I need to run two power cables from my driver's side battery (pos & neg) to my enclosed utility bed to power a HF 12,000 lbs winch. I plan on leading the wire down from the battery through an oval in the frame rail forward of the strut and then along the inside of the frame rail and up into the bed from the rail rear of the cab.

Please let let me know if you foresee a problem with this routing.

 

I ran #6 that way for my air compressor, just put loom on all of it (the pos one anyway) to prevent it from getting rubbed through and make sure you fuse it as close to the battery as possible. I didn't run a neg cable, I just used the frame. I tapped a hole 1/4X20 and put a round terminal on the neg wire and tightened it down with a star washer.

 

My winch cables.
Positive connects to the starter, down the frame to near the spare tire. Several feet of cable loop near the spare.
Negative cable connects to the frame near the spare and loops as well.
I have used this set up for about 15 years.
Each cable has a welding quick connect .

 

A good way to protect the cables if you don't have loom material is air hose or any rubber hose.

 

I did buy 100' of loom and wrapped the entire length of both cables. I think rubber hose might be a good idea for short lengths where the cables might be likely to rub against something sharp as when I am turning the cable into the bed.

Thanks!!

 

whatcha fixin to winch?

 

Probably Chevys.

 

Have you considered mounting a group 31 deep cycle battery to run the winch, then use an isolator to run a charging line to it and to support alternator-assisted charge for the winch?

Would be much easier on your starting batteries and deep cycles can go to 50% repeatedly without harm, whereas your starting batteries can only go to 80% before you start killing their life.

Batteries are cheap.

Second major benefit is very short heavy cables from new battery to winch. Less heat, less loss

 

I would think you would keep the motor running when running the winch and if you have the high idle feature even better, that and having a 140 amp or so alt.
just sayin,

PS harbor freight has the 12,000 lb winch on sale, or at least in the catalog I got today, for $289. That is a hell of a deal..

 

Have you considered the cable size do 300amp draw?

I just went through this with my camper, installed 4/0 welding cable to a bank of 4 6v batteries.

Cutting the distance by 80% or 90% might be significant

 

I'm using 15 foot lengths of 2 AWG copper welding wire. I actually wish I had bought 16 feet lengths as I need a bit more slack to make the positive connection.

 

Here's a chart I used as a guide

(couldn't add pi from phone)

 

Use a fuse or circuit breaker!! We have few wired as you described. Some are gasoline with the single battery and only work while running and some are wired with the deep cycle battery in the back being charged by the alternator.

 

The kit actually includes a circuit breaker which I attached (see picture). But the instructions telli you to mount directly to the battery terminal seems DANGEROUS to me.

Winch Circuit Breaker Connection

 

Always have engine running while using the winch.

My winch is mounted on front of my gooseneck trailer. Quite a few guys have approached me admiring the set up.
The only failure I have had are when a solenoid goes bad...it happens.
My winch uses old style ford solenoids, available everywhere.
Also, wire the control so that a standard, 3 wire drop cord can be used as an extender.
Simple, yet effective...allows me to walk with my prize as I monitor loading.