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Author Topic: Winch wiring question  (Read 1312 times)

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Offline SilverTJ

  • Baby Wheeler
  • Posts: 70
Winch wiring question
« on: March 21, 2010, 03:23:40 PM »
I am installing my new winch and I want to move the solenoid into the engine bay and the controller into the cab.  I just don't know of a good place to find the heavy gauge wire (2ga or 4 ga?) and connectors, any suggestions.
Also will extending the length of the wires cause me any problems?  Do I need to go with a heavier gauge to go a longer distance?
Thanks in advance.
04 TJ - custom 8 ball shift knob

Offline specialk

  • CJA Executive
  • Talks waaay too much!
  • Posts: 3176
Re: Winch wiring question
« Reply #1 on: March 21, 2010, 04:14:21 PM »
I've relocated the solienod under the hood. I used battery cable (can't recall the gauge - same gauge as what is going to te battery...) and got it from Napa.   I have had no problems with the gauge of wire. 

I used to have the winch controls installed in the cab, but I'm going with wireless now.
04 TJ Rubi

Offline yyc_tbird_sc

  • Budget Lift
  • Posts: 222
Re: Winch wiring question
« Reply #2 on: March 21, 2010, 06:35:00 PM »
Princess Auto has heavy gauge cable, as does Gregg's Distributors. I'd recommend that if you're going to extend the cables any longer than what it came with, that you use a heavier cable. 2 Gauge is what I would use with a good soldered/crimped end. Speaking of crimp ends, Gregg's also has many different styles of them as well
-'97 Ranger w/ 4" lift, 33" MTZ's, 4.56's, and some new sheet metal
-'89 Thunderbird SC - 285HP, 392ft/lbs [email protected]

Offline SilverTJ

  • Baby Wheeler
  • Posts: 70
Re: Winch wiring question
« Reply #3 on: March 22, 2010, 01:28:57 AM »
Thanks guys,
Greggs it is.  Time to heat up the soldering gun.
04 TJ - custom 8 ball shift knob

Offline yyc_tbird_sc

  • Budget Lift
  • Posts: 222
Re: Winch wiring question
« Reply #4 on: March 22, 2010, 05:00:11 PM »
Don't bother with a soldering iron, get out the propane or mapp gas torch. It'll take forever to heat the terminal with a soldering iron, and you'll probably wind up trying to heat the entire cable if it's too slow. While you're at Gregg's, pick up some heat shrink tubing with the glue on the inside of it, and use that to cover up and seal the connector. Works great, and stands up to almost everything
-'97 Ranger w/ 4" lift, 33" MTZ's, 4.56's, and some new sheet metal
-'89 Thunderbird SC - 285HP, 392ft/lbs [email protected]

Offline specialk

  • CJA Executive
  • Talks waaay too much!
  • Posts: 3176
Re: Winch wiring question
« Reply #5 on: March 22, 2010, 08:19:59 PM »
I got these neat solder pellets that drop in the connector.  Heat up with gas, push the wire in and voila!

x2 on the mapp gas.  You'l be there forever with a soldering gun.
04 TJ Rubi