Winch Battery Connections

[LBEXJ]

I'm using an Optima Yellow Top battery for starting purposes as well as for supplying power to a winch. The battery installation instuctions note the side terminals are for vehicle starting purposes only. I would assume (since a reason is not given) these battery terminals will not withstand the amperage requirements of some accessories ... in the case a winch. Is this assumption correct?

Also, the winch instructions recommend that power should be disconnected using an interrupt switch when not in use. How many of you have one of these installed.

Thanks ...

Les

 

[old_man]

The side terminals will melt on extended heavy loads like cranking. The disco is for safety. I run a quick connect on the power since mine is a multi-mount.

 

[5-90]

Correct - the side terminals are designed to pass high currents only intermittently, but can sustain about 50A continuously.

Also, run AT LEAST a four gage for most winches - I don't know what comes with the thing, but short runs of 4ga are good for about two hundred amps (less than five feet.)

If you are interested, I make heavy-duty cables, and I can send you a price sheet. Compared to what I've seen of other prices, I think I'm doing fairly well...

5-90
[email protected]

 

[LBEXJ]

Thanks Tom and 5-90 ...

Actually, I'm installing an Warn M8000. It comes with 2 ga. power leads that are approx. five feet long and have closed loop terminals. It would have been very convienient to have been able to use the side terminals. I am already the using the top posts for everything else (starter, alternator and accessory lead to fuse block). I've not found any battery post clamps (locally) that allow for multiple hook ups nor include an interrupt switch. May need to look on-line for a source.

For the time being, I'm considering just running the winch leads to the battery clamps and connecting to the clamp bolt using an additional nut. Does this sound like an acceptable short term connection?

Les

BTW: I am going to "work" with this winch as well as use it for recovery purposes. My primary heat source for the house is wood and plan to use this winch in the wood lot.

 

[Roxtar]

Thanks Tom and 5-90 ...

Actually, I'm installing an Warn M8000. It comes with 2 ga. power leads that are approx. five feet long and have closed loop terminals. It would have been very convienient to have been able to use the side terminals. I am already the using the top posts for everything else (starter, alternator and accessory lead to fuse block). I've not found any battery post clamps (locally) that allow for multiple hook ups nor include an interrupt switch. May need to look on-line for a source.

For the time being, I'm considering just running the winch leads to the battery clamps and connecting to the clamp bolt using an additional nut. Does this sound like an acceptable short term connection?

Les

BTW: I am going to "work" with this winch as well as use it for recovery purposes. My primary heat source for the house is wood and plan to use this winch in the wood lot.

Use military clamps.
PMed you on them.

 

[atomno1]

Use military clamps.

Sorry to hijack but I will be doing the same thing tomorrow. Military clamps?

 

[nhrocker]

I use marine grade quick disconnects for my battery terminals. Here's a pic of one:

It clamps on to the post like normal terminals, but the wires coming into it all get ring ends and are put over the post with the wingnut. It's easy to disconnect/connect anything by hand. No tools required.

 

[Roxtar]

Military clamps
http://www.kilbyenterprises.com/switches.htm

 

[nhrocker]

These are the military style terminals kid4lyf just posted. I was going to get some of them (they work great, I've used them in the past), but I ended up finding the marine ones for like $5 a pair at either my local Autozone or VIP, I can't remember...

 

[NotMatt]

So what is everyone doing for a disconnect switch? I currently have my M8000 wired directly to the battery posts and haven't had any problems... but I always think about putting a switch in just for completeness. The only thing I've noticed since I wired the winch in directly was that I now have to use that red corrosion spray or the terminals get really corroded in a short period of time. That may be a coincidence though... I don't have any excessive off-key current draw, just my cb, never had a problem with that draining the battery completely, and I've let the thing sit for a long time with it on, since it's my trail rig and doesn't get driven often.

 

[Rev Den]

The reason for the switch is to prevent the butthole who it trying to funny, from shorting your winch control/or your actual winch power cables.

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.

Rev

 

[LBEXJ]

The reason for the switch is to prevent the butthole who it trying to funny, from shorting your winch control/or your actual winch power cables.

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.

Rev

Rev ... you run a hydraulic winch, correct? Wouldn't the amp load be less on this winch verses an electric winch?

Warn sells a "Power Interrupt Kit" which I'm sure would handle the amp load (it had better anyway). I have not priced this kit, nor have I had a chance to research an alternative.

Do you have any suggestions?

Les

PS: Thanks Kid ... PM'd ya back!

 

[Rev Den]

Rev ... you run a hydraulic winch, correct? Wouldn't the amp load be less on this winch verses an electric winch?

Yup....quite a bit less

Do you have any suggestions?

Not really...the Warn kit is prbly the best idea....maybe a high current battery switch?

Rev

 

[seanR]

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.

You are an Idiot!

 

[LBEXJ]

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.

You are an Idiot!

I would say he is talking about his Quad winch maybe ... I ran this same set up for my off-road lights.

But you are right Sean ... :laugh3:

Les

 

[outlander]

I use marine grade quick disconnects for my battery terminals. Here's a pic of one:

It clamps on to the post like normal terminals, but the wires coming into it all get ring ends and are put over the post with the wingnut. It's easy to disconnect/connect anything by hand. No tools required.

ditto here,it's a slick set up......super easy to disconnect everything.

 

[outlander]

The reason for the switch is to prevent the butthole who it trying to funny, from shorting your winch control/or your actual winch power cables.

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.

Rev

I hope you have a good fire extinguisher!!!!

 

[Rev Den]

I would say he is talking about his Quad winch maybe ... I ran this same set up for my off-road lights.

But you are right Sean ... :laugh3:

Les

Quad winch is fed by 4AWG ....thru the Warn kit...but that is because the switch is out in the open.



Seriously...I would run the cables direct, and use a switched power lead for the control circuit. Where you live there is very little chance of anyone messing with it.

Rev

 

[Rev Den]

I hope you have a good fire extinguisher!!!!

For????


Rev

 

[scoobyxj]

LBEXJ Try a car audio shop for heavy duty battery termanls if your trying to find something locally. I will forwarn you they'll probibbly be a bit more than others, but they will be gold plated, will resist corosion, and have multible wire connections on it for more than one wire. Also you could get a high amprage fuse to put on the wireing too.