Winch isolator

User avatar
aroma
Hard Yaka
Posts: 753
Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:00 pm
Location: christchurch

Winch isolator

Postby aroma » Wed Nov 29, 2017 7:19 pm

ok with my slight mods on the Jeep I have an issue with the battery going flat since I installed the winch.
I installed a manual isolator that was fried the first time I used the winch in anger and due to a brain fade :shock: I hadn't turn the thing on ...
so I have replaced it but would like to know if it is worth put and electric solenoid and a switch in the cab, yes I have room for the switch in the cab and wires in place
I have found this one it says rated at 500 amps continuous https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listin ... 1474321430

worth it ??
Cheers

User avatar
Crash bandicoot
Hard Yaka
Posts: 2924
Joined: Thu Dec 30, 2010 7:19 pm
Location: Towing a hilux

Re: Winch isolator

Postby Crash bandicoot » Thu Nov 30, 2017 7:15 am

Wing nut on the battery post for the winch solenoid cable feed would do the same job.

I had a winch solenoid do the same thing, when it was connected you could here a slight hum from the alternator.
Waiter...there is a drought in my glass.

User avatar
kbushnz
Hard Yaka
Posts: 2486
Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:03 am
Location: Massey, Auckland

Re: Winch isolator

Postby kbushnz » Thu Nov 30, 2017 7:16 am

You shouldn't have any battery draw when a winch is installed. You have another issue...
Most winches can draw more than 500 amps....especially on a hard pull.
I get the idea you have two batteries. One for startling and an aux for the winch? and a battery iscolator to charge the main battery first then kick in the second?
Cheers Calvin
KZJ78 Landcruiser Prado...

User avatar
wjw
Hard Yaka
Posts: 3420
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Christchurch
Contact:

Re: Winch isolator

Postby wjw » Thu Nov 30, 2017 11:44 am

Based on what I've read you probably need to be looking around the 700-800 Amp range. From memory the stall load on the last two winches I've had were 520 amps and 650 amps.
-----------------------
Who knew Prados could fly?

User avatar
aroma
Hard Yaka
Posts: 753
Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:00 pm
Location: christchurch

Re: Winch isolator

Postby aroma » Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:54 pm

kbushnz have thought I shouldn't have any draw , but can't work out how to track it down and I like the idea of the winch not being powered up all the time
and only 1 Battery would like 2 but no room ..

wjw well guess that counts this one out

Crash bandicoot I serious like you wing nut idea may try that if I stuff the current set up

Cheers for all the replies :D

User avatar
kbushnz
Hard Yaka
Posts: 2486
Joined: Wed Sep 16, 2009 9:03 am
Location: Massey, Auckland

Re: Winch isolator

Postby kbushnz » Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:54 am

Chasing stray currents is reasonably straight forward. Just need an multi-meter.
You can get some that click over your power cable.
Then read what its drawing with truck off.... And then start unhooking items one at a time and see if the amps drop.
Normally you have a clock powered... and maybe car stereo on standby and alarm.
There are plenty of google hits for help.
Cheers Calvin
KZJ78 Landcruiser Prado...

User avatar
wjw
Hard Yaka
Posts: 3420
Joined: Thu Jan 15, 2004 12:00 pm
Location: Christchurch
Contact:

Re: Winch isolator

Postby wjw » Fri Dec 01, 2017 7:15 am

kbushnz wrote:Chasing stray currents is reasonably straight forward. Just need an multi-meter.


@Aroma, I have one you can borrow if needs be, can show you what to do too,. Easiest way to diagnose is to pull a fuse, put the meter across it and measure the current.

Wont be on the internet much this weekend, so text me if you want it 021 241 7206
-----------------------
Who knew Prados could fly?

User avatar
skidmark
Hard Yaka
Posts: 616
Joined: Sun Sep 12, 2010 2:24 pm
Location: hamilton

Re: Winch isolator

Postby skidmark » Fri Dec 01, 2017 6:48 pm

as I side note, I doubt that solenoid can handle 500amps..its the same as a ride on starter solenoid. I run isolators on my winches- rated to 300 odd continuous, but2500/ 3000amps intermintanly
modified surf, hardly drive it seem to keep modifying it....

User avatar
aroma
Hard Yaka
Posts: 753
Joined: Sat Apr 21, 2007 12:00 pm
Location: christchurch

Re: Winch isolator

Postby aroma » Fri Apr 20, 2018 8:01 pm

well the battery died just after this I now have a a battery with post's and screw terminals solving my battery drain issue

Thanks for all the helpful sugestion above

Return to “Tool Shed”

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 12 guests