Winch setup/kill switch

Do I need a winch kill switch? I’m looking into the Badlands Apex 12000lb (synthetic line) winch, and so I’d most likely just use the one that’s included in the kit. I’ve read across multiple forums that the winch will always be drawing power (especially if it’s wireless- like the Apex), but at the same time some people say that’s a bunch of crap. Another point is in case something shorts out and/or the winch won’t stop. I won’t be using this thing that often, but I just wanna do it right.
Any input would be appreciated.

 

I have a ComeUp, and the manual says the winch will shut itself off, whether using wireless or wired control, after 5 minutes of not being used. So I would say just try and find the manual of the winch you want, or call them to find out for sure.

 

I use

ORCISH Waterproof Electric Winch (Winch Solenoid Relay)

this in between the battery and the winch so that my winch never has a live wire until it is needed. If the winch's solenoid gets stuck closed or if you get in an accident and that fat ass cable somehow makes contact with the frame you'll have to disconnect it from the battery side.

 

I run a breaker for some of the same reasons @Cruzer mentioned

 

does that replace the whole winch control box or do you use it like a regular on/off solenoid on the power wire from the battery?

 

Regular on/off. I use it for the winch and the inverter actually.

 

Just get one of these and put it between your battery and control box if want cheap insurance. Those solenoids (especially if they’re not genuine albrights) can get stuck. Keep it out of the elements and you should be fine though

 

That's what I was going to do, but it would be nice to be able to turn the winch on/off without popping the hood.

 

I didn't install one but I have a breaker switch on my accessory tray next to the Auxbeam

 

I see that this is a few months old. Did you resolve the issue and install a switch?
I have always only had Warn winches. Currently I don’t have an isolation switch for the one on my tundra.
Yep, that’s correct information about the wireless controller being a phantom drain. The wireless part is always on, waiting for a signal from the controller. There’s a small weather tight switch on the side of the winch controller but if you switch it off you have to switch it on again if you need to use the winch. I just keep my truck hooked up to a battery maintainer. Sometimes it’s sitting for months.

 

I did. I ended up using the kill switch that was included with the winch. It’s simple, sturdy, and easy to use. Sure it takes a second to open the hood to switch it on, but there aren’t really any other drawbacks. Cheap insurance too.

 

I use this switch.

 

FUNTECK 2-Position Single Battery Disconnect Switch for Car Camper RV and Marine Boat, 12-60V DC, 275 Amps Continuous, Comes with 2 Copper Terminals https://a.co/d/9rkLkXT

I’m ganna try this one.

 

On my tundra, because of the hidden winch mount and some of the other accommodations, it is extremely hard to access, requiring laying on my back, crawling partially under the truck and squeezing my hand into a small space down next to the fog light. I regret getting the hidden winch set up and the remote winch

 

Ahh I see why you'd skip the hassle then. I suppose the hidden winch is a compromise in that regard

 

I prefer the look but it’s difficult to cleanly respool. I like being able to handle all aspects of a winch situation solo and fast so I really was attracted to the wireless remote. However, dependence on the technology and maintaining a charge in the controller suck.

 

I’ve got a Warn with a wireless remote. Hate it. I can’t free spool cuz something’s not working properly on the remote. Costs a shit ton of money to send it out to get fixed. No way in hell am I going take that fucker out.

 

I've wondered quite a while on how the remote stays charged? Is it the phantom power draw?

 

That’s correct. I just keep my truck always on a battery maintainer

 

You'd think they'd state a warning in the manual but nope.

 

Probably a good idea unless you have a dual battery setup with an idolator like I do.

 

I haven’t had any issues - SuperWinch with wireless remote has been on 6 months - no kill yet.

 

I left my truck parked for a week and it was deader than a doorknob. I had to do a deep cycle charge before it would start.

 

Here's what I used

(the post before it details the actual winch install)

 

Those 8mA tho

 

Those 8mA are only to keep the switch closed (i.e. hot). So when it's OFF it's dead cold.

 

My only hope is that when I do finally grow up, I’ll be smart like you.
This, just being good looking, hasn’t really paid off…