Just picked up a 4700lb 12v Warn winch for my car trailer just in case I blow up the Nova at the track and need to winch it on or transport one of my dead or dying beaters. It is going on my 18' tilt deck and I'm pondering permanently mounting or mounting it as I need it.
I am concerned with the effects weather ( cold, moisture mostly ) will have on it. I will manufacture a cover but would like to hear from those who leave there winches out in the weather, any performance concerns and how you are protecting it.

Thanks! ( overprotective of his winch? )

 

Don't have a winch on the 04.5 yet - bought a Dayton 9000 a couple of weeks ago - I have never had a Warn winch but have had Ramsey winches in the past - one on a '81 Jeep Scrambler and one on a '85 CJ7 - both were in the weather all the time and never missed a beat. Winch sure will make you brave when you see that big mud puddle.

 

Thanks for the input, I appreciate it.

Craig.

 

I have a front mounted Warn on my '03 and had a Warn on my previous '92 Ferd also. Previous truck was sold to my neighbour who still uses the winch from time to time on his acerage. We're up in snow country here and no problems....but yes, it is a good idea to get a cover to keep the slop out.
good luck!

 

Thanks Steve.

 

They make a nice quick electrical connector for those. You could put a steel plate on the trailer and use some bolts to hold it on. Shouldn't take more than a couple minutes to put on when you need it, and it stays securely in the toolbox/garage when not in use.
I'm thinking of the same thing for the future.
TP

 

I will be going with a quick disconnect outlet for the back of the truck and considered Warns quick disconnect kit but the store wanted $200 for it ( also were charging $200 more for the winch than the second shop I went to ). Looking at the contents of the kit, I am considering trying to pick up the peices from here and there and see if will save me some $$$

I have a template for the winch and will be bolting it on, just how permanent I am not sure of.

Thanks for the ideas!.

Craig.

 

As far as the out in the weather. my grand has a 8000 lb warn on it and i havent had any problems with it and i'm up here in rust country err i mean Canada... I would make it removable just for the fact what if ya wanna haul a bunch of lumber and its in the way.. and its nice to know its avalible when you need it(not worring about it being stolen)..

 

Having it 'liberated' was my other concern. I have decided to make it removeable, Thanks!

Craig.