What to do with EP9.0 Solenoid?

[R_Lefebvre]

I'm mounting my Superwinch EP9 into an ARB bumper, and it doesn't make sense to leave the solenoid in the normal location. Can't plug in the switch, etc.

So I remove it, only to find the bottom of the plastic case is all open because of the way they ran the copper bus bars out the bottom.

I want to move the relay somewhere else, not sure if under the hood or what yet, but I'm stuck because I don't want that relay box exposed like that for obvious reasons.

Is there some other box to buy to put the solenoid in? Just don't worry about it? Or what?

 

[ntsqd]

Not being familiar wih that winch, picture(s) would help me make suggestions.

 

[I Leak Oil]

I've seen more than 1 plastic tuperware or similar container put into good use in wet conditions....
Jason T.

 

[HenryJ]

First thing that popped into my mind was using a wireless remote with it so access would not be needed.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Ntsqd, I'll try to get you pics. But basically, the solenoid is in a plastic box, but the box has a HUGE hole out of the bottom such that if I relocate it, there is a big risk of a short circuit because nothing is keeping things from contacting the terminals.

The remote thing is interesting... I already wanted to wire up in in-cab control anyway. I could wire that up, and never worry about using the wired remote. Or would that be silly? I supposed I could put the solenoid where it belongs, and just move the remote hookup to somewhere accessible. Anything to plug *that* hole in the solenoid box with?

Hmmm... I have a LOT of the Rubbermaid containers from Costco margarine... :chef:

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

You could get rid of the multiple solenoid control box and convert to a single Albright unit. You can locate it where you want and it is water resistant.

The Albright, heavy duty sealed contactor is an ideal upgrade for winch upgrades and competition use.

In a small, water resistant package, the Albright solenoid can be located near the winch, or in the engine bay for ultimate reliability.

One Albright contactor is needed to replace the solenoid pack on standard winches.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Hmm... that looks exactly like the solenoid this came with. Spitting image except the gasket in the middle is white instead of red. Does that mean this is an Albright already?

Oh yeah, and how thick of a wire should I use? It came with 2 Ga.

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

Hmm... that looks exactly like the solenoid this came with. Spitting image except the gasket in the middle is white instead of red. Does that mean this is an Albright already?

Oh yeah, all the post '03 Superwinches have Albrights. I guess I should have paid attention and asked you if you had a new(er) winch.

Oh yeah, and how thick of a wire should I use? It came with 2 Ga.

I'd contact Superwinch directly and let them know what you want to do and what your concerns are. As you know from your other posts with questions, there can be many varying opinions on what is right which can quickly go off topic.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Yeah, I know, ask a question, get 5 responses and 6 opinions.

I'm wondering now, if this solenoid is waterproof, put it back on the motor, and just worry about the wiring. Move the connector might be easier. I imagine having the old connector hole open won't be a big deal.

Just wish I hadn't taken the damn thing off now! Could be tricky to put it back on with the winch in place. Oh well, always good to get familiar with everything anyway.

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

Yeah, I know, ask a question, get 5 responses and 6 opinions.

I'm wondering now, if this solenoid is waterproof, put it back on the motor, and just worry about the wiring. Move the connector might be easier. I imagine having the old connector hole open won't be a big deal.

Just wish I hadn't taken the damn thing off now! Could be tricky to put it back on with the winch in place. Oh well, always good to get familiar with everything anyway.

Move the solenoid under the hood and relocate the plug elsewhere. What I did was different, but I relocated the controller plug to the grill.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

Hmmm... is it better to have the solenoid in the engine bay? While you were writing this, I was in the garage putting it back on the winch motor.

I don't know if it's worth moving?

I haven't finished the remote wiring install yet. I like your idea of on the grille. I was looking at putting it in the bumper, but I hate drilling more holes in it. Have their been any downsides to the grille location?

I did pick up some switches from an RV shop last night. One lighted 2 position switch for "arming" and another 3 position switch, with a momentary up and down for the winch. Just have to figure out where inside. The panel at the drivers knees would be easiest to install, but I don't know if it's the best location.

 

[ntsqd]

Based on the pics of that solenoid, I'd venture that it's good to go just about anywhere that you might want to put it.

I prefer to put the remote's socket in the cab. That way there aren't switches that can get accidentally bumped. The cord should still be able to reach anywhere you're likely to want to be outside of the vehicle. Mine will extend to 20 feet long.

I also prefer to use the std. 4 pin trailer light plugs & sockets as they are not proprietary and any repair/replacement parts are easily found in most auto parts stores.

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

Hmmm... is it better to have the solenoid in the engine bay?

I think that it has more to do with personal preference or where you want to put the control box. In my case it was more of a necessity driven by location and a little by aesthetics. As I mentioned I did not want the control box just sitting on top of me bumper which I felt would restrict airflow into the radiator and be unsightly. The ARB had a very good mounting location for the control box but not so much on the SG.

Have their been any downsides to the grille location?

None. The hand controller has been long enough to reach where I've needed it to.

I did pick up some switches from an RV shop last night. One lighted 2 position switch for "arming" and another 3 position switch, with a momentary up and down for the winch. Just have to figure out where inside. The panel at the drivers knees would be easiest to install, but I don't know if it's the best location.

Which panel by the knees are you talking about?

 

[R_Lefebvre]

If it's personal preference and the thing is waterproof, I think I'll just leave it right where it is, on the winch motor. It's out of the way, and seems to work. The only thing I need to do move the connector someplace accessible.

I don't think the switches would likely to get bumped in the cab. At least, I'd like to get them set up that way. Primary to this, is the lighted master "arming" switch. It would have to be pushed first, before the directional switch would work. I suppose if I kept the two switches seperate they'd be less likely to get bumped together. Or maybe making the "arming" switch one of those toggle switches with the red flipper cover thing...

The panel I'm talking about by the knees, I guess it's actually the fuse box cover in the cab, just under the steering column. But, thinking about bumping switches, it's probably not the best place. Maybe somewhere more like on the center console near the transfer case lever.

Anyway, I'll just get the remote socket working first then worry about the in-cab later. I just saw somebody had done it on Dweb and it seemed like a good idea to make it easy to control right inside the cab without having to go get your remote or anything like that.