Electrical system needs for winch ??
Electrical system needs for winch ??
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,910
Likes: 504
There's a zillion variables but I'm going to say in general, yes.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 808
Likes: 290
From: KY
Just dont run the winch under heavy load until you've sucked the battery dead and the alt cant keep up.
Here is a basic rule on winching. How many amps do winches draw?
The amperage your winch draws depends on the amount of load placed on it and how long it's in use. With no load (just spooling in and out) a typical 9,000-pound winch will draw 60-70 amps. It will draw about 250 amps under a 4,000-pound pull, and nearly 480 amps at 9,000 pounds.Jun 21, 2018
Here is a basic rule on winching. How many amps do winches draw?
The amperage your winch draws depends on the amount of load placed on it and how long it's in use. With no load (just spooling in and out) a typical 9,000-pound winch will draw 60-70 amps. It will draw about 250 amps under a 4,000-pound pull, and nearly 480 amps at 9,000 pounds.Jun 21, 2018
Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,910
Likes: 504
Again, a zillion variables including amp draw of particular model, duration of pull, how badly you're stuck, alternator max output, ****** block or no, etc.
In general, yes, it's a good idea but in many cases not required.
In general, yes, it's a good idea but in many cases not required.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 808
Likes: 290
From: KY
Like WWR said a ****** block is a very useful item and will double your pulling power basically and/or lower the drain on the system. Use a GOOD recovery line to a tree or another vehicle with the other end landed on the ****** and the end of the winch line returned to a frame hook or acceptable spot. Also keep in mind the bigger the spool of cable the less pulling power a winch has. Pull cable out to the drum with a few wraps and you have a small diameter spool to start which gives greater "reduction" than a full loaded spool.
Tuned
Joined: Dec 2017
Posts: 293
Likes: 29
From: Houston
Like WWR said a ****** block is a very useful item and will double your pulling power basically and/or lower the drain on the system. Use a GOOD recovery line to a tree or another vehicle with the other end landed on the ****** and the end of the winch line returned to a frame hook or acceptable spot. Also keep in mind the bigger the spool of cable the less pulling power a winch has. Pull cable out to the drum with a few wraps and you have a small diameter spool to start which gives greater "reduction" than a full loaded spool.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,910
Likes: 504
As apache mentioned, if using a ****** block, run the hook back to a recovery point on the frame.
Many winch bumpers have recovery points but then you double the pulling load on the bumper itself. It's best to pull the frame to the bumper, so to speak.
Many winch bumpers have recovery points but then you double the pulling load on the bumper itself. It's best to pull the frame to the bumper, so to speak.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 2,910
Likes: 504
At the risk of telling you what you already know, you can send the system into significant deficit for awhile. And truly no system could withstand a full-size truck winch at full load indefinitely unless you can source a 400 or 500A alternator (Cole Hersee maybe?)
Your alternator makes up for a portion of it then you're dipping into your battery reserve but typically you'll be ok. Obviously, turn off any unnecessary electrical loads like HVAC, heated seats, stereo etc
I cut my teeth on OBS Fords with 60A alts on the Windsors. Plenty of guys winched with those. We'd upgrade to 100A Taurus alts or 130A 3G's and that was HUGE back then.
Your alternator makes up for a portion of it then you're dipping into your battery reserve but typically you'll be ok. Obviously, turn off any unnecessary electrical loads like HVAC, heated seats, stereo etc
I cut my teeth on OBS Fords with 60A alts on the Windsors. Plenty of guys winched with those. We'd upgrade to 100A Taurus alts or 130A 3G's and that was HUGE back then.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jan 2019
Posts: 868
Likes: 84
From: Florida
Okay, I've got a question since we're talking about alternators. I have a 2002 F-250 CCLB 4WD 5.4L, and I'm not sure what size the current alternator is. Where are the markings for it? Is it stamped on the bottom, back or other location.. Thanks!!!
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