Factory winch switching question
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
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Factory winch switching question
Question for you guys that may be more electicricly inclined than myself. I want to use my upfitter to wire a winch disconnect. I have a 500amp continuous duty solenoid. Is there any reason that I cannot switch the main ground rather than the positive on the winch? I have done ground switching relays in the past for horns etc. I cannot think of any reason why this would not work. There is plenty of ground cable to make it to a spot just on the fender well next to the cowl on the passenger side. Which is conveniently right next to the Upfitter wiring. Hopefully you guys have some input.
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Joined: Jul 2017
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From: Stanley
I’m no expert on wiring and I did not stay in a Holiday Inn last night, buts here’s what I think. If you are just trying to protect the winch, putting the disconnect on either leg will work. But I always liked putting the disconnect on the positive wire close to the battery. The reason is if you are in a wreck and the positive lead to the winch is hot, and it grounds out on something it can create a fire/problem. If the positive is the switched lead, it’s all dead past the switch and if it’s damaged no big deal. Just something to consider. A lot of folks I’m sure, wire it like you stated and never have an issue. Good luck either way.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 3,417
Likes: 32
I’m no expert on wiring and I did not stay in a Holiday Inn last night, buts here’s what I think. If you are just trying to protect the winch, putting the disconnect on either leg will work. But I always liked putting the disconnect on the positive wire close to the battery. The reason is if you are in a wreck and the positive lead to the winch is hot, and it grounds out on something it can create a fire/problem. If the positive is the switched lead, it’s all dead past the switch and if it’s damaged no big deal. Just something to consider. A lot of folks I’m sure, wire it like you stated and never have an issue. Good luck either way.
I would love to wire it in that fashion. The big problem is room. Also length of the factory cable. The negative side is no problem. The positive is plain too short without adding length. I could make it to the little spot behind the air box but then changing the filter would be a challenge. I’ll work on it some more next weekend maybe I’ll come up with a solution that will fit with the 6.7
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