RitaRunner
New member
so just installed a winch, but as i was googling, i came across several places selling a power cutoff for winches. Is that something that I need? Why would i need it? And would it be a good idea to wire it to an AUX switch?
Winch Power Cutoff - Are They Needed?
- Thread starter RitaRunner
- Start date
cozdude
Guy with a Red 2-Door
no need for a power cut off. the winch is only drawing power when it is turned on. just another way for them to snag money off of you
Ddays
Hooked
Not sure why you'd need a cutoff unless you were worried about some kind of parasitic draw?
I personally prefer the corded controllers over the wireless but thats me. Plug it in, clip it under the hood latch run it into the window & done Regardless of cord/cordless, I would never use a phone to run it. Having the intuitive rocker switch that allows you to not have to look at it and just operate it is crucial IMHO. having to make sure your thumb or fingers are in the right spot on a screen instead of paying paying attention to what's going on in front of you is asking for trouble.
I personally prefer the corded controllers over the wireless but thats me. Plug it in, clip it under the hood latch run it into the window & done Regardless of cord/cordless, I would never use a phone to run it. Having the intuitive rocker switch that allows you to not have to look at it and just operate it is crucial IMHO. having to make sure your thumb or fingers are in the right spot on a screen instead of paying paying attention to what's going on in front of you is asking for trouble.
Mike Pierson
Hooked
The internet thinks you need one because someone burned down their rig… because they installed it incorrectly. If you look at the instructions, both power and ground leads go directly to the battery. If a cutoff was required, it would come standard with all winches.
No you don’t need one. Just install it according to the instructions and you’ll be fine.
Mike Pierson
Hooked
Yeah, that’s right.
jeeeep
Hooked
That's right, it was wired wrong
If it were really so necessary, you would think that winch companies would sell their winches with one.
Been running winches on all my Jeeps for over 25 years and it was only until social media became a thing that cut off switches became a thing. Just something to think about.
Jeff Hart
New member
If you want one for whatever reason, it will be easy and inexpensive. I use a cutoff on my other offroad vehicle I have right now. I use an Old Moroso switch right on the front bumper.
Get a 12v solenoid to stand inline between the winch and battery. Wire to the Aux switches in your dash. Done! Also; for easy cable setup I use lugs and slugs to solder( I don't have a crimper for cable).
Do you need one? Maybe! Do you want one? I do, and I have a few solenoids laying around and plenty of cable; and that easy peasy array of Aux switches in the dash for relay saying "I'm sitting here use me, please, wire something to me.".... so, there's your answer?
If you only get what you need... you wouldn't have a jeep.
Have fun!
j
Get a 12v solenoid to stand inline between the winch and battery. Wire to the Aux switches in your dash. Done! Also; for easy cable setup I use lugs and slugs to solder( I don't have a crimper for cable).
Do you need one? Maybe! Do you want one? I do, and I have a few solenoids laying around and plenty of cable; and that easy peasy array of Aux switches in the dash for relay saying "I'm sitting here use me, please, wire something to me.".... so, there's your answer?
If you only get what you need... you wouldn't have a jeep.
Have fun!
j
"maybe" is a far cry from "need" and just because you've been sold on the idea that you want one, doesn't mean it's needed.
If you say so, it must be true.
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Jeff Hart
New member
I guess you could argue that on the modern equipment/winches there's probably some sort of fail safe. But I don't use my switch for on/off. It's there strictly for cutoff. That said, I've never had a runaway winch. But, just a couple of months ago, I had the starter on my 70 k20 run away. Nothing I could do, drained both batteries and fried the power wire to the stater. But I'm not putting a power cutoff to the starer, though it's tempting.
But to your point... Yes, I get sold on a lot of things! Some good, some bad. Some lessons learned for sure!
Have fun!
j
But to your point... Yes, I get sold on a lot of things! Some good, some bad. Some lessons learned for sure!
Have fun!
j
Your guess to argue this point is based on the fact that there is no evidence or proof to back up the actual need for this fail safe. Again, if there were really a need for it, manufacturers would include them with their winches just like other electronic components such as switch systems or even radios come with large fuses. The only reason why anyone is buying these things is because social media does a really good job of selling stuff to people like you. And really, that's cool and clearly, you should always do what you believe is best with your money and your Jeep but the OP was specifically asking about whether or not this is something you "need". And, I stand by what I have seen and experienced - it is NOT.
But hey, that's just me, what would I know.
LOL - if you don't have them already, oil catch cans, Patagonia tires and auxiliary battery deletes are all the rage on social media too.But to your point... Yes, I get sold on a lot of things! Some good, some bad. Some lessons learned for sure!
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Jeff Hart
New member
Don't I feel silly. I'm giving Factor 55 a call... "I've been sold"! On that note, I'll go get another cup of coffee.
If you're interested I'll send you a link to my rebuild of the Vic Hickey. If you're into the old stuff at all.
Have a great day!
J
Jeff Hart
New member
Hey! you sneeked that in there on Edit! Anyhow, thanks for the tips.... those will have to get in line behind my HiLift... I'll be mounting it proudly on my HOOD, I wish they had Orange to match my hooks! Any links for HiLift hood mounts?
Have fun!
j
JT@623
Hooked
