Wire gauge and type

[toojayzee]

Im installing an M12000 on my 80. Just cleaned and relubed the winch.

I got it with a new solenoid pack, but no wiring. Ive wired a few winches that came prewired.
I haven't been able to locate a thread that discusses wire type. I've seen people who use thick welding cable.
What is better for a winch, fewer thick strands or more fine strands ? I have some high quality 0ga audio battery wiring that I also used for my dual battery setup.

 

[yoopercharged]

I think most use 4 ga or larger. Basic Car Audio Electronics There's some good info here in the wire section.

 

[toojayzee]

I didnt see anything about quantitiy of wire strands vs size.

Im just curious why some folks use welding wire with really thick strands.

 

[yoopercharged]

It's cheaper. The more strands, the more flexible and more expensive it is.

 

[toojayzee]

Thats what I was hoping was the case. Ill go with the super flexible 0ga since I have extra. I wouldnt expect it to have any ill effect on a line thats only 2.5' long. Thanks

 

[yoopercharged]

No problems at all. That is overkill, and should work great. LCs are all about overkill anyways

 

[toojayzee]

Yea so much for putting it on a diet to match my buddies XJ... Its no wonder my 80 sinks in the snow where he floats. Im over a ton heavier...

 

[yoopercharged]

with the right tires and air pressure they float pretty good despite their weight.

 

[toojayzee]

I had my MTR kevlars aired down to 12psi. There was a crunchy freezing rain layer on top of 6" of fresh powder on top of a 30" base of slushy semi compact snow. It did sorta ok except that every time a snowmobile came by (who owns the two lane wide road dirt roads at an orv park) I would pull over to the side to let them by. Bam, sunk to the axles.