How to Power a Winch on the Trailer with the Vehicle's Battery

Published 08/17/2018

Products Featured in This Question

Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch - Synthetic Rope - Hawse Fairlead - 4,400 lbs

(57)

$485.72

Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 2 Gauge - 20' Long

(8)

$351.99

Question:

For powering the winch on my car hauler, can I use a long positive cable to my vehicle battery and use a short negative cable to a chassis point at the back of my vehicle? I would like to use a heavy duty jumper cable type clamp. Do you have a recommended cable size to make that long run?

asked by: Joe

Helpful Expert Reply:

In order to power the Bulldog Winch Trailer Winch part # BDW15020 from the vehicle's battery I recommend using the Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit part # BDW20206 which contains 20' of 2 AWG power and ground wire in addition to quick disconnects for both the trailer and vehicle side. I suppose you could ground the winch to a bare metal portion of the frame but it would be best to ground to the battery to prevent any future issues. This is a very popular kit that works really well.

I have attached an install video of the wiring kit for you as well.

expert reply by: Conner L