I have a Warn VR12-S on order for a new bumper that Trail Tailor is building for my 200-series. As this is my first winch, I have a few questions for those with experience:
- From the online instructions it doesn't seem like the wiring comes with a fusible link. Given that the winch sits in front and a front-end collision could end up shorting the wiring, shouldn't it be fused? If so what are the recommendations on parts/sizing?
- Do you guys wire the winch through a relay so you can start/cut power from inside the vehicle? Or do you just rely on the switch on the unit?
- Do most of you leave the control pack in the bumper or mount it in the engine bay?
- For those of you in cold climates where they salt the crap out of the roads in the winter who also have their winch inside the bumper, do you use a winch cover to protect it, or do you just occasionally wash it? I don't expect to use it in the winter, but I'd like to protect it if exposure will cause significantly increased wear of the rope, motor, etc.