Maddmav replied:

I simply ran the small black earth wire to a switch in the cabin. The winch wont work unless the switch is on.

Vinnie.

Trevor M (SA) replied:

I've got one of those "red key type" isolation switches on the main power cable to the winch (right next to the battery under the bonnet).

The key is cabled tied to the wire so it is always there under the bonnet but it is switched off. If I am going anywhere where the winch may be required simply turn the switch on in anticipation.

Bought it on ebay for about $20 from memory. You have to get one that will handle the current.

Trev

Outnabout David (SA) replied:

I always have mine engaged.
The Earth wire via switch works when you have everything set up correctly but if those terminals are a bit loose and swing around and touch something eg the bull bar then the earth will come from there and hey presto yiou may end up with a nasdty result.

The only sure way is for the power supply to be broken. I have seen some isolator swithes put in but the usual off the shelf things are only 100 amp jobs which are useless under full load on a winch and current draw.

The easiest way is to just leave the positive wire off until you are in areas where you may need it. It is just a quick job to reconnect to the battery terminal and it is easy to work out... It is either connected or not.

Member - DOZER replied:

Gday
Ive seen a system where as you use one of the manual battery isolators on the power cable, but in reverse to normal...You can switch off or control power from battery A or battery B or both....i think they are rated at 150 amps, which may not be enough, but i thought it was a great idea....
Andrew