Franken-winch?

[Mfpaul73]

I recently scored an older Ramsey REP8000 (4.8hp) electric/magnetic winch, but it did not come with a solenoid/contactor pack or wiring. Unable to source a Ramsey pack thru current Google searches, so thinking of using another brand’s pack or building a pack with a contactor and box for underhood install. Anyone been down this road and have any recommendations for an economical but reliable pack? The winch is a “nice to have” for me and would be for unlikely self-recovery in the sand. Thanks

 

[bucky]

I have a 25+ yr old Ramsey 8000lb winch on one of my car haulers. The controller module is mounted separately. I would assume and module rated for 9500lb winch would work.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2242625147...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

 

[Woodrow]

I have a 25+ yr old Ramsey 8000lb winch on one of my car haulers. The controller module is mounted separately. I would assume and module rated for 9500lb winch would work.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2242625147...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

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That makes sense to me given what little I know about these work. Perhaps someone like @Blackjack could tell us if there are any potential pitfalls to look out for on such a hybrid set up?

 

[bucky]

Looks like the controller just reverses the polarity for in and out. Only 2 wires going into the winch motor itself. I would think the main thing is to get something that will handle the amps.

 

[macleanflood]

I have an older M12000 winch on my truck...the solenoids were getting finicky. I bought a $30 contractor off Amazon and rewired everything up under the hood.

-Mac

 

[JackalopeWrangler]

There are several options, the winch don't care what brand of whatnot you have, just the proper amount of juice gets to the motor to spin it in proper direction.
Here is one I found that may help with your dilemma: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BRRPMPW8?tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[macleanflood]

There are several options...

Yeah I used the same thing minus the remotes.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0BCFFWLTN?tag=wranglerorg-20

-Mac

 

[Wildman]

Just a quick search on Amazon there are a lot of options for a control box. You can even get them with a remote controller instead of wired.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=ramsey+w...x,aps,256&ref=nb_sb_noss_1&tag=wranglerorg-20

 

[JackalopeWrangler]

The winch needs the proper amperage to go in and out. It doesn't matter what brand.
Having said that there are some kits on Amazon to give remote options as well.
Many parts for winches including Ramsey on summit racing site.
Good luck

 

[Blackjack]

That Ramsey has a permanent magnet motor. Uses controls more like an ATV winch. Problem is finding one that can handle the amp draw of that motor. Warn makes some for their industrial line but they are quite expensive.

 

[Woodrow]

That Ramsey has a permanent magnet motor. Uses controls more like an ATV winch. Problem is finding one that can handle the amp draw of that motor. Warn makes some for their industrial line but they are quite expensive.

Thx for chiming in. I figured you would know something like that

 

[Mfpaul73]

I have a 25+ yr old Ramsey 8000lb winch on one of my car haulers. The controller module is mounted separately. I would assume and module rated for 9500lb winch would work.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2242625147...pid=5337789113&customid=&toolid=10001&mkevt=1

View attachment 665351

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Thanks. I am leaning toward the DIY solution, although I see Pierce and Rough Country both offer decently priced contactor packs. Not sure if they use quality contactors, but I could use one of those with custom cabling.

 

[Mfpaul73]

That Ramsey has a permanent magnet motor. Uses controls more like an ATV winch. Problem is finding one that can handle the amp draw of that motor. Warn makes some for their industrial line but they are quite expensive.

Ah, so not just any 450/500A contactor will work?

 

[Mfpaul73]

Looks like the controller just reverses the polarity for in and out. Only 2 wires going into the winch motor itself. I would think the main thing is to get something that will handle the amps.

Thanks. I think you are onto something. Adding some photos. I have been inspecting more and reflecting. The “ring clutch lever” makes me think the directional control might be mechanical. So maybe it just requires one big solenoid for power? Or the clutch lever is just to free-spool? I guess I can test that manually.

 

[Mfpaul73]

I have sourced a contactor for 500A two terminal winch. I am going to build a box. Thoughts on remotes? A three wire seems to match with the contactor, but I see five wires seems more popular. Thinking of using a Warn plug/remote parts on the control box, but 3 or 5 wire? Is there a pro/con? What are the extra two wires connected to if you use 5?

 

[Blackjack]

I have sourced a contactor for 500A two terminal winch. I am going to build a box. Thoughts on remotes? A three wire seems to match with the contactor, but I see five wires seems more popular. Thinking of using a Warn plug/remote parts on the control box, but 3 or 5 wire? Is there a pro/con? What are the extra two wires connected to if you use 5?

Easiest is probably to buy a standard Warn remote PN 83665 and receptacle PN 16296. Yes the remote is five pin and the receptacle is three pin but they work just fine together.

 

[duffer]

I have sourced a contactor for 500A two terminal winch. I am going to build a box. Thoughts on remotes? A three wire seems to match with the contactor, but I see five wires seems more popular. Thinking of using a Warn plug/remote parts on the control box, but 3 or 5 wire? Is there a pro/con? What are the extra two wires connected to if you use 5?

I think the additional pins are used for wireless remote winch operation. I have never liked the ergonomics of Warn's pistol grip remote, just seems awkward. The remotes handle very little current. With a solid state contactor, less than 1 amp. You can actually use ATV/UTV remotes. I modified a KFI version for the 8274 on my 3B which uses the Warn Zeon 10/12 contactor. The contactor is located behind the grill. I utilized an Amphenol connector. The Zeon 10 on the TJ is getting a similar treatment.

Contactor mount I when I was testing the "cab" control.

Last, I consider any winch I use as a vital necessity. It has to function each and every time I need it, no exceptions. While those cheap contactors were/are very tempting, in the end Warn won that purchase. Sort of akin to putting a HF trail tool kit together. Is a broken tool better than no tool in the boondocks?

 

[tnjeepguy]

Use that old, corroded Ramsey for a doorstop. Look for a good lightly used Warn winch, lots around.
Don't throw money at a lost cause. D

 

[John Cooper]

Use that old, corroded Ramsey for a good doorstop. Look for a good lightly used Warn winch, lots around.
Don't throw money at a lost cause. D

Yes sir, i think I gave $450.00 for my NOS never used or abused HS9500 that was originally sold to Jesse James of West Coast Chopper's.

25 years old this year and like new.

 

[tnjeepguy]

25 years old this year and like new.

Of course it is like new, you don't have a cable/line on it !!