How to Attach Winch Cables to a Battery
Installing a winch on a Jeep or four-wheel-drive truck can be challenging, but wiring the winch is simple. If you pay attention to a few small items as you run your wires, you will have very little problem getting the winch running. When installing a winch, remember that the battery needs to be designed to handle the constant loading and heavy draw of the winch. There are several batteries rated for this purpose that will last longer and be more dependable than the OEM battery in your truck.
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Instructions
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1
Survey the area under the hood and decide on a route for the cables. The cables need to run through the engine compartment and through the grill on most applications.
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2
Route the cables through the grill of the truck and into the engine compartment. Make sure your cables are not resting against any sharp edges that might cut the cables or insulation, causing a short.
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3
Run the positive cable to the positive battery terminal. The negative cable can run to the battery negative terminal or can be attached to a ground on the frame or chassis of the truck.
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4
Remove the bolt holding the positive connector onto the battery terminal and slide it through the ring connector on the positive wire to the winch. Reinsert the bolt through the terminal and attach the nut.
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5
Remove the bolt holding the negative connector on the negative terminal on the battery and again slide it through the ring connector on the negative cable to the winch. Reattach the terminal and attach the nut.
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6
Trace the route of your winch cables and be sure that they are not touching anything that will get hot, sharp edges that would cut them, or moving parts that they could be tangled in. Use cable ties or zip ties to secure the cables to prevent them from moving and getting damaged.
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Tips & Warnings
Installing a quick disconnect on the winch power cables can make it easier to remove the winch if needed or to provide a simple way to disconnect power in an emergency.
Never attach the power cables from the winch to a side-mount battery terminal. Side mounts do not carry enough current to properly feed the winch and the draw may cause them to get hot or even melt.
