Warn winch install -- how to control the power via up lifter switches?

[Glen24]

I am adding a Warn evo 10s winch to my Bronco. The instructions say to wire it direct to the battery. But, I want to control the power by using one of the up lifter switches.
Warn sells a solinoid that I want to use to control the power going to the winch. I know how to do all the wiring. But I can't find out what gauge wire is Warn using in their wire harness. I have to buy a short wire to go between the solinoid and the battery.

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[RagnarKon]

The WARN kit you are referring to comes with a jumper wire.

I believe it's a 2-gauge.

 

[GI_Jo_Nathan]

Yep normally 2AWG.
Do you know what length you need? I probably have a short piece I could put an end on and send you. Not sure if that would be cheaper than online.

 

[Tilzbow]

This is the one I used. I mounted it right in front of the battery (there’s a bracket there that worked great) and connected to the battery with an 18” marine grade battery cable I picked up at West Marine. The cable from the battery to the switch can be the same size as the cable that came with the winch. The wire from the upfitter lead to the switch can be fairly small since the switch only pulls an amp or two; 12 or 14 gauge will do.

 

[Glen24]

The WARN kit you are referring to comes with a jumper wire.

I believe it's a 2-gauge.

Mine did not include a jumper wire

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Mine did not include a jumper wire

If you bought the Warn kit it should have and you could follow up with either the retailer or Warn (depending on how you sourced it). It's not clear, I guess, if you bought the Warn kit or are assembling an equivalent yourself. If the former, somebody owes you the jumper; if the latter then the advice upthread is good, too. Unless you have good crimping tools and skills (I don't) if you have to procure the jumper on your own I'd recommend getting one with the terminals already crimped on.

 

[Glen24]

I bought just the solinoid. I didnt need the switch.

 

[Freebird32]

I used the solenoid shown in above post. One terminal (small)goes to battery 12-14 gauge. I connected other terminal to unused wire (from a group above headlight) i used a short wire spliced to it. The other end of that unused wire comes out in front of driver side hood hinge. I connected that to the upfitter switch 3 wire that comes out near the same hinge. Search forum or look at locations shown in owners manual.

 

[Mysilvstang]

This is the one I used. I mounted it right in front of the battery (there’s a bracket there that worked great) and connected to the battery with an 18” marine grade battery cable I picked up at West Marine. The cable from the battery to the switch can be the same size as the cable that came with the winch. The wire from the upfitter lead to the switch can be fairly small since the switch only pulls an amp or two; 12 or 14 gauge will do.

I purchased the same one, any chance you could post a picture of it mounted. Thanks in advance.

 

[Tilzbow]

I purchased the same one, any chance you could post a picture of it mounted. Thanks in advance.

I actually stole the idea from another forum member; @vrtical. See the third picture on the linked thread.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/warn-vr-evo-10s-winch-installed.100069/

 

[nipeej]

Question: Why the need for a solenoid? I have had a winch on my vehicles since 1981 and I always wired direct to the battery. Never ever had problems. Is it because the winch might get stuck in the forward or reverse mode? I've had solenoids for various reasons and had them fail at an un-opportune time. Gust a thought.

 

[Karl_in_Chicago]

Question: Why the need for a solenoid? I have had a winch on my vehicles since 1981 and I always wired direct to the battery. Never ever had problems. Is it because the winch might get stuck in the forward or reverse mode? I've had solenoids for various reasons and had them fail at an un-opportune time. Gust a thought.

As per the title of the thread, the OP intends to wire one of his "up-lifter" (upfitter) switches into the circuit to be able to control whether the winch is powered on or off. As you don't have that setup you have no need.

 

[Bigmoose]

Would you consider a manual switch? Lots of high quality ones in the marine space. The Blue Sea 3000 is rated for 600A continuous. Less to go wrong while still providing the disconnect feature you want.

https://www.amazon.com/Blue-Sea-Systems-Battery-Switch/dp/B000MMDLB6

 

[Mysilvstang]

I actually stole the idea from another forum member; @vrtical. See the third picture on the linked thread.

https://www.bronco6g.com/forum/threads/warn-vr-evo-10s-winch-installed.100069/

Thank you

 

[PWillette]

OK, I've read the posts above...are we talking about the winch solenoid OR a relay as pictured in post #4?

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