Super Cheap Aisin winch controller (1 Viewer)

[meafordmike]

After getting stuck a few times got to thinking about getting the winch working!

So last week I removed the winch and cleaned it up, it has never been used in 21 years so took a little cleaning.

I read a few post on here and got some good answers from here:
https://forum.ih8mud.com/80-series-tech/397378-diy-rewire-toyota-factory-elec-winch-aisin-warn-controller.html
So after a little wiring job, and its working well!

But my wife refused to hold two wires together when I get stuck http://s914.photobucket.com/albums/ac346/meafordmike/?action=view&current=VID-20110628-00003.mp4
So on to find a new controller, stock Aisin winch controller from Japan =1100$, Warn winch controller 120$+shipping +tax = 180$ :
I am toooo cheap for both those options :mrgreen:
So I started to build my own!
Trip to Canadian Tire for some parts: 15$ total

Trailer wire harness, ground wire to frame.

Combine power wires after connector (so once connected, it completes a circuit and opens magnet in engine bay) giving power to winch.

Run 15ft of wire and add switch (the type that springs to stops once released)

Test
Its recycling night here :iconbiggrin: looking for nice fitting hand controller!

Next

Now I still have to cover it in a nice looking wire cover; hard mount the trailer receptacle to winch; tape up super cool / thrifty hand controller (gum package :iconbiggrin: )
More to come

 

[meafordmike]

A few video's
I will update once I pretty this thing up

 

[meafordmike]

A little update! Controller complete and working fine.

 

[LanceCruiser]

Nice work Mike. Isn't there a cannon plug for the factory winch controller? I just bought a complete winch set up with controller. There is a female connector that is open, I looked around for the male end, but couldn't find anything. I'm guessing by your set up, is that connector used for an inboard switch in the cabin?

 

[asutherland]

Glad to see my DIY post helped you!

We should call you Macgyver with that setup! Don't forget you can also wire in an in-cab winch control, I used a rear window up/down switch from a 4-runner. $10 and works great! (dead-man's on center position). Switch fits nicely in the dash as well, looks OEM.

 

[Tapage]

get section of 2.5" PVC about 6" long and cap on both sides .. then you have your winch controller handheld ? ( can seal with silicon and make it water tight .. )

 

[meafordmike]

Thanks for the replies, so far this set up has worked fine.
I am thinking of building a new 3" exhaust on the cheap also. I wish I could weld, maybe someday I will learn. I feel it is more important to save my money for off-road trips, then on overpriced parts. But it’s not my DD so I have the luxury of driving my Tacoma most of the time. Going on one last trip this weekend then park it for the winter, this winter jobs include: 3" lift; new front brakes; pads; discs; and callipers (LX 450), and a 3" exhaust. I would love to pick up a RTT, but I will have to see if I can get a deal or a used one close. Wife wants a new camera to document our trips, seems like a fair deal.