Electrical connector for receiver mounted winch

[Chris616]

I was reminded the other day how convenient our winch electrical connection is to use. I thought that I'd show the setup in case it might help someone else.

We only occasionally use our light-duty winch, so a receiver mounted unit seemed like a good solution. I wanted a permanent wiring setup where there weren't any loose wires dangling about on the machine and the connectors were protected when not in use (photos from seven years ago before first use).

The power hookup set is called a "tailgate connector". About US$50 on Amazon.com. A lot more than a winch plug, but...
https://tectran.com/dual-pole-plugs...ors-dual-pole-buffalo-plug-bull-nose-sockets/

Chris

 

[Cat_Driver]

You need this......

https://www.amazon.com/AURELIO-TECH...al+Connectors&qid=1565594672&s=gateway&sr=8-1

 

[WranglerX]

You need this......

https://www.amazon.com/AURELIO-TECH...al+Connectors&qid=1565594672&s=gateway&sr=8-1

That is only 120 amp.... The one Chris recommended is 200 amp... Always go with highest amp rating for better reliability... And it's my opinion the Tectran has better form factor for use...

Dale

 

[Dave M7040]

Agree the two pole plug setup in the initial post is far too light duty for the current it must carry.

The usual name for the Amazon plug is an Anderson Plug. They are made to carry large currents.

Used on fork lifts, golf carts and many other places......

Dave M7040

 

[Industrial Toys]

Sometimes you have to go to a pretty BIG Anderson, because you just passed that amperage rating on one model.

 

[LouNY]

This style is available in several amperages,https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PH6NMNG/ref=sspa_dk_detail_2?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07PH6NMNG&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFDNTZTRVBRQVdTNVQmZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA5OTkwOTMxSzlVSTlLRlA0WjlTJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTAwNjQ1ODExWjVaNjhSNjAxUkhGJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
it is also what my Generator uses on the full amperage connector,
two of those in a stacked configuration.

 

[Industrial Toys]

Nice concept. Ubiquous, and you can just buy the contacts if need be. OR shell for that matter.

 

[Chris616]

There is some misinformation in this thread, and since I started it I want to keep it accurate.

As Dale noted, the Tectran connector shown in post #1 is rated for 200 amps. It is definitely not "light duty". It's big and beefy and metal, with a spring strain relief for the wires. As far as I can tell the main use for this style of connector is to provide power between a semi-trailer truck and trailer (see attachment). The two-pole version is used to provide power to a powered lift-gate that a delivery truck might use to lower your delivery down to ground level from the trailer box height.

The "winch plug" or "Anderson plug" connector suggested in post #2 is the standard thing used in winch applications. The Amazon link in that post shows a "recommended maximum 120 amps" current. The items linked in post #6 shows a maximum 175 amp rating.

The specs for the Superwinch Terra 45 winch show a maximum of 178 amps draw.

Seven years ago when I installed this I debated using the Tectran unit or a traditional winch plug (Anderson plug), which I knew was the standard used for hooking up winches. I was confident that for my limited short duration usage that either would work. Under the box of the UTV I had space to mount an aluminum plate into which I could surface mount connectors for the electrical and winch control. I don't recall being able to find a winch plug (Anderson plug) at the time that I could surface mount, but I see now that these are available online. Isn't the Internet wonderful. If I was doing this again today I'd still use the Tectran unit. It's a big satisfying metal plug that is easy to grab and metal receptacle that I know won't break.

Chris

 

[k0ua]

There is some misinformation in this post, and since I started it I want to keep it accurate.

As Dale noted, the Tectran connector shown in post #1 is rated for 200 amps. It is definitely not "light duty". It's big and beefy and metal, with a spring strain relief for the wires. As far as I can tell the main use for this style of connector is to provide power between a semi-trailer truck and trailer (see attachment). The two-pole version is used to provide power to a powered lift-gate that a delivery truck might use to lower your delivery down to ground level from the trailer box height.

The "winch plug" or "Anderson plug" connector suggested in post #2 is the standard thing used in winch applications. The Amazon link in that post shows a "recommended maximum 120 amps" current. The items linked in post #6 shows a maximum 175 amp rating.

The specs for the Superwinch Terra 45 winch show a maximum of 178 amps draw.

Seven years ago when I installed this I debated using the Tectran unit or a traditional winch plug (Anderson plug), which I knew was the standard used for hooking up winches. I was confident that for my limited short duration usage that either would work. Under the box of the UTV I had space to mount an aluminum plate into which I could surface mount connectors for the electrical and winch control. I don't recall being able to find a winch plug (Anderson plug) at the time that I could surface mount, but I see now that these are available online. Isn't the Internet wonderful. If I was doing this again today I'd still use the Tectran unit. It's a big satisfying metal plug that is easy to grab and metal receptacle that I know won't break.

Chris

View attachment 617008

OK> so that is a tractor trailer plug that you repurposed for a high current plug. BUT that plug you show is not made for a 2 circuit High current device it is made for 7 lower current circuits. I am trying to understand how you wired it. Did you double and/or triple up on some of the pins? Help me out here.

 

[k0ua]

There is some misinformation in this post, and since I started it I want to keep it accurate.

As Dale noted, the Tectran connector shown in post #1 is rated for 200 amps. It is definitely not "light duty". It's big and beefy and metal, with a spring strain relief for the wires. As far as I can tell the main use for this style of connector is to provide power between a semi-trailer truck and trailer (see attachment). The two-pole version is used to provide power to a powered lift-gate that a delivery truck might use to lower your delivery down to ground level from the trailer box height.

The "winch plug" or "Anderson plug" connector suggested in post #2 is the standard thing used in winch applications. The Amazon link in that post shows a "recommended maximum 120 amps" current. The items linked in post #6 shows a maximum 175 amp rating.

The specs for the Superwinch Terra 45 winch show a maximum of 178 amps draw.

Seven years ago when I installed this I debated using the Tectran unit or a traditional winch plug (Anderson plug), which I knew was the standard used for hooking up winches. I was confident that for my limited short duration usage that either would work. Under the box of the UTV I had space to mount an aluminum plate into which I could surface mount connectors for the electrical and winch control. I don't recall being able to find a winch plug (Anderson plug) at the time that I could surface mount, but I see now that these are available online. Isn't the Internet wonderful. If I was doing this again today I'd still use the Tectran unit. It's a big satisfying metal plug that is easy to grab and metal receptacle that I know won't break.

Chris

View attachment 617008

OK> so that is a tractor trailer plug that you repurposed for a high current plug. BUT that plug you show is not made for a 2 circuit High current device it is made for 7 lower current circuits. I am trying to understand how you wired it. Did you double and/or triple up on some of the pins? Help me out here.

Ok, I see now... your original post link goes to a two prong high current plug. but your thumbnail in post 8 shows the 7 pin plug.. got it now.. tnx.

 

[Chris616]

Ok, I see now... your original post link goes to a two prong high current plug. but your thumbnail in post 8 shows the 7 pin plug.. got it now.. tnx.

That's it, James.

The same style (form factor) of the plug and receptacle is used for many different pole (conductor) configurations. On this page there are listed at least 1, 2 and 7 pole connectors that I believe all have the same "housing".
Trailer Connectors, Coiled Electrical Cords, and Heavy Duty Plugs and Sockets

Chris

 

[k0ua]

That's it, James.

The same style (form factor) of the plug and receptacle is used for many different pole (conductor) configurations. On this page there are listed at least 1, 2 and 7 pole connectors that I believe all have the same "housing".
Trailer Connectors, Coiled Electrical Cords, and Heavy Duty Plugs and Sockets

Chris

Yep, it looks pretty rugged and weather protected too.

 

[Fallon]

Anderson plugs are by far the best answer. I have 300@ ones for all my jumper cables & winch stuff. SB50s for a RV battery & battery chargers. Power Poles for all my ham radio & small automotive gear. Most generators used a keyed (so it wont interchange with 12v ones) double plug for higher amperage 110/220.

 

[Chris616]

Anderson plugs are by far the best answer.

The best solution is debatable.

What is certain is that it would have been a fairly uninteresting DIY thread to show pictures of a winch installation using the standard winch plugs (Anderson plugs) that most people use.

Chris

 

[duramaxsky]

Most of the liftgate cords are single pole. The 2 pole are on some newer trucks but most of the time they are used with an adapter cord to the single pole on the trailer. But they are very reliable. And the way they mount flush is nice if you have a place to do that.

 

[WranglerX]

THE amperage rating and polarization is all important, style and form factor after that is just buyers choice....

Dale