In-cab winch control question

[1911]

Do you guys that have winch-control switches permanently mounted inside the cab have that as your only winch control, or do you leave the connector on the solenoid pack connected so you could use the stock controller from outside the truck if necessary?

The reason I ask is, I bought an Albright contactor to replace the solenoid pack in my 8274 and mounted it on the firewall of my 40. It will be real easy to run the control wires in the cab. The solenoid pack is now empty except for the plug for the stock controller and I could just remove it completely. I almost always operate my winch from inside the cab anyway, so I can keep keep a foot on the brakes (or assist the pull by driving it out) and one foot to keep the engine throttled up. Is it worth it to maintain the stock external control socket for the one time in a hundred (or less) when for some reason I might want to control the winch from outside the truck?

 

[lshobie]

When I get my winch back I'll be putting a wireless remote on it and a switch in the cab - the warn remotes are garbage and a pain in the ass.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

I use a pair of OEM seat heater rocker switches for front and rear winch control

I relocated the solenoid pack under the hood and mounted the control socket on my front bumper....

Added a main cutoff key switch inline so if the interior controls get switched by mistake or someone tries to jump the socket with a paperclip, it won't work ;p

It also comes in handy when you're using the interior controls and need to stop it from the outside when spooling in

Since I installed the interior switches, I haven't used the regular hand control, but I still keep it in the truck in case I need it

 

[spressomon]

I have an in cab winch control and I can also use the Warn wired controller too. If I need to spool the winch line by myself the wired controller is used; a PITA to do this solo from in cab and get the line spooled without bunching.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

If I need to spool the winch line by myself the wired controller is used; a PITA to do this solo from in cab and get the line spooled without bunching.

That's why I have the cutoff key switch on the bumper

Before spooling in, I turn the key off, hit the interior "IN" switch, hold tension on the cable and turn the key on while it spools in

When the hook hits the rollers, I just turn the key off and it's good to go

 

[spressomon]

That's why I have the cutoff key switch on the bumper

Before spooling in, I turn the key off, hit the interior "IN" switch, hold tension on the cable and turn the key on while it spools in

When the hook hits the rollers, I just turn the key off and it's good to go

Good idea! But my in cab is a momentary switch.

 

[Chop Shop]

I have incab controllers and I left the plug for another option.

What if your switch fails? Plug in the remote. My ole lady has a hard time running the winch and driving out of a roll or a mess at the same time. So much easier for me to run the winch and let her concentrate on watching me and driving.

I use my winch all time around the house for everything from tree work to pulling out coresupports or bent tubes after mishaps. I can easily use my remote for these times.

But on the trail, with me driving I always tell people I dont have a remote, only an incab switch. Then they will hook cable for ya if they think ya have to stay in the buggy!

 

[Chop Shop]

Good idea! But my in cab is a momentary switch.

Thats how it should be, too easy to make a costly mistake with a ON/OFF switch.

Quality momentary rockers are the best way to go.


And for the record, the wireless winch remote was the worst pile of shiit I have ever used. I threw it away.

 

[1911]

I relocated the solenoid pack under the hood ...

That is the exact contactor that I bought for mine. My only complaint is that the terminals are very close together for the 2 AWG cables I used.

I have an in cab winch control and I can also use the Warn wired controller too. If I need to spool the winch line by myself the wired controller is used; a PITA to do this solo from in cab and get the line spooled without bunching.

Yeah, that one time that being able to control the winch from the front of the truck is good.

Thats how it should be, too easy to make a costly mistake with a ON/OFF switch.

Quality momentary rockers are the best way to go.

I'm going to buy a good momentary switch from 12-volt guy.com

Thanks for the answers; I guess I will go ahead and wire in both the original controller connector in the old solenoid box and the in-cab switch.

 

[Mark W]

I can not imagine that your use of the controller outside the rig will be "one in a hundred"

Even if only for respooling and winding that last bit in.

Then there are recoveries where you need to be outside of the rig (your own rig is on its side... you can not see enough of the winching operation from inside... all sorts of reasons.

An incab controller is very handy (although you can easily run your remote through the window as you are seated inside too).

But unless your uses are very limited, an incab should be considered secondary to the hand held remote.


Mark...

 

[kbushnz]

I set mine up with an in cab control (momentary in and out).
Its up by the grab handle on the A pillar, so you can easily drive and winch without leaning down to the console.
Also second switch in the grill so I can power the winch when I want to reset the cable.
And also retained the factory plug...But haven't used it much...

 

[Chop Shop]

The two switches on the right are my front and rear winches.

In easy reach of my hands and controls.

You dont need 12Vguy if ya have a local trophy shop and a marine or aviation supply house. The marine or av supply will have great switches of high quality. The trophy shop will engrave any kinda switch panel ya want for the price of a Tee-ball trophy.

 

[rusty_tlc]

Good idea! But my in cab is a momentary switch.

That sound like a safer way to do it.

 

[rusty_tlc]

...

An incab controller is very handy (although you can easily run your remote through the window as you are seated inside too).

...


Mark...

When you run the remote inside it's a good idea to trap the wire under the wiper blade otherwise you could forget and drive over the control cable.

Like I did Saturday.

 

[Mark W]

We usually loop it around the mirror too if feasible.


Mark...

 

[azTony]

Pardon my ignorance but the cut off switches that are rated at 100 amps, has anyone actually used their winch with these cut off switches? Have there been any issues?

 

[Mace]

How many of the in cab setups use a "arm" switch?

I've got one of the 12 volt guy switches in my 40. Works great, but I'm going to be picking up a winch for my 60 and figured that a momentary switch in a fairly safe area (old hole for the choke) would not be that big of a deal without an "arm" switch.

 

[98 SNAKE EATER]

Pardon my ignorance but the cut off switches that are rated at 100 amps, has anyone actually used their winch with these cut off switches? Have there been any issues?

My cut-off switch isn't used between the main power leads, just between the ground wire for the remote plug assembly (low current)

These switches will NOT handle the load of one of the main power cables

You're better off using a high amperage solenoid for that

How many of the in cab setups use a "arm" switch?

I've got one of the 12 volt guy switches in my 40. Works great, but I'm going to be picking up a winch for my 60 and figured that a momentary switch in a fairly safe area (old hole for the choke) would not be that big of a deal without an "arm" switch.

Neither the interior switches nor external remote plug will work unless the red safety key is turned

 

[cody c]

I had one in the 60, arm switch, and mirror up/down momentary push button/switch. It worked well.

I have one in the 80 as well but I havent bothered to get it connected.

One thing to mention after the last wheeling trip, after having gotten stuck halfway up an icy slope, it is not ideal to have any of the following in the back of the vehicle: winch controls, tree saver or gloves.

your winch wench will need all three of these (at least) and opening the rear hatch while you are almost sliding backwards down an icy slope is not the safest way to do things.

I would reccomend putting all three things where the driver or passenger can grab them easily from the front seat.

Having the in-cab controls can save you a fair bit of time, as you can give enough slack for your helper to release the clutch on the winch before hes out of the cab and trying to untangle the remote cord, and you can operate it without them having to connect and route it to you while your in the seat with the brake on.

 

[Tapage]

Used to have engine bay connector and in cab connector for my winch .. but then move to wireless and I'm happy user ..