Winch Install Question

[rtb1259]

First let me say, I am a newbie on this site, and with quads in general. I have been reading over the site, and looking at all the good info.

I got a new 08 400ex recently, and have started with some basic upgrades. I am installing a warn winch on the front, and need help with finding a power wire. I am looking for a wire that has power when the switch is turned on, to tap into. Preferably one that is close to the front near all the connectors. The primary power wires are ran all the way to the battery, but the contactor needs switched power. If anyone has installed a winch or can tell me what wire to tap into, I would appreciate it.

[CJM]

I would seriously consider running your own power wire from the battery straight up to the winch.

This will avoid drawing excessive power from to small a wire (like the stockers) and lessen any chances of problems.

What you can do to make sure it only comes on with a key is use a relay and make the relay only come on when the key is on.


Heres some good info:

http://www.therangerstation.com/tech_library/relays.html

http://www.offroaders.com/info/tech-corner/reading/automotive-wiring.htm

[rtb1259]

The contactor is basically a relay. The wire I need to connect is the same as a relay coil wire, its current is very minimal. So tapping into a stock wire should not be an issue. It is like an 20 guauge wire. The contactor power wires (10 gauge) are straight to the battery.

[CJM]

Originally posted by rtb1259
The contactor is basically a relay. The wire I need to connect is the same as a relay coil wire, its current is very minimal. So tapping into a stock wire should not be an issue. It is like an 20 guauge wire. The contactor power wires (10 gauge) are straight to the battery.

Got ya.

Then I would just tap into the key wires for power. Should work fine.