KFI SE45 Stealth

[ohanacreek]

Just ordered my KFI winch Plate and a KFI SE45 Stealth to go with it.
http://www.kfiproducts.com/index.php?_a ... &catId=354



SE45 has synth Rope, factory roller fairlead and I bought a KFI snatch block for when I REALLY get stuck.
Also going to install a metal battery box (tree branches, already had big one get stuck between my gas tank and front floorboard) and a full size auto battery under the drivers seat. Will be putting an OTRATTW winch switch in place of the Implement switch I had planned for my switch plate (Got great deal on a old Kubota tractor from my FIL when he decided he wanted a Zero Turn)

Anyone know if I can just remove the factory battery, the system should be enough to maintain an auto battery correct?
The hole vacated by the factory battery would give me a great place to install the winch contactor.

The Stealth is all black and is a few dollars more than a Superwinch and way more than a Champion, I know "they are all made in China and pretty much the same" it comes down to I like the look of an all black area on the front where the winch doesn't stick out because of the bright yellow and blue or red( I am going to spray plasti dip on the red plastic as soon as I have time and it gets warm enough to do so) and I am willing to pay a few bucks extra to have it the way I want it.

That said once I get the stuff in a few days (Amazon is saying Friday and Sat) and install it I'll be posting pics and a review(hopefully a good one considering I spent extra $ for a color)

 

[Admin]

 

[Hondasxs]

Dude.. Even though it won't be seen much, I really like the black. I think you made a good choice on that.

 

[ohanacreek]

I just didn't like the yellow, huge fan of black hard color to get tired of.

 

[Redrider]

Black looks nice

 

[ohanacreek]

Got the winch in.






Haven't messed with it yet.

The Ironbowl was on, War Eagle!

 

[ohanacreek]

Got it wired up. I had an extra circuit on my fuse block and The entire fuse block I have switch controlled by the ignition via a 70amp relay so the input switches are wired there and then the contactor is installed under the hood across from it, crossing my fingers the heater will still fit. Also put the remote port under the hood, there is enough gap I can run the cable out if I feel like it, it was a short run to the contactor for both and the remote will have a good reach from the front where I'll most likely be if I'm using the winch remote.




Used double sided auto trim tape to stick the handlebar switch to the dash, pulled one of the fasteners out to allow me to push wire through gap, ran the wire through and put the fastener back in.(no more holes)

Putting the contactor under the hood I used what were designated in the kit as the battery feed wires to run to the winch and the winch wires to run back to the battery. (Make sure you remember which you ran where, I used colored tape to make sure I didn't cross anything up).
I was going to put it in place of the factory battery bit it did not fit very well. Still going to add the automotive battery under the driver seat.

No winch mount in the mail yet but all I have to do is pull the bumper off and mount it.


While I was at it I ran a 2way connection to the battery side of the contactor so I can plug my battery tender in. I have 3 other 2way connections but they are all on the fuseblock so the ignition would have to be on for them to have connection to the battery.

 

[Elkhunter]

Nice work! Still waiting on my winch mount . When I ordered the winch and mount the Honda the accessories catalog said that I needed the switch plate and wiring kit for the winch. That didn't sound right to me so my Honda parts person called and they verified that yes I needed it. While waiting for the winch mount I had installed the switch plate and fuse block. After they came out with the winch mount instructions I seen that the switch plate and fuse panel doesn't have anything to do with the winch operation. It is for the heater, wiper, and lights. Contacted my Honda parts person and she agreed and put in for a credit for the switch plate .Waiting to see what Honda does.

 

[Redrider]

Elk, I would not buy the Honda switch thingy. From what I read it is hard to customize if you decided to add something else. I too am suprosed that the winch was not part of Honda's switch plate. anyways. glad your dealer gave you credit.

 

[ohanacreek]

Finished the install today when my KFI winch mount came in. Took about 30 mins, I already had it wired and the bumper off.

I think it's going to be fairly strong the way it mounts and with the geometry the force is transferred fairly evenly to the bumper and the main frame. 4 of the bolts go through the bracket that is factory welded to the main frame to hold the factory bumper, 2 more go through a clamp that goes around the bumper tube and if you look inside the factory tubes there are gussets welded inside. It looks like 3/16th steel and it has bends that give additional stiffness over a flat plate. Also the roller fair lead has plenty of clearance with the KFI winch and is rubber/plastic so should be fine I didn't want to pay extra for a hawse.

The winch rope has a chaff guard on it which is hard to see because it blends in with the rope.
It is supposed to monsoon here for the next week so I am sure I can find a deep nasty hole next week to get stuck and test it out with.









Added better Quality Pics from a real camera.







I REALLY like the black I am going to Plasti-Dip the red plastic black and if I didn't think it would be anything more than a novelty and eventually leave a "tan line" I would leave an hourglass and spiderwebs in red on the front.

 

[Hondasxs]

Nice. Ya, I'm hooked on the black too.

 

[ohanacreek]

Since I couldn't get the P4 stuck. I backed it into a creek and winched it out. Factory battery is NOT strong enough to continuously pull. Winch is plenty strong enough, on all layers, so is the mount, no flex.

 

[mnhntr]

Nice, I have the same set-up on mine. I still need to get the snatch block and strap.