I'd suggest a battery in the rear, with cables as short as possible. Use wingnuts on the battery for a quick connection and less loss than the Anderson connector. I think the connector you have there will have about 3V loss when winching, or about 25%. But then you have to deal with charging the second battery. Good job on making it work!
Thanks! I've been told the battery by itself is not enough juice, that it needs to be connected to the alternator, so that's why I didn't go that route
I really appreciate the video and the comment. I am in the process right now of trying to figure out how I want to go with either the adapted jumper cables or separate battery.
I just setup the same Badlands Apex 12000lb winch and haulmaster hitch mount, but I got them for $450. I am using the same quick connectors with permanently installed connectors at front and rear (I have a receiver at both ends) which I made myself with 2awg wire and a Harbor Freight hydraulic crimper. I found the best way to stop the "wobble" of the winch mount was to use a hitch stabilizer clamp, which firmed it up greatly. I used the dual end mounting method so that If I need to pull out from either direction I can (in answer to a post below).
It will get out of a ditch all alone, and back home safe. That’s what’s important. They stopped making winch plates for my truck. Think I’m going to use your solution.
Very informative bud, but just an FYI. Never get in the line of fire by being in front of the winch while pulling. Hence is why you never see riggers under a load from a crane. Even though the weight capacity is approved, you never know of what faulty equipment you have
1 gauge is not rated for 800 amps and that length will have major voltage drop witch increase ampere draw even more. It’ll work but the higher the load, the more likely you’ll fry something.
Awesome man I was wondering if anyone did this because I rarely will use a winch so why run a wire. I’ll just put one permanent wire from in and have your set up if I ever need pull from rear.
If I were to use the receiver mount, I would weld some angle iron to the bottom of the hitch plate to really reinforce it. That winch puts out enough torque to flex that mount, and if it does it will break the the solenoid cover. Just ask Muddy Beard 4x4. He flexed a Smitty Built mount and broke the solenoid cover on his.
I agree this winch is definitely stronger than the mounting plate if you were using it hard, the mount was actually only designed for winches up to 9,000 lbs
With heavy duty motors such as winch motors they don't like to be clicked on and off, on and off rapidly in a short time. Motor could burn out quicker just like the starter on vehicles
Hmm I can see using this on my truck to skid logs in the woods. If you do hard wire the line in your truck make a video. I’d be real interested in doing this if it’s not a pain to rig up. I love the plug in idea to transport the winch in the bed. I’ll keep this in mind.
I really like the fact you can mount the winch on the rear of the truck. I considered doing that but I'm to old and decrepit to deal with the weight. After last bypass Doc said don't lift more than 5 lbs, yea right. It's all I can do to lift 50 any more.
Yes it works well for me, but not everyone. A 8k winch may be lighter, but this 12k plus the cradle is probably around 60lbs to lift out of the bed and into the hitch.
Sean Rady I don’t think it is that great, it’s technically only rated for a 9000 lb winch. I would recommend the Curt 31010 Winch Mount, it is probably better
Campbell ZR2 I’ve noticed the quick change with the remote. Pushing the “IN” for half a second, then releasing, back to “IN.” Is it the “little at a time” method to have more control? I don’t know if that would wear switches or components down faster. Maybe I’m looking too much in to it. Anyway, cool vid!
Diana Sprinkle yes I was just doing that to slow down how quickly the line was moving, no reason that I had to do that, just my preference. I don’t believe it should be hard on the winch at all
You do know that’s a wireless remote right? The wire is there in case if the battery dies in the remote. And also you don’t wanna keep pushing on the button also.
relikvija I as well as many other ZR2 enthusiasts strongly disagree with you, the ZR2 is much different than the WT Colorado and other lower trims, and it was designed and built very well.
Since I got my Apex 12k I have pointed the nose of my truck up the hardest obstacle I can find every time I the trail. Haven't needed it yet but having the confidence to go for it makes all the difference! I used it to pull up some roots and it worked awesome for that!!
Gotta love Harbor Freight, man! What’s the advantages of rear mounted winch? Seems forward facing would work best. Maybe add a front 2” receiver when you can up a front bumper?
ZR2 Zamboni rear was easier/cheaper than a front setup, and my thought process is “I don’t need to make it through the trail/obstacle, I just need to get out, turn around, and get home!” Haha
@@campbelloffroad3660 What if you went down a trail & discover you can't get out that direction, so you turn around to go back home & then you get stuck on your only way out LMAO plus dude, that receiver hitch is not even rated for 12,000 lbs. that is not safe !!!
