CBI Covert Bumper, Winch Mounting

This likely applies to the C4 bumper as well...

I'm installing my winch to my bumper and have a few questions for you guys please. With any luck, I can explain this so it makes sense.

The bumper has slotted mounting holes which allow the winch to be bolted closer to the front of the bumper, or to the rear. I've found that if I bolt it close to the front, I can't reach my hand through the bumper's access hole to reach the disengage switch, so I have to bolt it more to the rear. However, if I mount it to the rear, the control box hits the power steering line. I used a hose clamp to hold the power steering line as far back as it will go. My thought is to mount the winch to the front of the bumper and I would have to remove the plastic cover in the engine compartment to access the disengage switch. For those of you with a similar style bumper, how do you access your disengage switch?

Second question. Do you guys wire the winch directly to the cranking battery, (my only battery) or did you install a disconnect switch, solenoid, etc?

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

Some guys cut an access hole on the plastic engine shield that's above the radiator, so they can reach the clutch handle on the
winch. You should get a disconnect switch. I've not heard of direct wiring a winch to the battery. Your winch should have come with one.

 

Thanks for the reply Stoney. I got the bumper installed today, still need to wire everything up. I decided that as seldom as I will use the winch, I will just remove the plastic shield when the time comes, so I mounted the winch full forward on the bumper and it fit on the 4R with no issues.

I bought a Warn VR EVO 10 S and it didn't come with a switch unfortunately. I've called around and can't find a disconnect in town that will handle the amps from a winch, so I'm going to have to find one online. I see many options on Amazon, but it's Amazon, so I'm still shopping.

 

I cut an access hole to reach the clutch. Also used this switch from Amazon. After researching a bit this seems to be the most popular option
Blue Sea Systems 6006 m-Series...

Blue Sea Systems 6006 m-Series ON/OFF Battery Isolator Switch with Locking Key, Red

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00445KFZ2?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

This is the cable I used. Just a heads up if you go with the blue sea systems switch you will have to drill out the power cable on the warn winch. Hope this helps
2 AWG Battery Cable 2AWG Gauge...

2 AWG Battery Cable 2AWG Gauge Pure Copper Battery Inverter Cables with 3/8 in Lugs Both Ends Power Inverter Wire Set for Automotive Solar Marine Boat RV Car Motorcycle Red and Black (1FT)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BV9TYY5D?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

 

That sounds scary! haha Why is that, do you have pics that show what the issue is, and how you drilled it? I'm a visual learner. lol

Thanks for the links Dan!

 

It wasn’t a big deal at all. The disconnect switch has 3/8” lugs and the warn winch power cable is set up for 5/16”. You’re only slightly increasing the diameter. Unfortunately I don’t have any pics

 

Oh ok I get what you’re saying! You reamed the ring terminal on the cable because the post on the switch is a larger diameter. I was thinking you meant drilling on the winch itself. Duh me! Haha That’s not hard, I think I might give that switch a try. Thanks Dan!

 

Sorry to hijack, but I came across this thread and have a question for you guys with Winches. Mine has an on/off switch on the solenoid assembly and I’ve wired mine directly to my second battery. Are you saying one should also have wired in a disconnect switch in addition to this? Thanks

 

Hope you are getting ideas from experienced winch users. My thought is a disconnect switch adds safety in case the winch switch fails. Also I believe a fuse (not breaker) in the system adds more safety and could prevent a fire.

 

The warn winch doesn’t have a built in shut off like yours does. Someone will correct me if I’m wrong but I believe you’re good to go as is

 

I didn’t read anything about an extra fuse or a disconnect switch in the install instructions from Smittybuilt, but it definitely makes sense.

I’ll go back and read-read them and do some research. I would hate for something to happen that I could have prevented. A fuse makes sense and would be easy enough to add, as well as a disconnect switch.

 

Don't take my word for it because I'm just parroting what I read on the internet, but do a bit of research regarding connecting your winch to your second battery; I believe they should be connected to the cranking battery because it is being constantly recharged by the alternator when the engine is running. But that doesn't change anything with your switch, you do not need the switch I'm using.

 

With my Blue Sea 7622 auto solenoid, my spare battery should be charging at all times while the engine is running as long as the starting battery doesn’t go below 12.75 volts. While Winching I could always use a failsafe and depress the magnetic latch so it’s forced to have both batteries connected, or I could always connect them both in the button from the cab. On the other hand it wouldn’t be difficult to swap the connectors over to the starting battery either.

Sounds like I still have a lot of research to do, check out other’s setups, and see what everyone else is doing. Thanks guys.

 

Just out of curiosity, why not a breaker?

 

I have read (never witnessed) that breakers can fail to trip. Then the protection is absent.
Fuses have simpler mechanical parts and much less likely to fail to blow.
Trail dust, rain, strong air movement, vibration are common under hood. Fuses do not rely on moving parts. Breakers generally do.
Auto manufacturers rely on fuses and so shall I.