Solenoid pack question

[ChaseTruck]

I admit this is somewhat convoluted, but here goes:
Would you consider it critical that the solenoid pack for the winch be in a sealed box?

HF12K winch, factory bumper install, winch fitted under factory bumper on HF winch plate; can't find a good place to fit the solenoid box (well, it seems I could stuff it in front of the battery, but that's before the 1/0 wiring that's going to go on...).

If I take the solenoid pack out of the box, it'll fit nicely on the frame rail next to the winch, and the 1/0 cable runs are not going to be a problem; no issue of packaging the control wires either.

On my main trail truck (my '85 Blazer), the winch solenoid pack is under cover, but not in a sealed box. No problem for the last 8 years or so, and that little Ramsey has always done what I asked it to do, included pulling the truck through all the places in Pritchett Canyon where the tires were too small... Solenoid for the 2nd battery is also just fine on the inner fender. But: that truck lives out west in AZ. Since I haven't done any water crossings of note, I don't think neither pack has ever seen much moisture...

The HF12K is on the '80 here in Baton Rouge, though; I hope it'll see trails here in the Southeast next season. Probably a lot more chances to get that solenoid pack wet. Would you keep it in the sealed box by all means?

Thanks for the input - michael

P.S. Of course, this is all because my wife and I can't seem to agree on any of the aftermarket front bumpers out there...

 

[Tapage]

forget about solenoids and get an Albright ..

 

[ChaseTruck]

Had to google this - no, not at this time

I've got until next spring to figure this out...
1/0 cable is en route, though

 

[Pin_Head]

I would keep it in a box, remove the box and throw it in the trash and buy an Albright DC88P. The cheap solenoids that come as a pair in a box with many non waterproof Chinese winches are notorious for failing.

 

[ChaseTruck]

Appreciate the advice, but thanks for making me go read up on Pirate

Methinks I know how this'll end up...

 

[cicak]

I would keep it in a box, remove the box and throw it in the trash and buy an Albright DC88P. The cheap solenoids that come as a pair in a box with many non waterproof Chinese winches are notorious for failing.

Had 2 one in a bj75 for 7 years off hell still works other in a lj79 for 18months of hell .

Albrights simply awesome winch controllers.

 

[ChaseTruck]

Haven't had much luck searching for Albright DC88P...
Anyone have a source to obtain one of these?

 

[Pin_Head]

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/spw-90-14452?seid=srese1&gclid=CNqa2r_e8bkCFcZj7AodcV0A9g

 

[ChaseTruck]

Thanks for the link!

Just for reference, this is what's in the box from HF (don't mind the looped-back cables, they're just for my reference...); reference number on the back is D130424, on the side it's ZJSF-41X DC12V.
No luck searching for either number so far, except for one fellow who had trouble with this on his 9k winch...

 

[Pin_Head]

It looks like a Chinese knockoff of the Albright that comes on the Chinese winches that are claimed to be water proof or water resistant. It looks sealed. The other cool thing about the Albright type contactor is that it has a fail safe feature where if both coils are accidentally energized, the circuit is open. I would take a chance on it because it isn't the style that has a high failure rate.

 

[cicak]

It looks like a Chinese knockoff of the Albright that comes on the Chinese winches that are claimed to be water proof or water resistant. It looks sealed. The other cool thing about the Albright type contactor is that it has a fail safe feature where if both coils are accidentally energized, the circuit is open. I would take a chance on it because it isn't the style that has a high failure rate.

Ya crap Chinese albright knockoff the real albright has the controller wire pins on the top.

 

[ChaseTruck]

I've got the Superwinch Solenoid 90-14452 in hand...