wiring for winch control

RatLabGuy

RatLabGuy

You look like a monkey and smell like one too
Joined
May 18, 2005
Location
Churchville, MD
Any idea what kind of amperage is pulled to activate the solenoids on an REP8000?
Wouldn't think it's be much, bu the wired use for the remote controller look fairly hefty. jus twan tto be sure what I use for in-cab switching is sufficient.
 
16ga should be more than sufficient. An easy way to tell would be to use your multi-meter set to the 10A setting to trigger one of the directions and see what it pulls. I couldn't imagine it being more than about four amps, though. I think the controller uses beefy wire as much for durability than anything else.
 
Dave, I'd recommend pulling the lid of the solenoid box and looking at the actual wire gauge! My remote pigtail looks pretty big also, but only because of a thick sheath, double thick insulation on the wires, and a ton of filer in the bundle... but are actually between 16-18AWG! Definitely one of those "things that make you go... hmmm?" :lol:
 
I wired a factory power antenna switch to work as the winch control on my '85 Runner when I had it, also used the " window lock " switch to enable/disable the switch in the console.

Both were 'reused' switches occupying factory holes in the console. I positioned the window lock out switch in the rear of the console where the fan switch for the rear heat blower used to be, so there was no " accidental" engagement of the rocker used to run the winch. never had any issue with the switches or the wiring, I beleive I used 12-14 gauge wire, as that is what I had.

There isn't a whole lot of amperage required to activate the winch solinoids, 5amps I think if I remember right ( I did measure it )

with proper power cabling, the winch will draw 280amps at max pull on a good battery ( also tested and measured )
 
So, I have a whole bunch of 20ga, but next step up I have on hand is some beefy coasted 12ga. If it's only 4-5A, which is what I'd figure, technically even 20ga is more than enough.

Dave I saw what you mean... but on mine they come in with covered spade terminals and the wire itself is actually well covered, couldn't really get a guage on it, that's what got me thinking about it.
 
Run the 12ga if ya got it.

I'm not sure if the 12ga was right in my application but its what I had laying around and needed to wire it up at 1am and its still working, so its still there. I'm sure 16ga would be fine too but didn't have any of that.
 
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