If its OEM Honda winch, it went to the back of the Accessory socket.
I have the winch wired directly to the aux battery, but the remote is wired into the key-on, only allowing it to operate if the key is... on. From my understanding, I could pull that, but I don't want kids operating the winch without the key present. Sounds like others wire in a switch, but knowing me, it would always get left on as I use my winch frequently to plow and pull logs.
I haven't measured "key-on" static current draw - the amount of current all the on-board computers and electronics use when you turn on the key but don't start Mr. Motor. I'll do that and post what I find. Key-on would be unnecessary additional battery loading IF you cannot run the engine so the alternator can help out with the winching chores. This scenario may be unlikely when using the True or similar battery management system, as with engine off the "key-on" main battery voltage will likely not be high enough to allow the main to help the aux. So if the winch is on the Aux battery, and the engine cannot be run, it would not be good to require "key-on" for winching. All you'd be doing is further draining the main battery during the retrieval, then risking a problem when it come time to start the engine. Maybe better to have a hidden switch or a key-lock switch to disable the winch wireless receiver to prevent kids messing with it, the idea being to disable that receiver at all times when not needed. That way there's no risk that spurious radio frequency interference will turn on the winch uncommanded to damage things.
Here is how mine is setup. I use the remote to run the winch in the winter for plowing. This way I can shift and operate the up/down of the plow at same time. My left hand runs the suicide knob on the wheel. No wasted time and I can move snow like mad.
That's exactly what l did but l put a hidden switch to kill power to the relay inside the glovebox. Again, kids will be kids. And l like all of my digits.
This seems ideal. Didn't think about pulling the remote in the summer months. Kids don't touch the machine in the winter and I plow a lot as well. Maybe I'll add switch for key-on and move the remote directly wired. Any wiring diagrams handy that make this easier to process?
I 100% agree with this. I always have the engine running when winching. Doesn't matter which battery that you're connected to because if you have to winch without the engine running you don't have a lot of time to get the job done. I just hope that it's to get it on a trailer. Anything else and you've got bigger problems than a dead battery, and at this point you will need help with another machine or vehicle for recovery anyways. I've often wondered why this subject comes up. My winch was installed at the dealer and I have left it on the main battery. I added the dash switch from the club store and still have the wired remote for when I want to operate it from outside. No key, no winch.
