Suggestions for dual wiring harness for winch

[tnine]

Hey guys,
I've mounted a Curt 31367 front receiver to my 2014 4Runner. Aside from needing longer 2 1/2" 5/8-11 bolts for the tow ring mounts, it went on perfectly and is flush against the bottom of my front bumper.

I don't use my winch often, given the lack of truly functional bumpers for the 2014s, I've chosen to go the hitch route. With this, I can move my winch from the front to the back if necessary.

I'd like to run a quick connect wiring harness for both the front and the back of my 4Runner. I've looked online, and there are an overwhelming number of options. I'm pretty sure I want 2 gauge wire to ensure I won't melt my wire during high current usage. What wiring harnesses have people had success with? I intend to mount a 9500-10000 lb winch. I want to make sure I don't buy something that's poor quality and cause an electrical fire.

Thanks in advance,
Todd

 

[phillyd2]

The 4R has it hard wired but I like the Warn 32966 24'/8m Quick Connect Power Cable Includes Power Interrupt Kit that I use on the F250. I also have a cheapo HF one on the ATVs

 

[Jetboy]

FWIW - I had a hitch mount winch on my last 4runner - in 5 years I never once put it in the rear receiver other than to carry it around.

However - this is what I did. It takes 5 connectors.

I bought 5 of the large size "anderson connectors" - 350 amp version. ~$10ea. I then bought a good quality set of 25 food 2ga jumper cables. ~$50. And I cut the first 3 feet off and removed the aligator clips to make a power drop for the front. It ties directly to the battery and stubs out under the front bumper. Much like the pic above.

On the remaining ~ 20' of jumper cable length I put an anderson connector on the cut end. Then cut the end with the alligator clips that remain about 2 feet from the end and put 2 anderson connectors in. Now you have what amounts to an 18ish foot extension cord, and a 2' plug in set of clips. If you need to jump a car, or get a jump, you don't even need to open the hood. Just plug and go. I also used the short section for powering my 12v air compressor.

I then put another anderson connector on the winch wires with about a 24" pig tail. Winch goes in the front, plugs directly into the front drop. If you want the rear hitch, you can then use your front drop and the "extension cord" section to reach the rear hitch.

This method is not as good as the method of permanent install to the rear if you use it much. You have to drape the cord over the mirror and/or run through the cab to keep it protected if you're going to run the rear winch. The plus side is that it doesn't require a permanent install underneath and you have a long set of jumper cables.

Just an idea that I found to work nicely.

Also I soldered in all of my ends (takes a BUNCH of solder...) I have since bought a HF hydraulic crimping tool and it's really useful. I bought it form crimping cable ends for sailboat rigging, but it does a great job of crimping wire ends too.
http://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic-wire-crimping-tool-66150.html

 

[tnine]

Thanks guys. I like the looks of the warn quick connect. [MENTION=6163]phillyd2[/MENTION], does yours have the switch and do you use it? Aside from the case where I'd have a short and disconnect it, I can't envision why the switch is even useful.


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[phillyd2]

Thanks guys. I like the looks of the warn quick connect. [MENTION=6163]phillyd2[/MENTION], does yours have the switch and do you use it? Aside from the case where I'd have a short and disconnect it, I can't envision why the switch is even useful.


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The F250 has OEM upfitter switches and it wired in to that. I would absolutely use some sort of switch.