How to Wire an Electric Winch on the Front or Rear of a Vehicle or on a Trailer

Updated 06/04/2014 | Published 06/03/2014

Question:

I a electric boat winch it says need a 50 amp to power it do u have a adapter like a trailer adapter so I can power the winch?

asked by: Harry

Expert Reply:

You will want to either use a trailer mounted battery or wire the winch directly to the vehicle battery. This is because the vehicle wiring and wiring to a trailer connector cannot handle the amperage draw required by a winch. The other issue is that vehicle alternators cannot push back enough amperage over that great of a distance to power the winch properly.

But there are some solutions. Take a look at the help article I have linked to the right. It covers different ways that you can wire a winch.

expert reply by: Michael H