Remote wireless winch controls

[full-boost]

"I can see the novelty appeal, but what is the real point to a wireless?"
there was someone who answered this for me. he uses his when he goes hunting. he will climb down to his kill, put the winch on it and drag it up the hill. he can be down with the kill and move it off snags without needing to go back and forth from the car. also you can get a different/better perspective from standing at different vantage points around the situation.

[MightyMouse]

On the few times I have winched, I have found running the controller back into the cabin and trying to drive and control the winch at the same time a real PITA.

I wonder if a separate winch control switch permanently installed in the cab would be a big help, and I can see value in it not being momentary, so you can winch and drive at the same time...

What are peoples thoughts ?

[GUJohnno]

Many people put in-cab switches in their vehicles, this would be an easier solution (particularly if the winch comes with the remote)

[blkmav]

Many people put in-cab switches in their vehicles, this would be an easier solution (particularly if the winch comes with the remote)

x2 I fitted the solenoid box under the bonnet and installed an in-cab switch, works great

[MissDrew]

I bought my winch brand new in 98 or 99 and have NEVER used the hand controller it came with. I hard wired a spring return switch on the dash and that is all I have ever used.

Winching and driving at the same time takes a bit of practice to get it rite.

[David_S]

Thought I would update this post with what I finally did. Bought a receiver unit and handheld remote transmitter (Chinese) off e-bay for $70. Wired it into my in-cab switch circuit with a two way switch so that I could alternate between remote or in-cab operation - red light on for in-cab, green for remote - with feed taken off ACC/IGN switch.

We have found it really handy. We have a hi-mount with Gigglepin twin motor setup which does not have a freespool. So when running out the cable the winchman controls it with the remote so only the exact amount he needs is run out before attaching the hook to the anchor. He then takes up the slack before signalling/radioing me to winch in. Worked fine especially on steep banks as in photo where the driver can't see over the bank and can't see the anchor point. In fact can't see anything much except sky!

We then took the logical next step of having the winch guy controlling the entire operation and the driver just concentrating on steering and driving. This worked brilliantly. With both hands on the wheel steering was easier (there can be a lot of sideways and downwards forces on the steering when winching) and I could operate the hand throttle if required and the winchman had a much better view of the winch, rope and anchor and any spectators getting in the way. Makes it quicker and safer for him when winding the rope back onto the drum too. We have now adopted this method as our standard procedure.

Found it invaluable too when pulling over a couple of silver birches, roots and all. Could keep an eye on the whole operation. So far we have not had to change the 12V battery in the transmitter although we must have winched close to twenty times so far. The remote looks just like the one GUJohnno posted and is quite easy to operate with gloves on. Looks a bit lightly built though and I would not like to drop it in a puddle but my winch guy just has it on a cord round his next as you can see in the photo so as long as he does not slip over it should be OK




Cheers

David