What do i need to power my winch

1807 Views 6 Replies 6 Participants Last post by Dan, Oct 7, 2001

XJman

Discussion Starter · Sep 24, 2001

I need to have some confidence in my battery/winch setup. So i need to know which i should do. I will only be using my ramsey 8000 winch to pull me, and the odd other reason. But i don't think i can run it without draining all of my power. I've got a canadian tire battery. Should i upgrade that too an Optima, or could i get away with just a more beefier alternator.
Any suggestions
Thanks
Jordan

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87 XJ: 4" lift, 31x10.50 BFG's, roof rack, ramsey 8000 winch, hi lift jack, cb radio, swaybars disconnected, and some other stuff

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Jeepasaurus

· #2 · Sep 24, 2001

as long as your engine is running your alternator should power the winch.

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Blue 1981 CJ5 31" tires
*Damnit, anyone see where that door went?"
Mods? well I hold my muffler up with a coat hanger.

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Chris S

· #3 · Sep 24, 2001

My stock TJ alternator runs my Warn 8274 just fine as long as I hold the revs at about 2,500 RPM.
If you plan on being "winch boss" or you do hard-core trails where you are winching and winching and winching then you should upgrade both your battery and your alternator both. It's really the alternator runing the winch, but a good battery means that you can still winch when your motor dies.
If you normally just need a 10 foot pull to get off a rock or out of a mud hole then just use what you have (asuming they are in good condition).

A yellow top optima makes a great winch battery, but unless you can get a deal they are too expensive. I got a heavy duty truck battery with the same capacity from a battery wharehouse place for half the price.

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Chris S.
2002 KJ - staying stock (almost)
2000 TJ - 2" suspension lift, 1/2" body lift, assorted skids, hooks, rock rails, rock lights, 33" BFG MTs, custom bumper, Warn 8274
Mud Puppy's Jeep site

[This message has been edited by Chris S (edited September 24, 2001).]

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Sleeper

· #4 · Sep 30, 2001

Jord,
I just replaced both batteries in the Dodge because one was shot. The other tested out pretty well. You're welcome to it if it fits (it's the biggest size they make).
Phil

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Newbie with wife's TJ

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XJman

Discussion Starter · #5 · Sep 30, 2001

Phil, that would be great, possibly having one for insurance. Have you been reading about my buddies bronco being stuck, i took pics, i'll bring'em over when i get them developed, thanks for the offer.
Talk to you soon.
Jordan

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87 XJ: 4" lift, 31x10.50 BFG's, roof rack, ramsey 8000 winch, hi lift jack, cb radio, swaybars disconnected, and some other stuff

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nikon_jeeper

· #6 · Sep 30, 2001

Hmm, another me.

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Phil M. - Kent, WA
95 XJ Sport w/Stuff
"Who cares about a list of crap, can you drive it?"

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Dan

· #7 · Oct 7, 2001

Hey Chris whats the amp draw during a pull? Maybe an 8274 is not as high a draw as a planetary winch but I'm guessing that a hard pull is gonna take 200-300 amps, which is definately higher than my alternator.

But I could be wrong, maybe winches dont take any power at all.

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Dan
91 Cherokee, Slightly Wrinkled.
69 Ford, big tires.
72 Datsun 510, old and ugly.

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