Hi all, after your advice last time, I went out and bought a winch. I got the Runva from Michael in the end, mainly due to cost. I am working out the mounting of it and the solenoid. I have two options for the solenoid "box", one is on top of the Winch bar (traditional place above the winch) or I could mount it in the engine bay somewhere, and can probably find a spot close enough to not have to extend the cables. It came with a remote as well as wired controller.
The reason I ask is that I use this truck as my daily commuter. So while the solenoid is waterproof, I am wondering whether it is better to mount it under the hood to offer some protection (and, I guess, preventing rat-bags from trying to nick it).
Are there any compelling reasons to have it on the bar or is it better under the hood? Thoughts appreciated!
Mounting of a Winch Solenoid
- Eddie Auckland
- Driver/Navigator
- Posts: 37
- Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 3:14 pm
Re: Mounting of a Winch Solenoid
Under the hood is my vote...
Get it out of the weather and also out of harms way when on the trail...
Also makes for more room in and around the winch, tidy install....
If people are going to steal anything it will be the whole truck !
Get it out of the weather and also out of harms way when on the trail...
Also makes for more room in and around the winch, tidy install....
If people are going to steal anything it will be the whole truck !

Cheers Calvin
KZJ78 Landcruiser Prado...
KZJ78 Landcruiser Prado...
Re: Mounting of a Winch Solenoid
Under the hood is the way to go
- Crash bandicoot
- Hard Yaka
- Posts: 2924
- Joined: Thu Dec 30, 2010 7:19 pm
- Location: Towing a hilux
Re: Mounting of a Winch Solenoid

This is the grill on my mistral.
Waiter...there is a drought in my glass.
- jonossiksilvia
- Hard Yaka
- Posts: 727
- Joined: Mon Jul 12, 2010 5:53 pm
- Location: christchurch
Re: Mounting of a Winch Solenoid
i done mine under hood. keeps it more protected, higher up from water. no one can tamper with it. yes i had to extend the cables
check out that page. shows where i mounted it and had to extend cables
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... 7&start=75
edit: page link
check out that page. shows where i mounted it and had to extend cables
http://www.offroadexpress.co.nz/Forums/ ... 7&start=75
edit: page link
Last edited by jonossiksilvia on Sun Apr 21, 2013 9:54 am, edited 1 time in total.
Current 4wd: Surf Kzn185 ssrg factory Intercooled (yet to start build)
Past 4wd: toyota surf ln130, coil sas, 1uz v8 build
Past 4wd: toyota surf ln130, coil sas, 1uz v8 build
Re: Mounting of a Winch Solenoid
Mine is under the hood with in cab controls to operate from driver/passenger seat.
'12 JK Rubicon V6 3.6L Auto D44/D44