Just finished the write-up of the 12k Harbor Freight Badlands into my TJM (see https://forum.ih8mud.com/winching-r...eight-badlands-12k-winch-into-tjm-bumper.html thread in Winch and Recovery Forum).
The wired winch control that came with the Badlands was ok, but I wanted to find something better for a clean 80 installation. I spent a lot of time researching my options on adapting Winch controls, from antenna switch wiring (see 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine thread), to adapting various brand wired and wireless remotes. After looking at the varying quality and benefits of each setup, I settled on the Warn Wireless Remote 76080 kit. I searched the web desperately trying to find confirmation that it could be 'modified' to work as a universal before I spent the $140, found nothing, and just decided it could be done.
LOGIC TRAIN for 80 FITMENT
The biggest issue with the stock Badlands wired remote was, where I had the solenoid box, I could not reach into the 80 cabin. I looked at piggy-backing the antenna switch, but my concern was the inability to properly 'park' the winch from inside the cabin. I then looked at the multiple convenience of a wireless remote (in cabin, outside cabin, in car getting towed onto trailer, near snatch block...) and decided that fit all the bills, including solving the park function with a single remote. The Warn appeared to have the best design in controller, reset, status, weatherproof housing, waterproof plug, and tamper-resistant remote with 80 family-hauling duties.
INSTALLATION
I spent several hours with various model Warn winch solenoid diagrams, and eventually came to the conclusion that only 4 of the wires in the wired receiver-controller were mission-critical for universal fitment. I then pinned out the Badlands wired remote vs the Warn wireless, added a rubber grommet to the Badlands solenoid box (so the wired remote still is functional), and I was ready to go. I put the wireless receiver on the DS of the 80 engine bay - behind the battery. The positive-clip raised mounting for the Warn Wireless Remote mounted to the 80 center console:
OPERATION
The remote is auto shut-off after 6 minutes of inactivity, and requires 3 seconds of holding both in/out buttons to activate - so almost child/adult proof. When the remote is active, the LED light is green and during actual operation of the winch the LED is red The range is about 100feet, I suspect more if one strung the antenna wire outside the harness (ala 80 'alarm' mod). I use it primarily to winch dead vehicles onto a tandem axle car trailer hooked to a front mount hitch. It's great to be able to sit in the vehicle being winched and steer. Or stay in the warm truck and winch from the cabin. And, when all done, stand at the winch and properly park the cable.
SUMMARY
The Warn Wireless Remote is a solid addition to the 80 owner looking for maximum flexibility, safety and convenience in winch control.
HTH
Scott J
94 FZJ80 Supercharged - HF Badlands 12k Winch with Warn Wireless Remote
The wired winch control that came with the Badlands was ok, but I wanted to find something better for a clean 80 installation. I spent a lot of time researching my options on adapting Winch controls, from antenna switch wiring (see 4WD Toyota Owner Magazine thread), to adapting various brand wired and wireless remotes. After looking at the varying quality and benefits of each setup, I settled on the Warn Wireless Remote 76080 kit. I searched the web desperately trying to find confirmation that it could be 'modified' to work as a universal before I spent the $140, found nothing, and just decided it could be done.
LOGIC TRAIN for 80 FITMENT
The biggest issue with the stock Badlands wired remote was, where I had the solenoid box, I could not reach into the 80 cabin. I looked at piggy-backing the antenna switch, but my concern was the inability to properly 'park' the winch from inside the cabin. I then looked at the multiple convenience of a wireless remote (in cabin, outside cabin, in car getting towed onto trailer, near snatch block...) and decided that fit all the bills, including solving the park function with a single remote. The Warn appeared to have the best design in controller, reset, status, weatherproof housing, waterproof plug, and tamper-resistant remote with 80 family-hauling duties.
INSTALLATION
I spent several hours with various model Warn winch solenoid diagrams, and eventually came to the conclusion that only 4 of the wires in the wired receiver-controller were mission-critical for universal fitment. I then pinned out the Badlands wired remote vs the Warn wireless, added a rubber grommet to the Badlands solenoid box (so the wired remote still is functional), and I was ready to go. I put the wireless receiver on the DS of the 80 engine bay - behind the battery. The positive-clip raised mounting for the Warn Wireless Remote mounted to the 80 center console:
OPERATION
The remote is auto shut-off after 6 minutes of inactivity, and requires 3 seconds of holding both in/out buttons to activate - so almost child/adult proof. When the remote is active, the LED light is green and during actual operation of the winch the LED is red The range is about 100feet, I suspect more if one strung the antenna wire outside the harness (ala 80 'alarm' mod). I use it primarily to winch dead vehicles onto a tandem axle car trailer hooked to a front mount hitch. It's great to be able to sit in the vehicle being winched and steer. Or stay in the warm truck and winch from the cabin. And, when all done, stand at the winch and properly park the cable.
SUMMARY
The Warn Wireless Remote is a solid addition to the 80 owner looking for maximum flexibility, safety and convenience in winch control.
HTH
Scott J
94 FZJ80 Supercharged - HF Badlands 12k Winch with Warn Wireless Remote
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