In my mind, more connections would be a fire hazard if they weren't protected and insulated properly.
I have this exact kit on my JKU/winch. This was a logical update for me when I added in-cabin winch controls. There are many many videos/stories/accounts of a "run-away" winch. If the solenoid fries while you're pulling cable, the winch can/will damage the vehicle (and could hurt others). You need to get power to the winch killed ASAP. Some run a manual disco at the battery, some plan to yank the negative cable, some have no plans and play the odds (not that common given how much winching gets done w/o this phenomena). I will say, all the videos I've seen of the winch on "auto-pull" there would not be time for yanking a negative battery cable. Pulling an under-hood disco? Maybe? I like having my winch generally off, activated for pulls, and able to be fully disabled/powered down w just a switch flip.
That's my take on it
I have this exact kit on my JKU/winch. This was a logical update for me when I added in-cabin winch controls. There are many many videos/stories/accounts of a "run-away" winch. If the solenoid fries while you're pulling cable, the winch can/will damage the vehicle (and could hurt others). You need to get power to the winch killed ASAP. Some run a manual disco at the battery, some plan to yank the negative cable, some have no plans and play the odds (not that common given how much winching gets done w/o this phenomena). I will say, all the videos I've seen of the winch on "auto-pull" there would not be time for yanking a negative battery cable. Pulling an under-hood disco? Maybe? I like having my winch generally off, activated for pulls, and able to be fully disabled/powered down w just a switch flip.
That's my take on it
Wow, I guess I don't wheel hard enough to use my winch as much as you do. At least, in the last 30 years, I have only seen one winch cable related fire and it was something that could have been prevented.
I don't think it has anything to do with how hard one wheels (I am trying not to take that as condescending?).
I think it is just bad luck if a solenoid becomes stuck in the pull mode. Here's an example on a Warn winch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSS-CmVTIGU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Here's the discussion about the event (links can be removed if not allowed?):
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general-4x4-discussion/1080045-when-solenoids-stick.html
More discussion of similar events:
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/general-4x4-discussion/1089566-winch-kill-switch.html
In other countries, winches are required to have an interruption/circuit breaker/etc. to pass inspection (cannot be run directly to battery).
Maybe I'm just paranoid, like overkill/redundancy? I like being able to power down the entire winch on one readily accessible in-cabin switch. It's a cheap mod to add (you could even source your own solenoid to cut costs...). I think most the buggy guys have an in-cabin power cut.
No, I wasn't trying to be condescending, I was simply stating that I must not use my winch enough. For me, I typically only use mine on "hard" trails.
Really? You had to post up links to a pirate just to make your point? Not trying to be a dick here but I have specific rules that ask members to NOT direct people to competing forums and clearly, nobody is as badass as those guys. :naw:
http://wayalife.com/faq.php?faq=wayaliferules#faq_otherforums
I guess thank god I live in America. :usa-flag:
Your money and your Jeep - you should do whatever it is you want with both. Maybe I just haven't been wheeling enough to be paranoid about this stuff and I am by no means a "buggy guy" - guys that I would assume are way more badass than me. :idontknow:
Understood, I won't take it as condescending then. I removed any links from prior post, my apologies. I just recalled reading about a run-away winch in the past... Let me know if the YouTube one isn't allowed.
Being in the muddy south, I've had to use the winch more than I'd like to admit in the past...(but no more mudding for me! :naw: )
I am well aware you're an experienced wheeler (and being sarcastic, I suppose to make a point here). I was certainly not trying to turn my endorsement of a winch power interruption circuit into a contest, confrontation, or controversy.
I do think a separate power circuit for the winch power is a pretty common wiring method, not so much for fire prevention but to control on/off. I'd be paranoid with my dash mounted winch "in/out" switches if the winch had power full time...might get inadvertently activated!
I don't think it has anything to do with how hard one wheels (I am trying not to take that as condescending?). I think it is just bad luck if a solenoid becomes stuck in the pull mode. Here's an example on a Warn winch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VSS-CmVTIGU&feature=youtube_gdata_player
HOLY CRAP. Were they trying to hit the disengage but weren't able to?
Sure, it may never or happen or one in a million, but if it does, it would be nice to stop it from grenading.
HOLY CRAP. Were they trying to hit the disengage but weren't able to?
Sure, it may never or happen or one in a million, but if it does, it would be nice to stop it from grenading.
To be fair, that winch was mounted on the back and under the rig. A place where it's constantly subject to water, mud and crap. Do we know when the last time he's cleaned things out? What was the condition of the solenoids? Devils in the details and that's not what YouTube is for.
I can see how you would want something like this as a fail-safe with hardwired in cab winch controls. but if you are running a controller to your winch, your fail-safe is to simply pull out the controller. I have no issues using my winch controller, the only time it sucks is when its buried in the back of the jeep when I need it, but again, that is MY fault and completely avoidable... just my :twocents: