What Type of Wiring is Normally Used to Power a Winch

Published 03/05/2024

Question:

I will like to connect a winch to the ouput receptacle/outlet. I understand that the winch must likely have 3 contact Blk, Red and ground but the receptacle is 7 pin outlet. How I can make it possible to place this winch to the rear bumper without take it to the battery under hood??? Any help in this matters??

asked by: Wilfredo G

Helpful Expert Reply:

Hey Wilfredo, so winch's only need two wires to be powered. They need a power and a ground. However, winches draw quite a bit of amperage so you wouldn't be able to use a 7-way trailer wiring socket as a power source as it wouldn't be adequate.

A winch wiring kit like the part # BDW20307 that you referenced would be what you'd need as it comes with a heavier gauge wire like what would be needed. With that said it also matters what winch you plan to use as they all don't draw the same amperage. For example this kit has 6 gauge wire.

expert reply by: Jameson C