Do you want to install a winch on an ATV? Well, it is not at all a tough task when you have the right guidance. Therefore, we have the following discussion for you that will readily serve as an effective guide in assisting you to install a winch on an ATV in no time.
Step by step guide to installing winch on ATV
Let us discuss the steps for installing a ATV winch. However, before we directly get into the main steps, it is crucial that you know the important steps or the work that must be done before the installation procedure. You may or may not consider this step as the first one. You can consider it as the step pre-installation.
Just a reminder! This guide is only for electric ATV winches and not for hand driven ATV winch.
Pre-installation step
The first step involves finding the most accurate mounting plate for the winch. Along with the mounting plate, you must also get a durable bumper which is compatible with the winch. There are other tools as well that you must ensure to gather for the installation provider.
- Safety Glasses
- Drill Machine
- Rivet Removal Tool
- Test Light
- Ratchet
- Voltage Metre
- Screwdrivers
- Wrench
Step 1: Read the instructions
Then comes the step of cleaning and tidying the front area. You will get a booklet of instructions with the winch that will help you be familiar with the different parts and the functioning of the winch. Read through the manual for better information so that you do not fail to read any important information about the tool.
Step 2: Cleaning the front
After you have read and gone through the manual of instructions, you have to remove the protector plate. The protector plate is in the front of the winch at the front bumper, and you need to unscrew the bolts to remove it. Thus, here you would require a drill machine and then remove the plastic cover as well that is present just behind the plate.
Step 3: Bracket mounting
You have the choice of mounting before installing the winch or during the process. It depends on what type of winch you have to install in the ATV. It requires fitting them together, and for that, you have to follow the instructions regarding the mounting plate and the installation of the winch that is provided in the manual.
Step 4: Winch Mounting Plate installation
The function of the winch mounting plate is to attach the winch to the mounting bracket and the front of the ATV bumper. They are built to shield from the force of pulling out the ATVs. Thus, you must ensure the optimum and the specific mounting plate that ideally holds the winch without creating any difficulties or faults.
Generally, almost all winches have a winch mount that may or may not be compatible to fit all vehicles. If you do not receive the winch mounting plate with the priest, you can purchase one of the universal mounting plates. And its installation becomes the present step for the ultimate process.
Step 5: Attaching cables to the winch drum
Generally, almost all winches include pre-spooled cables on the winch drum. But, if your winch does not come with the same, or you may want to replace the cable that you have on the winch, you have to choose the six different methods for attaching the cable to the winch drum. This depends on the type of winch that you own.
Step 6: Install the Roller or Hawse Fairlead
The function of a Fairlead is to prevent the lines from getting tangled or coming off the spool in the winch. Therefore, it ensures that the winch line runs smoothly. When you have a roller fairlead, you will get a steel cable with it. In contrast, you get a synthetic rope along with the hawse fairlead.
After successfully installing the mounting plate, you have to start attaching the fairlead to the mounting. For this, you will need the bolts. Additionally and importantly, if you have any hook at the end of the rope or the cable, guarantee that before attaching it, you pass it through the fairlead positively.
Step 7: Wiring the handlebar and remote controller
The next step involves you wire the remote controller and the handlebar. For this step, you will need the instruction manual that comes with the product. Also, it is vital and critical that you ensure disconnecting the negative terminal of the ATV battery. Because otherwise, it will not prevent the flow of current and can lead to a short circuit.
Step 8: Handlebar switch installation
Now, you have to install the handlebar switch. For it, you need to find the appropriate spot so that you can place the rocker switch on the ATV. With the available clamps, you have to position the witch in the proper position and then use the screws and bolts to mount it impeccably.
Handlebar switch wiring
Here we have to discuss the steps in two parts: the handlebar switch is connected to the solenoid and the power source.
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Power Source Connection
You have to connect the red wires from the rocker switch, winch or handlebar to the power source of the ATV. You can use the voltmeter or the test light to ensure which of the wires supplies the 12 volts of power from the wiring harness. After ensuring that you have found the correct wire, combine the handlebar wire with the power source using the snap wire connector.
The quick snap connector enables it to connect the wires without stripping them or soldering them. It only requires you to insert the wires and squeeze them together using pliers that lead to resting strong and secured connections.
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Winch Connection
You will find green and black wires and have to connect them to the solenoid box or the controller. The green wire connects to the left side, while the black wire connects to the right side of the terminal.
Step 9: Solenoid Box installation
Installing the solenoid box also includes wiring the solenoid box as well. And this will be your next step. For this, you must ensure that the solenoid box is placed so that it remains dry. It must also always be away from the mobile parts of the ATV. You have to hook the other set of wires from the handlebar switch to the solenoid box. It is because it will be best for you to use the winch when the ATV is turned off.
Now, draw up the cables together with the rest of the wires and the cables that have been installed to connect the wired remote control. Then proceed to wire the solenoid to the winch. You will have to follow the colour-coded cables, and you have to refer to the instructions manual. The black cable has to be connected to the back terminal, the red to the red terminal of the solenoid ox and the like.
If you find difficulty following this step, follow my ATV winch wiring guide, where i have explained the process in detail
Step 10: Circuit Breaker installation
Connect the circuit breaker to the red cable. Then, start the engine to test the winch and its functionality. Turn off the power and try to hit the handlebar ignition once again. If you see the winch seat ring, check the switch connections to the ignition box to set it upright.
If you need more help for wiring the ATV winch switch check this guide
Step 11: Wires tucking
Carefully cut the solenoid box snugly and tidily. And it must be close to the battery. Get all the cables and wires together to fit them in the solenoid box, ensure their safety, and they must be away from any sharp objects. Ensuring their security and safety is one of the most crucial tasks. And this completes the process of installing a winch on an ATV.
Since now the process is complete it’s necessary to know how much amp does an ATV winch draw from battery! Winch are powerful devices they draw a lot of juice out of batteries, you don’t want to be running low juice on you off-roading adventure.
FAQs
1. What winch will fit my ATV?
If you are buying a new winch for your ATV, one of the key factors to consider is what size of the winch you should get. A good rule of thumb is to choose a size of ATV winch with a rated pulling capacity of about 1.5 times the gross weight of your ATV. Usually, a rating of 2500lbs- 3500lbs is suitable for most ATV winching applications.
2. Can I mount an ATV winch upside down?
It hardly matters if your ATV winch is mounted upside down, as it will not impact its load capacity. Almost all ATV winches can be mounted upside down, with some exceptions where the manufacturer doesn’t recommend mounting the winch upside down. Ensure the cable or rope spools in on the side of the drum near the base of the winch.
3. Why use a winch on an ATV?
The primary purpose of a winch is to exert force to pull an object towards itself or to push objects like snow plowing. Having a winch on your ATV adds to your safety and self-rescue capabilities. It can also be used for pulling objects towards the ATV. I have reviewed some of the best atv winches of this year do check them too.
Summary
These were the steps for installing a winch on ATV. The steps are quite simple, and the naive guide will help you through the entire process. It is evident that the function of the manual or the set of instructions that comes with the product is important. So, follow the guide above and take help from the instruction manual to perfectly set up the winch on an ATV and run in no time.
