Anybody relocated the solenoid control box??

[Goldey]

I'm looking to relocate the control box for my XD9000 winch from on top of the bullbar to under the bonnet.

Has anybody done something similar and did you have any issues I should know about. Thanks.

Oh yes, I have a 98 Prado. Not exactly 'hardcore' but it gets the job done .

Cheers
Goldey

[G_loomis]

The only things from doing this to watch out for is the following.

1) the solenoids may get hotter (being under the bonnet, hot angine bay)

2) not sure on this one....but may lose some power with longer wires. But that may just be the main power lead that needs to be kept short as possible.

Other than that I cant think of anything that would cause a drama

[YankeeDave]

I've moved mine way up the engine bay off to the side next to one of the batteries. To avoid voltage drop I used some pretty thick cable, Gauge 1 or 2 from memory, but roughly 3 times thicker than what it comes with.

Works a treat, solinoids stay clean and dry now, and havn't noticed them getting any warmer as they are not right next to the engine

[J Top]

I cosider this a standard fitment here as our mud and water kills the crappy solenoids. Another point is you need your bonnet up but some people winch with their bonnet up for rope protection, this prevents vision so they have to stick their heads out the window
Some guys hard wire the controls inside so the driver has switch's on the dash for cotrols
J Top

[Zute]

I moved mine into the under bonnet area, because it was mounted on the winch motor and would not fit inside the bullbar. No problems so far.

[G_loomis]

I have controls hard wired into the cab so I can control the winch by the push of a button. there is alos another switch located near the winch so navi can access power as well. If you do this just make sure you put a on/off switch on the external button so no one can walk past and run the cable out over your cab and then winch in.....NASTY!

[Jeff80]

Ive moved mine to in the engine bay. I have done as Yankee Dave mentioned and made the cable about 3 times thicker. (actually put 3 together to avoid the voltage drop) I have also butchered an old controller, removed the switch and mounted in the dash, then keep a spare for when I am out by myself. Just plug the dash one in before you go out or swap and change when ever necessary. Works a treat and helps to stop gunk getting into the box. Never had any dramas with it.