Winch Battery Connections

[LBEXJ]

I'm using an Optima Yellow Top battery for starting purposes as well as for supplying power to a winch. The battery installation instuctions note the side terminals are for vehicle starting purposes only. I would assume (since a reason is not given) these battery terminals will not withstand the amperage requirements of some accessories ... in the case a winch. Is this assumption correct?

Also, the winch instructions recommend that power should be disconnected using an interrupt switch when not in use. How many of you have one of these installed.

Thanks ...

Les

[old_man]

The side terminals will melt on extended heavy loads like cranking. The disco is for safety. I run a quick connect on the power since mine is a multi-mount.

[5-90]

Correct - the side terminals are designed to pass high currents only intermittently, but can sustain about 50A continuously.

Also, run AT LEAST a four gage for most winches - I don't know what comes with the thing, but short runs of 4ga are good for about two hundred amps (less than five feet.)

If you are interested, I make heavy-duty cables, and I can send you a price sheet. Compared to what I've seen of other prices, I think I'm doing fairly well...

5-90
JeepI6Power@yahoo.com

[LBEXJ]

Thanks Tom and 5-90 ...

Actually, I'm installing an Warn M8000. It comes with 2 ga. power leads that are approx. five feet long and have closed loop terminals. It would have been very convienient to have been able to use the side terminals. I am already the using the top posts for everything else (starter, alternator and accessory lead to fuse block). I've not found any battery post clamps (locally) that allow for multiple hook ups nor include an interrupt switch. May need to look on-line for a source.

For the time being, I'm considering just running the winch leads to the battery clamps and connecting to the clamp bolt using an additional nut. Does this sound like an acceptable short term connection?

Les

BTW: I am going to "work" with this winch as well as use it for recovery purposes. My primary heat source for the house is wood and plan to use this winch in the wood lot.

[Roxtar]

Thanks Tom and 5-90 ...

Actually, I'm installing an Warn M8000. It comes with 2 ga. power leads that are approx. five feet long and have closed loop terminals. It would have been very convienient to have been able to use the side terminals. I am already the using the top posts for everything else (starter, alternator and accessory lead to fuse block). I've not found any battery post clamps (locally) that allow for multiple hook ups nor include an interrupt switch. May need to look on-line for a source.

For the time being, I'm considering just running the winch leads to the battery clamps and connecting to the clamp bolt using an additional nut. Does this sound like an acceptable short term connection?

Les

BTW: I am going to "work" with this winch as well as use it for recovery purposes. My primary heat source for the house is wood and plan to use this winch in the wood lot.Use military clamps.
PMed you on them.

[atomno1]

Use military clamps.


Sorry to hijack but I will be doing the same thing tomorrow. Military clamps?

[nhrocker]

I use marine grade quick disconnects for my battery terminals. Here's a pic of one:
http://www.electerm.com/gfx/batterygfx/26-2-4.jpg
It clamps on to the post like normal terminals, but the wires coming into it all get ring ends and are put over the post with the wingnut. It's easy to disconnect/connect anything by hand. No tools required.

[Roxtar]

Military clamps
http://www.kilbyenterprises.com/switches.htm

[nhrocker]

http://www.kilbyenterprises.com/images/terminals.gif
These are the military style terminals kid4lyf just posted. I was going to get some of them (they work great, I've used them in the past), but I ended up finding the marine ones for like $5 a pair at either my local Autozone or VIP, I can't remember...

[NotMatt]

So what is everyone doing for a disconnect switch? I currently have my M8000 wired directly to the battery posts and haven't had any problems... but I always think about putting a switch in just for completeness. The only thing I've noticed since I wired the winch in directly was that I now have to use that red corrosion spray or the terminals get really corroded in a short period of time. That may be a coincidence though... I don't have any excessive off-key current draw, just my cb, never had a problem with that draining the battery completely, and I've let the thing sit for a long time with it on, since it's my trail rig and doesn't get driven often.

[Rev Den]

The reason for the switch is to prevent the butthole who it trying to funny, from shorting your winch control/or your actual winch power cables.

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.

Rev

[LBEXJ]

The reason for the switch is to prevent the butthole who it trying to funny, from shorting your winch control/or your actual winch power cables.

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.

Rev
Rev ... you run a hydraulic winch, correct? Wouldn't the amp load be less on this winch verses an electric winch?

Warn sells a "Power Interrupt Kit" which I'm sure would handle the amp load (it had better anyway). I have not priced this kit, nor have I had a chance to research an alternative.

Do you have any suggestions?

Les

PS: Thanks Kid ... PM'd ya back!

[Rev Den]

Rev ... you run a hydraulic winch, correct? Wouldn't the amp load be less on this winch verses an electric winch?

Yup....quite a bit less :D


Do you have any suggestions?

Not really...the Warn kit is prbly the best idea....maybe a high current battery switch?

Rev

[seanR]

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.
You are an Idiot!

[LBEXJ]

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.
You are an Idiot!
I would say he is talking about his Quad winch maybe ... I ran this same set up for my off-road lights.

But you are right Sean ... :laugh3:

Les

[outlander]

I use marine grade quick disconnects for my battery terminals. Here's a pic of one:
http://www.electerm.com/gfx/batterygfx/26-2-4.jpg
It clamps on to the post like normal terminals, but the wires coming into it all get ring ends and are put over the post with the wingnut. It's easy to disconnect/connect anything by hand. No tools required.
ditto here,it's a slick set up......super easy to disconnect everything.

[outlander]

The reason for the switch is to prevent the butthole who it trying to funny, from shorting your winch control/or your actual winch power cables.

My winch is fed by 12 AWG connected to a switched relay.

Rev
I hope you have a good fire extinguisher!!!!

[Rev Den]

I would say he is talking about his Quad winch maybe ... I ran this same set up for my off-road lights.

But you are right Sean ... :laugh3:

Les

Quad winch is fed by 4AWG :D ....thru the Warn kit...but that is because the switch is out in the open.



Seriously...I would run the cables direct, and use a switched power lead for the control circuit. Where you live there is very little chance of anyone messing with it.

Rev

[Rev Den]

I hope you have a good fire extinguisher!!!!

For????


Rev

[scoobyxj]

LBEXJ Try a car audio shop for heavy duty battery termanls if your trying to find something locally. I will forwarn you they'll probibbly be a bit more than others, but they will be gold plated, will resist corosion, and have multible wire connections on it for more than one wire. Also you could get a high amprage fuse to put on the wireing too.

[Timber]

http://www.naxja.org/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif

[5-90]

If you can't get a switch for the thing, get a pair of Andersons, and just have your winch on a quick-connect under the hood. Pull the plug when you're not using it.

If you need marine-style battery clamps, I carry them in brass. Makes it easier to change the binding posts if you need to (since any 5/16"-18 bolt will work.)

5-90

[jeepnuts311]

I'm using an Optima Yellow Top battery for starting purposes as well as for supplying power to a winch. The battery installation instuctions note the side terminals are for vehicle starting purposes only. I would assume (since a reason is not given) these battery terminals will not withstand the amperage requirements of some accessories ... in the case a winch. Is this assumption correct?

Also, the winch instructions recommend that power should be disconnected using an interrupt switch when not in use. How many of you have one of these installed.

Thanks ...

Les

is this also true for red tops?

-tim

[Timber]

http://www.naxja.org/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif
Sorry about this post guys. I wonder if my 2-1/2 year old did it.

[5-90]

is this also true for red tops?

-tim

I should think so. The case is the same externally (except, of course, for the colour of the top,) but the internals are different.

The limitation of the side posts is due to the construction of the posts themselves, and not to the battery internals, so I'd limit them to secondary distribution only (<80-100A @ 80% duty cycle WRT vehicle operation.) Much more than that, and you risk melting the posts right out of the case.

5-90

[jeepnuts311]

I should think so. The case is the same externally (except, of course, for the colour of the top,) but the internals are different.

The limitation of the side posts is due to the construction of the posts themselves, and not to the battery internals, so I'd limit them to secondary distribution only (<80-100A @ 80% duty cycle WRT vehicle operation.) Much more than that, and you risk melting the posts right out of the case.

5-90

well, i am glad i read this thread, i have a winch coming UPS this week, and i was all ready to hook it up to the side posts since the tops are already claimed, i guess its back to the drawing board.

what, if you know, are the side posts good for? starters only? or are they for hooking up accessories mostly?

-tim

[maxjay]

The best info you got is to use the marine setup. I prefer the brass over the lead ones - more durable. Most Interstate battery stores have a back room that contains more connectors, disconnects, cable, and widgets, than you will ever need.

Good Luck.

[5-90]

well, i am glad i read this thread, i have a winch coming UPS this week, and i was all ready to hook it up to the side posts since the tops are already claimed, i guess its back to the drawing board.

what, if you know, are the side posts good for? starters only? or are they for hooking up accessories mostly?

-tim

GM came up with the side post idea to lower hoodlines, and I think they've dropped the idea since.

They can be used for accessory power and secondary distribution, but I don't even think they're useful for that.

Distribution posts can also be used, but only for limited loads as well (I think most are rated for not more than 150A or so, all up - or you can end up melting the base of the thing.)

5-90

[JEONLYEP]

Sorry about this post guys. I wonder if my 2-1/2 year old did it.
It's okay, no one seems to have noticed... :D

DAryl

[5-90]

The best info you got is to use the marine setup. I prefer the brass over the lead ones - more durable. Most Interstate battery stores have a back room that contains more connectors, disconnects, cable, and widgets, than you will ever need.

Good Luck.

So do I - that's why I carry brass battery clamps. See my site - link in sig. I'm going to do some more updates, but the pricing for what's listed is current, and hit me backchannel if you want anything special done...

5-90