Will I Need a Separate Battery to Power My Winch?

Updated 03/01/2016 | Published 02/29/2016

Products Featured in This Question

Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 2 Gauge - 24' Long

(22)

$352.69

Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 3 Gauge - 16' Long

(7)

$171.99

Question:

is it a good idea to have a separate battery in truck bed just for a wench

asked by: Lamarr S

Expert Reply:

If you are a frequent user of a medium to heavy duty winch then yes it is a good idea to carry a separate battery with you. Many times we see the auxiliary battery mounted within the engine compartment if there is space available when you have the winch on the front of your vehicle. If you are planning on using your winch when mounted to your trailer then we often see it mounted to the frame of the trailer, but you could also mount a battery box and battery to the bed of your truck. I have linked a Help Article for you to better see some layouts people commonly take.

If you have a light duty winch, we often see customers just using the battery already in their vehicle to power the winch.

For wiring the winch to the vehicle you can use the 4K winch trailer wiring kit # BDW20043 or for 16.5K the # BDW20207. Both kits include quick disconnects, that can be added to this setup to make it convenient to remove the winch when it is not being used. These wiring kits can connect to the vehicles battery or a separate battery to power the winch.

I have linked you to a video of a winch being installed on a trailer and to some information on wiring and selecting an electric winch for your convenience.

expert reply by: Jackie C