Installed a hitch mounted winch

[Aherpa]

I've needed a small winch to meet the occasional need, so it did not need to be permanently mounted to the truck.

I settled on a 3500lb Badlands brand winch from Harbor Freight, along with the 12,000lb hitch mount. I liked the mount because it's heavy duty and it has handles that make it easy to mount and dis-mount the winch from the hitch. I also picked up a snatch block and tree wrap.

I made use of the storage space next to the 12V battery (it's a hybrid) to mount the solenoid and to store the cables and remote. There is a wire that is supposed to make connection with an ignition accessory but I routed it back to the connection on the solenoid that goes to the battery and put a manual switch between.

I made heavy duty power cables using 8 gauge wire and 50Amp plugs. I drilled small holes in the lugs that came with the 50Amp connectors to make it easier for soldier to flow into the lug. I used all of the 15 feet of wire to make the extension cable.

I am using the same setup to run my Larin hitch lift. There I need to use two remotes, one that came with the winch to energize the solenoid on the lift (like an on/off switch) and then the remote that came with the lift to go up and down. I also got a Roadmaster hitch adapter to lower the hitch so the Larin lift would not hit the tailgate.

https://www.harborfreight.com/12000-lb-winch-hitch-mount-57607.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/3500-lb-atvpowersport-12v-winch-with-wire-rope-56259.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/forged-snatch-block-58175.html

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-in-x-8-ft-tree-trunk-protector-strap-56415.html

https://larinstore.com/products/hitch-lift

https://www.ebay.com/itm/293179759154

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Mingyiq-...ower-Connector-Black-Grey-Red-2pcs/2241838462

https://www.walmart.com/ip/AC-DC-WI...ter-RV-Trucks-15-ft-Black-15-ft-Red/311944835

https://www.ebay.com/itm/274801796207

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[BlueSpec1]

Nice install. I guess the one thing different I'd do is not connect to the battery negative. I'd run it to the same place the negative BMS cable goes to next to the battery.

The 2022-2023_Maverick_Hybrid_Modifier_Guide_10-25-22 does say "Ground accessories to the chassis or the vehicle battery".

The 2.0L service manual does say: "any electrical devices or equipment must be grounded to the chassis ground and not the negative battery terminal."

 

[Bill]

Would it have neen posible to attach the power wires to one of the two 12volt power supply plugs located on the tailgate frame,one on each side?

 

[Johnkn]

Would it have neen posible to attach the power wires to one of the two 12volt power supply plugs located on the tailgate frame,one on each side?

Those circuits won’t begin to handle the load or amperage of even his relatively small winch.

Because the stock Hybrid T4 battery is so small and weak (and not even designed to run the ICE starter motor) and the truck’s 12v system is already so frail and apparently problematic, if someone only takes a winch with them occasionally, they might be served with just taking a Group 24 deep cycle battery along.


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[Maverickman74]

Interesting setup, and overall nice and clean looking. I do have a little concern about the gauge and length of the main cables, But that is coming from my experience with the 12,000 Badlands. I have overheated the factory cables at less than full load. So I upgraded to zero gauge from the battery. I dont know if the 3500 needs that but 8 gauge may not be enough at that length. Another option for cables is a good heavy premium set of jumper cables.

Anyway you setup is nice. As with any winch I would always test it before you rely on it. Maybe find a small hill or a curb to pull it up and over. I recommend always using the snatch block as a winches rating is for free rolling weight, not stuck weight. The snatch block will buy you the extra power needed for an actual recovery that traction control couldnt handle.

 

[Maverickman74]

Those circuits won’t begin to handle the load or amperage of even his relatively small winch.

Because the stock Hybrid T4 battery is so small and weak (and not even designed to run the ICE starter motor) and the truck’s 12v system is already so frail and apparently problematic, if someone only takes a winch with them occasionally, they might be served with just taking a Group 24 deep cycle battery along.


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You know with all the battery powered things these days like fridges and solar generators and such. Wouldnt it be awesome if that was one of the next big things in winching. A winch with a built in remote mounted battery capable of handling the main load with its own dedicated wiring, but also has supplemental solar and accessory load inputs. That could be pretty awesome. I have added winches and fridges and all sorts of lights and entertainment to vehicles for decades and every time you tie into the vehicle with a good sized load you end up with compromised battery life, accelerated terminal corrosion, or worse.

I really am starting to feel that not relying on the vehicles system for direct DC load is the better way. Super stoked that ryobi is coming out with a 18V powered fridge/freezer. Cant wait for that one.

 

[Johnkn]

Agreed, but I think one of the concerns is total weight if looking at a removable winch. Even though his winch is only rated for 3500lbs, I bet that it and it’s ball mount and handles make it relatively heavy. Just taking a G24 battery separates the weight. For those camping, etc, they could even run a small 400W battery charger off the AC receptacle in the bed.

Lots of options!

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[GPSMan]

I like this but I want/need to pull an off road ATV into the bed.

I can put the winch in the bed behind the rear window or put the winch on the ATV.

Either way, I need a solid anchor point inside the truck for either the hook, or the winch itself.

Any ideas for this?

Thank you.

 

[GPSMan]

One idea I have is run a chain between the two stock floor tie downs. Then I would have a point on the centerline of the truck to attach the winch hook.

I consider the weight (pull) on the winch cable would be a couple hundred pounds.

What says the group regarding this set-up? May use a hand cranked winch, at least for proof of concept, plus it will only be needed two to six times a year.

 

[Maverickman74]

One idea I have is run a chain between the two stock floor tie downs. Then I would have a point on the centerline of the truck to attach the winch hook.

I consider the weight (pull) on the winch cable would be a couple hundred pounds.

What says the group regarding this set-up? May use a hand cranked winch, at least for proof of concept, plus it will only be needed two to six times a year.

There are several types of portable winches. Basically the have 2 hooks. Use em anyway you want, they got AC/DC types. They come anywhere from 1000 to 4000lbs and cost between $100 and $500. That and a lifting/tree sling(short strap for the front anchor points) is all you need to pull an atv in the bed. A hand winch will work but dont get one without a pull length equal to the pull you are doing. Otherwise you gotta hook it off and re-rig.

 

[Red Ryder]

I bought a portable hitch-mounted 2000LB winches to move some 275-pound logs up a steep hill.

 

[Maverickman74]

I bought a portable hitch-mounted 2000LB winches to move some 275-pound logs up a steep hill.

All pulled out of the jungle by the truck and loader by hand. Except for the big one that I had to pull into the bed with the come-a-long. My everything hurts. I cut these and several more like them in 19 benches at work with a EGO battery chainsaw.

 

[GPSMan]

I see lots of winch options.

I'm mostly wondering how/where to anchor behind the passenger window to pull stuff, your logs or an atv, into the bed. Without doing welding or tons of drilling since this will be only once in a great while thing.

P.S. I'd use an ATV trailer for local stuff but this summer I need to carry one 5,000 miles and I'd sure appreciate the gas mileage boost not having a trailer.

 

[Howard]

Pulling on the center of a chain stretched between the anchors will produce a much higher load on the anchors than what you're pulling. Better to mount a plate to the floor and pull on that.

 

[The Real Maverick]

Pulling on the center of a chain stretched between the anchors will produce a much higher load on the anchors than what you're pulling. Better to mount a plate to the floor and pull on that.

More? No.

At an odd angle? Yes.

The bed anchors are probably very strong in a vertical pull direction. Probably they are weaker in a side pull direction.

I'm with you in the sense this would be a side pull situation. But load would be SHARED equally between two anchors. All else being equal.

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