I recently dropped some cash on a new winch and while getting it mounted it occurred to me that if I rear end someone the winch is going to take a pounding. Does anyone do anything to try to "protect" your winch or is that just the part of the package? I will of course avoid running into anything for starters.
There is an element of truth here. That long positive cable running from the battery to the winch can chafe in multiple places and short out causing electrical damage, even a fire. While I agree that fusing isn't wise, keeping that long red snake from biting something when not in use is a good idea.:happyyes:
That long positive cable running from the battery to the winch can chafe in multiple places and short out causing electrical damage, even a fire. While I agree that fusing isn't wise, keeping that long red snake from biting something when not in use is a good idea.:happyyes:
One thing I was advised to do when wiring my aluminum duck boat was to enclose all wiring inside wire loom due to the vibration and "chafe" issues. Notice in your engine compartment how all the wires are generally enclosed in split wall wire loom. Hum, what a great idea for winch cables!!
Right on, the sheathing on 2/0 is pretty thick, and I taped the effin crap outta mine with duct tape. There's no point of rub, pressure or anything sharp I could find back there. Bringing it over the air filter housing and out under the hood while winching looks fine to me, I don't see any real way for it to hit any moving parts.
Old garden hose slit up the side and held in place with zip ties is a good protective piece that works well for the winch wiring, especially where it passes under the radiator grill.
I am doing this for my winch this friday coming actually. I plan on welding a little bit of protection to my winch plate, maybe just use some 2 inch square tubing and make a super simple box style design to prevent hit anything directly off the winch.. other then that you can get a bumper which hides your winch per say. I learnt that the hard way, I broke a winch up a long time ago after sliding into a tree.. Another option could be to get a stinger bumper with a supportive cross member to add protection. Be Creative but if you make something yourself make sure you can still function your winch normally
I have no experience with winches but I plan on getting one in the future. How waterproof are they? When crossing water do I need to keep water out of it?
No worries about water & winches, they'll even work under water. Low voltage items like that that (and like your starter motor, etc.) don't have problems with fresh water. Now if it was salt water that'd be a problem.
I'd assume that they are fine under water assuming the winch is sealed good? Would additional caulking be required? I have read previously of people having water damage to their winch motors. Just curious because i made a thread about a week ago with the same concern but never received any replies. I am debating on using electrical potting stuff from my school that is basically a rubber type of compound that hardens and seals electrical conductors to prevent water damage, I was gonna use it all around the seals of the solenoid box and motor
Take a look at your starter motor to see its complete lack of sealing. A winch basically uses a starter motor. Only if your roads are salted would I be concerned.
We have the luxury of having salted roads up here.. I didn't know that your start motor didn't require a seal, I always thought electrical conductors needed insulation from water damage. That is interesting to hear
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