Ground to the battery or frame or block?

[iptman]

Where should I connect the ground cable off an M12000? Trying to decide if I should struggle to change out the stock battery ground and switch it to a standard lug for a military terminal or if I can just ground the winch back to the frame or block which would be a lot easier. Would like to hear the "why's" for each approach as well. Thanks.

 

[e9999]

well, if you use the frame or block you have introduced another resistance in the circuit. Basically, the least conductive part of the circuit will be your limiting factor. If you want to do that, you may wish to check the battery ground to frame or starter cable and see how big that is to make sure it's big enough. I would connect to battery directly (I have).

I use dual purpose batteries for winch and camp discharge purposes, and mine (great deal at Costco) has some auxiliary lugs so easy to connect the winch cables to the battery. But you can easily get the more versatile aftermarket pole connectors for a few bucks anyways. I do not leave the winch connected when not in use.

 

[alfchv]

Both...

 

[iptman]

Thanks. I ended up going straight to the battery. I think I almost got this 12v wiring stuff down. Now on to the auxiliary fuse block under the passenger seat.

well, if you use the frame or block you have introduced another resistance in the circuit. Basically, the least conductive part of the circuit will be your limiting factor. If you want to do that, you may wish to check the battery ground to frame or starter cable and see how big that is to make sure it's big enough. I would connect to battery directly (I have).

I use dual purpose batteries for winch and camp discharge purposes, and mine (great deal at Costco) has some auxiliary lugs so easy to connect the winch cables to the battery. But you can easily get the more versatile aftermarket pole connectors for a few bucks anyways. I do not leave the winch connected when not in use.