Thread: Winch install

I did consider the extra length required, but I don't think it is THAT much longer to be honest. The cables they used are thicker than the ones provided so hopefully that helps a little.

Im not really after peak performance from the winch to be honest. I plan on using a block for 95 percent of all recoveries.

Id be curious if anyone knows of a way of testing to see how much has be lost by running the cabling the little further.

Originally Posted by Aaron

I did consider the extra length required, but I don't think it is THAT much longer to be honest. The cables they used are thicker than the ones provided so hopefully that helps a little.

Im not really after peak performance from the winch to be honest. I plan on using a block for 95 percent of all recoveries.

Id be curious if anyone knows of a way of testing to see how much has be lost by running the cabling the little further.

There are plenty of online calculators for voltage drop on 12v cables.
Do the calcs using your existing cable length and size, and compare to the same calculation with shorter length cables.
Cable length is the total length in the circuit, so with the solenoid under the seatbox you've got:
- Battery to solenoid plus,
- Solenoid to motor plus
- F1 to solenoid plus
- F2 to solenoid
For comparison purposes you can ignore the negative path back to the battery as it doesn't change.
Obviously for every metre you move the solenoid away from the winch you add 3 metres to the cable length (might be slightly less than 3x if you move the solenoid closer to the battery).
You'll also need to know how many amps your winch pulls at full load so you can enter it into the calculation.
The figures won't be perfect but will give you a reasonable comparison.

Steve