We ran some winches on trucks/jeeps back in the 70/80's before all the electrical stuff on trucks. Anyone running a winch on a fairly new truck? What size? Any problems stressing/damaging electrical components? Thinking of installing one on my 04' F150.
WARN Winch
- Thread starter 2004 F150 4x4
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you'll need an upgraded alternator with more amps and 2 batteries. You should buy a winch that is rated for double your vehicle weight.
milemarker makes some nice hydralic winches but your engine has to be running to use them. that may be another option for you.
milemarker makes some nice hydralic winches but your engine has to be running to use them. that may be another option for you.
Mine is a Warn rated at 8000 lbs., with a snatch block, and trailer towing, which includes heavy duty alternator and battery. It works fine. If I had room for another battery that would be even better. This winch is in a cradle, and can be mounted in a hitch receiver, front or back. After use it stores in the covered pickup bed,and locked down.
I have a 8274 that my dad bought in about 1975. He had it on two different trucks and I had it on my 98' Z-71. It still works great and I may be putting it on my HD. I had to order some parts for it about 5 years ago,because it started leaking oil.
I ran two batteries, an isolator and the stock alternator (105 amps IIRC). I never had any issues with batteries because I usually pulled with the engine idling.
I like the 8274 because it has one of the fastest line speeds on the market,and holds alot of cable.
I ran two batteries, an isolator and the stock alternator (105 amps IIRC). I never had any issues with batteries because I usually pulled with the engine idling.
I like the 8274 because it has one of the fastest line speeds on the market,and holds alot of cable.
I'm running one on my 2000 Wrangler. It's the Warn X8000i model. I've had it for over 4 years and it works as good as the day it was bought. Probably over 100 hard pulls on it. Running the factory 117 amp altenator and Optima Yellow Top battery. An upgraded alt and battery are not required unless you plan on doing alot of winching with your engine off.
For hard pulling a second battery really adds to the power of the winch. More electrical power seems to make them run cooler.
Some tips: watch the duty cycles and let it cool. I have heard the best is 30 seconds on and 1 min off, then 30 seconds on and a 1 min off, then 30 seconds on and 30 min off. Hard to do when you are stuck. They can really get hot and melt the solder. You won't feel it getting hot on the outside with your hand until the heat soaks from the inside to the outside and that takes like 30 min. Off time also recharges the batteries and you should pull with some sort of fast idle.
Don't stall the winch or it will get real hot real fast and/or burn a spot on the amature.
Another one I just read is don't start pulling with a tight line but let it start with a little slack to get going. Probably could have saved me some burned up motors if I had done some of these things.
Bigger is better and a snach blocks are things of wonder.
[ February 17, 2005, 03:57 AM: Message edited by: White 03 ]
Some tips: watch the duty cycles and let it cool. I have heard the best is 30 seconds on and 1 min off, then 30 seconds on and a 1 min off, then 30 seconds on and 30 min off. Hard to do when you are stuck. They can really get hot and melt the solder. You won't feel it getting hot on the outside with your hand until the heat soaks from the inside to the outside and that takes like 30 min. Off time also recharges the batteries and you should pull with some sort of fast idle.
Don't stall the winch or it will get real hot real fast and/or burn a spot on the amature.
Another one I just read is don't start pulling with a tight line but let it start with a little slack to get going. Probably could have saved me some burned up motors if I had done some of these things.
Bigger is better and a snach blocks are things of wonder.
[ February 17, 2005, 03:57 AM: Message edited by: White 03 ]
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I've got a Warn M6000 on my wife's TJ. Only had to use it once for getting someone else out of jam ..and I did use it to lift a real heavy storm drain grate when my daughter dropped her cell phone down into it. I was surprised at how much the tires and suspension compressed before it popped.
No special battery ..standard high output (117 alt).
I'm just under the 2X recommended capacity (3200 lb.)
No special battery ..standard high output (117 alt).
I'm just under the 2X recommended capacity (3200 lb.)
Still the best winch in the 8000 lb class. They're worth the premium you pay for them.
Warn is top-of-the-line in my book. It's all the serious wheelers in my Ranger club use. Although Mile Marker has a hydraulic winch that works off your power steering pump that is interesting. Not sure if I'd trust hydraulic lines hanging out front when I'm off-roading though.
Thanks for all the replys guys.
why would you trust hydraulic lines any less than 2/0 power cables? if they're properly installed, you shouldn't have to worry about them getting snagged and such. if I can ever save up the extra $$.. I'm going to put a mile marker hydraulic on my K2500.
-Bret
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