About The Author - Muddy Ruttzz
Not Sponsored, all gear you see I bought and use on my adventures.
Support us! Muddy Ruttzz may earn a small commission from affiliate links in this article. Learn More
Install A Winch Electrical Disconnect: Easy Upgrade To Your Off-Road Vehicles Safety
Winches can draw 60-70 Amps spooling in and out. Under load they can draw 480 amps according to this Motor Trend article. If something goes wrong you want to be able to cut power to your winch instantly. A simple on/off battery disconnect will accomplish the task. I was happy to have my disconnect under the hood. Part of my winch recovery safety is opening the hood to protect windshield and driver is winch line snaps.
Several Types Of Disconnects Are Available
On/Off Switch
Many types of on/off switches are available in different amperages. Generally mounted under the hood.
Plug/Unplug Type
Solenoid Type Winch Disconnect
I Installed Disconnects On My Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Ecodiesels
This installation was done on a vehicle with the Jeep 3.0 Liter V6 Ecodiesel motor. The disconnect I used will work on most any vehicle with a few modifications. Just make sure your disconnect is rated for the maximum amperage your winch draws when under load. Switches are available with higher ratings.
The Disconnect Switch I Chose
I chose this Blue Sea high quality marine grade battery disconnect. Its rated for the amperage my winch will draw when under load. It is a simple on off switch. Link at bottom of Blogpost to purchase this or disconnects with higher amp ratings. Click here.
Fabricating A Stainless Bracket To Hold The Disconnect Switch
First task to install this winch electrical disconnect was to fabricate a bracket to mount it inside the engine compartment. Luckily the Jeep had a mounting location I was able to attach to. That made it easier. See video for instruction on fabricating sheet metal.
Wiring The Disconnect Is Pretty Simple
Disconnect gets wired on the Postive wire between the battery and winch. It should be in a easy to reach location not near moving parts. I had to connect wires, install switch on stainless bracket and then bolt bracket to mount under hood. Worked out very well given there is not much room under the hood.
Open The Hood To Turn My Winch Electrical Disconnect On? Yes, Here Is Why
You might think installing winch electrical disconnect under hood is inconvenient. Actually, I always open the hood when I'm using my winch unless I'm winching alone and need to operate winch and see at same time. I use synthetic winch line, and soft shackles. On the end of winch line is the only metal part, a Factor 55 Flat Link. Opening the hood protects the driver, (if someone is in vehicle) and the windshield. In the unlikely event something heavy goes flying during recovery the hood is a metal barrier.
This Article Will Give You A Good Idea How To Install Winch Electical Disconnect. See My Video For Detailed Installation.
Check out my video for more extensive details on how to install the winch electrical disconnect. I also have videos on installing the winch. Head over to my Youtube channel. Here is a brief list of steps involved.
Choose Type Of Winch Disconnect You Want
Obtain Winch Disconnect With Proper Amperage Rating
If Under Hood Choose A Safe Location
Install Mounting Bracket Or Other Method Of Stabilizing Switch
Cut Positive Winch Wire And Add Connectors
Install Winch Electrical Disconnect
Test To Make Sure It Works
Happy Winching!
Off-Road Recovery Safety - It Is Dangerous So Take Some Time To Learn What Your Doing
From my years in construction I learned how to Rig and I am a Certified Rigger. Every Off-Road recovery is different. Here is a great article from Motor Trend on winch safety and a awesome Youtube video from Ronny Dahl on the subject.
✅ - Blue Sea Series Battery Disconnect - The One I Installed (Amazon)
✅ - Zarges Aluminum Cases - Best Overlanding/Gear Protection You Can Buy - German Designed and Built. (See Blog Article)
✅ - Great Muddy Ruttzz Clothing.
Click here to See my Zarges Blogpost.
As a Amazon Affiliate and eBay Partner I receive a commission if you use my links to purchase products. It does not raise the price you pay.
Comentarios