Winch isolation solenoid

I have a 10mm bolt! Cost me $0.05 and perfectly fit for purpose [emoji41]

Every seen the result of a winch that cannot be stopped? Although the contacts used in most recovery winches are up to the job, they are probably the most easily available spare part. Should tell you something. Welded in contacts may not be a common fault, but it can and does happen. A suitable isolating solenoid readily controlled from the cab is just a good form of insurance, plus if the solenoid is under the bonnet where it cannot be accessed easily, it eliminates anyone with ill intentions of running the winch maliciously.

Sure have... and the operator couldn’t isolate as it was under bonnet.

If the contacts on my solid state controller [emoji6] did suffer such a fate it’s only a matter of slicing the rope .

The entire point is a spanner and leaving the winch disconnected when not offroad is cheap and effective.

Never seen any evidence of malicious operation of a winch. To this day nobody has produced such in Australia..
Only the one done by a magazine has been confirmed.

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Originally Posted by Tombie

Sure have... and the operator couldn’t isolate as it was under bonnet.

If the contacts on my solid state controller [emoji6] did suffer such a fate it’s only a matter of slicing the rope .

The entire point is a spanner and leaving the winch disconnected when not offroad is cheap and effective.

Never seen any evidence of malicious operation of a winch. To this day nobody has produced such in Australia..
Only the one done by a magazine has been confirmed.

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I have to admit.....

My big switch is in the battery box.
Is almost as inconvenient as unbolt the wire....

Damnn

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Originally Posted by martnH

I have to admit.....

My big switch is in the battery box.
Is almost as inconvenient as unbolt the wire....

Damnn

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Yeah, well I too have switch in my battery box, but it is a BIGGER, Blacker switch switch with a big red button... and my button works!

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/im...018/03/544.jpg

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Originally Posted by roverrescue

Have you also fused / isolated the supply to your starter motor?

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No I have not, nor have I done so to the alternator either. While you do raise a reasonable point, both the starter motor and alternator are fairly central in the engine bay and relatively protected by other items. The winch cable on the other hand is significantly longer, runs a route not designed from factory in the cars build and runs to the front so is vulnerable in the even of an accident etc. Twice I have pushed by bullbar back a bit and sideways when colliding with solid objects and it would not be unreasonable to foresee the winches power cable being cut in such.

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Originally Posted by Tombie

Easiest. If you think about it. Is to just undo the lead at the battery.... same thing!

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Hadn't thought of that but yes, a new battery terminal with a winch nut would be nice and easy for such.

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Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

Yes I have.

Fitted one of these by Blue sea systems to the winch power cable.

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That's a nice bit of kit. The price isn't so nice though!

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Originally Posted by Toxic_Avenger

If you want a twist lock style on the cheap, check out a welding cable joiner from your favourite welding shop. These are conservatively rated to 500A, and can take up to 95mm2 cable...

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Thanks for the idea. Will take a look.


Thanks to all for the various replies. Some interesting discussion and ideas.