Wiring Options for an Electric Winch Powered by an Additional Battery

Updated 03/06/2012 | Published 03/02/2012

Products Featured in This Question

7-Way Round RV Style Trailer Connector - Trailer Side

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$13.89

Deka Jacketed 2 Wire, 10 Gauge, Brake Wire - per Foot

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

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$354.80

Pollak Bracket for Single-Pole Trailer Wiring Socket

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$12.75

Pollak Single-Pole, Round Pin Trailer Wiring Socket - Vehicle End

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Pollak Single-Pole, Round Pin Trailer Wiring Connector - Trailer End

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Question:

I have pretty much figured already that I need to run #4 wire from the engine alternator back to the bed to charge a seperate battery which will power my winch. The truck is an 06 GMC. I will be pulling small logs to level ground to cut up. I went with the receiver mounted winch because Ill only do it once in a while. Is there a terminal available for the positive and negative wires that is enclosed in a weatherproof box? Ill manually hook the battery to the alternator leads and the winch to the battery, use it for a while then take it off, but dont want the alternator leads open under the back of my truck. Thanks for your help.

asked by: Guy H

Expert Reply:

The easiest way to wire the battery for your winch will be to use the 7 way connector on your vehicle if you have one on your 2006 GMC Truck. You can get a 7 way trailer connector like part # A7WCB and use the Jacketed 2 Wire, part # 10-2-1, to connect a wire for the power and a wire for the ground in the connector. You will then run the ground wire, or white wire, to the negative terminal on the secondary battery and run the power lead, black wire, to the positive terminal on the battery. This will allow you to quickly disconnect your battery at the trailer connector without having to run additional wires to the vehicle battery.

I have included two images showing the connection points for the ground and 12 volt power wires inside of the 7 way connector.

If you do not have a 7 way connector on your vehicle, then I would recommend running a wire from your battery to a single-pole socket like part # PK11851. This socket has a door that will protect the wires from the elements. You will also need a bracket like part # PK11771 to mount the socket under your vehicle. Running a power lead from your alternator could damage the alternator and is not recommended for use with winches. You can use a single-pole pin connector like part # PK11852 and run a power wire and a ground wire from the single pole connector to the negative and positive posts on the secondary battery.

The connection to the vehicle battery will only help maintain your secondary winch battery and is not intended to fully charge the battery. You will want to keep the battery charged with a 12 volt battery charger before use or during periods of heavy use.

Once you have determined the wiring route that will work for you, you can use an electric winch wiring kit, part # BDW20207 to connect your winch to your secondary battery. This wiring kit comes with quick disconnects that will allow you to easily remove your winch from your secondary battery. The quick disconnects are attached to two wires that are attached to the positive and negative terminals on the winch and secondary battery. This kit will save you the hassle of connecting and disconnecting the positive and negative wires from the secondary battery or winch.