How to Install a Winch Electrical Disconnect for Off-Road Vehicles
- Muddy Ruttzz
- Nov 29, 2023
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 5
About The Author - Muddy Ruttzz
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Install A Winch Electrical Disconnect: Easy Upgrade To Your Off-Road Vehicles Safety
Hey there! So, let’s talk winches for a sec. Did you know they can pull around 60-70 amps when you're spooling in and out? But when they’re under load, they can really crank it up to about 480 amps—crazy, right? I read this Motor Trend article that breaks it down. Anyway, if things go south, you definitely want a way to cut power to your winch super fast. That’s where a simple on/off battery disconnect comes in handy. I’ve got mine tucked under the hood, which is great because part of my winch recovery safety plan is to pop the hood open. That way, if the winch line snaps, I’m protecting my windshield and keeping the driver safe. Just a little winch wisdom for you!
Several Types Of Disconnects Are Available
On/Off Switch
Many types of on/off switches are available in different amperages. Generally mounted under the hood.
Plug/Unplug Type
Solenoid Type Winch Disconnect
I Installed Disconnects On My Jeep Wrangler and Gladiator Ecodiesels
Recently I did an installation on a Jeep with the 3.0 Liter V6 Ecodiesel motor, and I thought I'd share some tips. The disconnect I used is pretty versatile and can work on most vehicles with a few tweaks here and there. Just a heads up—make sure your disconnect can handle the max amperage your winch pulls when it's under load. If you're looking for something beefier, there are switches out there with higher ratings. Happy wrenching!
The Disconnect Switch I Chose
I chose this Blue Sea high quality marine grade battery disconnect. Its rated for the amperage my winch will draw when under load. It is a simple on off switch. Link at bottom of Blogpost to purchase this or disconnects with higher amp ratings. Click here.
Fabricating A Stainless Bracket To Hold The Disconnect Switch
First task to install this winch electrical disconnect was to fabricate a bracket to mount it inside the engine compartment. Luckily the Jeep had a mounting location I was able to attach to. That made it easier. See video for instruction on fabricating sheet metal.
Wiring The Disconnect Is Pretty Simple
Disconnect gets wired on the Postive wire between the battery and winch. It should be in a easy to reach location not near moving parts. I had to connect wires, install switch on stainless bracket and then bolt bracket to mount under hood. Worked out very well given there is not much room under the hood.
Open The Hood To Turn My Winch Electrical Disconnect On? Yes, Here Is Why
You might think that installing a winch electrical disconnect under the hood is a bit of a hassle, but it's actually super handy. I usually pop the hood whenever I'm using my winch, unless I'm flying solo and need to keep an eye on things while operating it. I roll with synthetic winch line and soft shackles, and the only metal piece on my winch line is the Factor 55 Flat Link at the end. Plus, having the hood open is a nice safety measure—it keeps the driver (if there's someone in the vehicle) and the windshield protected. In the rare chance that something heavy goes flying during a recovery, that hood acts as a solid metal barrier. So, it’s not just convenient; it’s smart!
This Article Will Give You A Good Idea How To Install Winch Electrical Disconnect. See My Video For Detailed Installation.
Check out my video for more extensive details on how to install the winch electrical disconnect. I also have videos on installing the winch. Head over to my Youtube channel. Here is a brief list of steps involved.
Choose Type Of Winch Disconnect You Want
Obtain Winch Disconnect With Proper Amperage Rating
If Under Hood Choose A Safe Location
Install Mounting Bracket Or Other Method Of Stabilizing Switch
Cut Positive Winch Wire And Add Connectors
Install Winch Electrical Disconnect
Test To Make Sure It Works
Happy Winching!
Conclusion:
Off-Road Recovery Safety - It Is Dangerous So Take Some Time To Learn What Your Doing
Over the years in my construction career I've picked up some solid rigging skills, and guess what? I'm a Certified Rigger! This experience really comes in handy when it comes to vehicle recovery. Safety is my number one priority, and I’ve learned that the construction world is all about being conscious of that. Every off-road recovery is a unique adventure. Sometimes you’ve got helpful folks around, and other times, it can get a bit chaotic. That’s why it’s super important to stay calm and make sure no one gets hurt in the process. If you're looking to brush up on winch safety, check out this awesome article from Motor Trend. And don’t miss this fantastic Youtube video by Ronny Dahl – it's packed with great info! --- Feel free to let me know if you need any more adjustments!
✅ - Blue Sea Series Battery Disconnect - The One I Installed (Amazon)
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