Thread: Winch isolator necessity.

This is a very interesting question and I look forward to hearing the answers from the learned.

I've never fitted one and never had a problem. The more I think about it though the more I think you should. The thought of having an electrical circuit in your vehicle that cannot be isolated just seems wrong.

I am in the throes of fitting a winch to the Defender and am currently working out all the wiring. I'm planning on fitting an isolator this time around.

Cheers,
Jon

I'd be fixing that left hand +ve connection on the main battery. Full flat surface connection.
What winch did you fit?

Originally Posted by Mungus

I'd be fixing that left hand +ve connection on the main battery. Full flat surface connection.
What winch did you fit?

Ah true, seems to be on an angle. Just had to disconnect everything and remove the aux battery to connect the -ve. Runva Premium 11000...

I tried several positions under the bonnet to mount the isolator and the only possible option i can see is beneath the battery isolator...Which may have enough room..

Kinda wanted to keep the battery cover.

Don't want to drill into the bull bar...

Russrobe, I believe you just fitted the Summit bar. I'm fitting mine next week (myself) with the same winch. I believe the winch solenoid sits on a plate recessed from the top of the bar. Is there room on that plate to fit the isolator?
PS Happy to hear the 11XP fits.

Originally Posted by Mungus

Russrobe, I believe you just fitted the Summit bar. I'm fitting mine next week (myself) with the same winch. I believe the winch solenoid sits on a plate recessed from the top of the bar. Is there room on that plate to fit the isolator?
PS Happy to hear the 11XP fits.

I needed the fairlead spacer kit Mungus, mines a ARB Deluxe bar as it's a 2010 D4 but if it fits mine I doubt you'll have any dramas.

Hmm good idea, i will have a look, because they'd already run the cables from the control box to the battery area for me, i didn't think to put it in the other end.. Makes more sense now you mention it.

Not sure how much water would affect the isolator though? I've had one mounted low on a Cruiser tray back for the hydraulic tipper and it never caused an issue. Speaking of water, the wireless unit within the solenoid is not waterproof. I sealed along the plastic box joint and wiring entries with some Sika sealant to improve.

I keep the positive unconnected & cable tied nearby, with a spare spanner in the rear cargo box for fitting if needs. For the mount of time I need to use the thing, mainly just servicing its motor, I don't see reason to keep it always wired in.

I feel more comfortable that way.

Originally Posted by Ozzy119

I keep the positive unconnected & cable tied nearby, with a spare spanner in the rear cargo box for fitting if needs. For the mount of time I need to use the thing, mainly just servicing its motor, I don't see reason to keep it always wired in.

I feel more comfortable that way.

Pretty much same thing here. Given the lack of space in these things, an isolator was a complex solution to a simple problem.