering a Christmas wreath in December.

I did have this in place in my 2020 ->

What exactly does the solenoid do? Just makes it so the engine has to be on?

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