Can 12k Winch Ground to Frame or Does it have to Run to Battery Post
Question:
Installing a 12000 lb recovery winch on my 2019 Mercedes Sprinter, 3.0 AWD: 1. Can I safely ground to a clean bolt on the frame, or does it have to ground to the battery? 2. Any reason not to install a circuit breaker in the + line, and what amp breaker? 3. Any reason not to install a battery cutoff switch in the + line?
asked by: Ron K
Helpful Expert Reply:
This is a really great question that we debated here not that long ago actually. A lot of people have done it both ways and it seems to be fine for most people to ground through the frame. But on higher drawing winches like what you have it's best to run the wire (I know it's expensive) back to the negative post of the battery. One way to get a good idea if you can go to the frame is to compare the thickness of the winch's ground wire and the thickness of the ground strap ran from your vehicle battery's negative post back to the starter. If the winch has a thicker wire you need to go to the battery directly for sure.
Most likely the winch comes with a breaker that you would need to use as that's pretty standard. There shouldn't be a problem using a battery cut off switch if you wanted to.
Product Page this Question was Asked From
Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 2 Gauge - 24' Long
- Accessories and Parts
- Electric Winch
- Wiring
- Quick Connects
- Wiring Kits
- 24 Feet Long
- 2 Gauge Wire
- Bulldog Winch
more information >
Continue Researching
- Shop: Front Mount Hitch
- Shop: Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 2 Gauge - 24' Long
- Video: Bulldog Winch Electric Winch BDW203547 Review
- Video: Review of Bulldog Winch - Electric Winch - BDW20247
- Video: Front Mount Trailer Hitch Installation - 2007 Dodge Ram
- Shop: Bulldog Winch Rear Wiring Kit - Quick Connect to Terminal End - 3 Gauge - 16' Long
- Shop: ANL Fuse Holder and 400 Amp Fuse for Bulldog Winch Off-Road Winches - 0 to 4 Gauge Wire
- Shop: Bulldog Winch 500 Amp Shut-Off Switch - Metal Housing
- Shop: Bulldog Winch 400 Amp Shut-Off Switch - Removable Key
- Shop: Draw-Tite Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Shop: EcoHitch Hidden Front Mount Trailer Hitch Receiver - Custom Fit - 2"
- Video: Bulldog Winch Electric Winch BDW20207 Review
- Q&A: Correct Way To Wire Warn Trailer Winch Up to Be Powered By Truck Battery
- Video: Bulldog Winch Electric Winch BDW20048 Review
- Q&A: Wiring Needed to Power Dump Trailer Directly From Truck Battery
- Search Results: winch box
- Video: Bulldog Winch Rock Bag Rope Dampener Review
- Search Results: 20048
- Search Results: bdw20207
- Video: Bulldog Winch Wiring Kit Installation - 2004 Ford F-250
- Q&A: What Size Wire Should you Use with a 13K-LB Winch
- Shop: Trailer Hitch
- Search Results: winch
- Article: How to Strap a Kayak to a Roof Rack in 4 Steps (With Pictures)
- Search Results: recovery hitch
- Search Results: shackles
- Search Results: shackle with shank
- Q&A: Can or Should a Breakaway System be Used to Prevent Trailer Theft
- Q&A: Can I Guess or Estimate Axle Weight Capacity By Number of Lug Nuts
- Q&A: Recommended Quick Connect Winch Wiring To Power Warn Winch On Trailer With Vehicles Battery