Warn M15000 winch poorly mounted or wrongly spooled?
Submitted: Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:01
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Roachie.kadina.sa.au
I was having a gander underneath the bullbar of my "new" Silverado just now.
I was struck by the way the winch cable is spooled onto the drum.
The cable feeds off the drum from the top, but the opening and fairlead are at the lower portion of the drum.
As such, the cable appears to have been dragging against the upper part of the aluminium opening before it passes through the fairlead. I can see the scrape marks where the cable has scored the aluminium.
So, now I'm wondering to myself....do I simply un-wind all the cable and then re-wind it in the opposite direction (so that it feeds onto the underside of the drum)?
There is no apparent easy option to turn the winch up the other way. I can see where the installer has chewed-out a large portion of the bullbar in a particular fashion so as to accommodate the shape of the motor on one side and a different shape on the other side to accommodate the gearbox.
For all I know the cable might actually have been wound on by the previous owner in the wrong direction.
It's been too bloody hot here to spend too much time outside mucking around, so I haven't even plugged-in the controller and ascertained whether the IN direction actually operates the winch in the correct direction yet.
I guess my ultimate question is: does it matter to the winch if it is operated the wrong way round....such that when pressing the "OUT" direction I am actually winding the winch IN?
I should know the answer, but for the life of me I can't be sure...so better to ask the experts.
Thanks in advance.
Roachie
Reply By: Member - John - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:20
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:20
Roachie, The rope should spool from the bottom of the reel as far as I know. I am sure some other knowledgeable person on here will correct me if I am wrong. If you have to use the controls the opposite to what is on the controls, I can see an accident happening down the track when you or someone else use it the correct way. My two cents worth.
AnswerID:
546336
Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:32
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:32
Thanks
John...If it proved to be the case that I did need to use the control the opposite way around, I think I would alter the (low amperage) wiring that controls the solenoids, so that the winch controller actually operated correctly....if that makes sense(?)
What I would be mainly concerned about is whether the winch can pull in either direction equally
well and without the potential to cause the motor any damage.
I am planning to replace the steel cable with synthetic rope eventually and that stuff would definitely NOT LIKE to be drawn across the abrasive surface to which the steel cable has been subjected. The steel cable looks to be in pretty pristine condition, so I don't think the winch has had much use during it's 2 year life to date.
When it cools down a bit (next week), I will spool the entire cable out and re-spool in the opposite direction.
Roachie
FollowupID:
834067
Reply By: TomH - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:37
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:37
Dont know if this will help as in the top photo it shows it on the top and in the parts at the bottom its underneath I guess looking at the top one will tell if winch is mounted correctly
http://www.northerntool.com/images/downloads/manuals/141451.pdf
AnswerID:
546337
Follow Up By: Member - John - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:48
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:48
TomH, if you look at the first
pic, the cable is coming from the bottom of the reel and is looped back to the top and held in place by a rubber band. the hook is not connected to the cable.
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Follow Up By: TomH - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 17:43
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 17:43
Yep you are right Is a poor photo and instructions dont tell you either The other pics are much better
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Reply By: Angryz - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:46
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:46
I'd check with the winch manufacturer as to which way the brake on the winch works. I believe a lot of
winches use wedge type brakes that only brake on one direction & by reversing this it may run on with weight applied.
AnswerID:
546341
Reply By: phil300 - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 16:53
Reply By: cruza25 - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 17:01
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 17:01
Hi
It has to run the correct way or you may be working against the brake
If motor on driver side then cable runs off the bottom
I think there is an arrow on the drum or body somewhere
So it must run as per the control if everything is wired correctly
Cheers
Mike
AnswerID:
546343
Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 17:45
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 17:45
Thanks Mike and others....
Yes, the motor is on the driver's side, so I guess the cable has been wound on incorrectly previously.
I will now totally unspool the cable and re-spool under load to ensure all it okay.
Thanks once again.
Roachie
FollowupID:
834073
Reply By: pop2jocem - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 17:40
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 17:40
When you run the cable off it might also be an idea to check the anchor point of the cable to the drum.
Cables of any persuasion don't appreciate being kinked backward from the anchor point.
AnswerID:
546345
Reply By: BunderDog - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 20:48
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 20:48
It's upside down in the Southern Hemisphere, would have been fine in the USA in the northern Hemisphere.
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Rod W - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 21:53
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 21:53
So if its a steel cable then shouldn't it have the rollers and not the aluminium fairlead?
AnswerID:
546355
Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 23:09
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 23:09
Yes it has rollers, but the aluminium I was referring to is the actual TUFF bullbar cut-out, which is immediately behind the roller fairlead.
When I get around to junking the steel in favour of synthetic rope, I will ditch the rollers and replace with an aluminium hoarse.
So looking at the
pic (below), the aluminium I'm referring to is the black bullbar hidden behind the top horizontal roller.
Roachie
[img]
[/img]
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Reply By: vk1dx - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 22:50
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 22:50
Another vote for respooling it the other way around.
Also some rollers would be a good idea.
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 23:11
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 23:11
Yes, it has rollers and I will be re-spooling it before I need to use it OR I will be replacing the cable with rope BEFORE I ever have to use it....one or the other.
Thanks for your advice....
Roachie
FollowupID:
834085
Follow Up By: vk1dx - Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 23:54
Saturday, Feb 21, 2015 at 23:54
All good.
Re the rope: I have only used the winch once for a self recovery. The other times it has been for gardening (pulling bushes out) and stuff around the house. We also do a lot of solo trips in the desert and high country. Definitely not easy tracks - but then again not extreme stuff. If you are the same then just leave it as steel and don't spend money on something you may never use.
But if you need to shed weight thenit's not a bad idea. The steel one is heavy.
FollowupID:
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Reply By: Mikee5 - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 12:03
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 12:03
Roachie, Just for you I went outside and had a look.
I have an M12,000 Warn.
The cable comes from under the drum, the motor is on the passenger side, the shift lever is on the top of the driver's side.
I fitted mine myself as per original Warn documentation.
On the wired remote in is in and out is out.
Hope this helps, is is getting hot again @
Two Wells.
Mike
AnswerID:
546390
Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 13:24
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 13:24
Thanks Mike, but that has actually confused me even more!!! hahaha
Up until now, everybody has been saying that the cable should come off the bottom of the drum if the motor is on the driver's side (which is where mine is).
So, you're saying the opposite is true in your case.
I will have to try and get myself into a position under there somewhere so I can try and see the arrow pointing in the direction of rotation.....
Back to square one (maybe)....
Roachie
FollowupID:
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Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 13:26
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 13:26
Forgot to add....it's flamin' hot here too mate!!! I've been mucking around outside with the wiring for the
driving lights.....
FollowupID:
834109
Reply By: River Swaggie - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 14:10
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 14:10
Hi mate
Have you made sure he has wired the motor end correctly, F1 F2
etc, reverse polarity causing the motor to spin the other way...
Also you can use the original rollers with Dyneema rope (just be careful of it pinching in the corners) there making plastic ones now to overcome this instead of using fairhawse ...
You shouldn't be using a cable (steel) with fairhawse .. Also if the cable bundles up against the steel guides (2 round pipes) the pressure can crack the winch casings. .
[url]
http://www.masterpull.com/how-to-install-a-synthetic-winch-line/[/url]
Operate the winch as of instructions.... If someone else uses it the confusion maybe dangerous..
Goodluck
AnswerID:
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Reply By: Member - ROADKING - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 16:01
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 16:01
Roachie,
Nice looking truck. I have a 2012 Silverado which is partway through many upgrades just wondering what size wheels you are running and brand of tyres as I have the 18" wheels and decent off-road tyres are hard to find. Also with the canopy have you have to go to rear airbag upgrade.
Sorry to go off topic
Cheers Jim
AnswerID:
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Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 18:36
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 18:36
Jim,
Mine is a 2012 too and has aftermarket 18" wheels (with a wider offset, necessary due to the 6"
suspension lift).
The tyres are Mickey Thompson Baja ATZ 305/70R18.
The rig has a pair of air bags fitted, but I haven't got around to checking whether they are okay yet. I did check the air pressure in them, which was zero....not good I know as they should always have around 40psi even if not being needed for load carrying....and can go up to 100psi max when required.
I must get around to adding some air and see if the pressure holds.
I'm not a full member on here, so can't send you a PM. However, if you'd ever just like to have a chat about the big Chev and compare notes, my email is: broa7042ATbigpondDOTnetDOTau or you can call me on 0414 890 148
Cheers,
Bill
FollowupID:
834124
Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 19:24
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 19:24
Jim,
Just braved the heat and went outside, cranked-up the compressor and air-up the bags to 80psi.....no worries and i could see the rig rising up.
Now to see if they hold the same pressure.
I've been faffing about with an on-board air system, using a large Ironman compressor feeding into an 18 litre tank. There is a Ryco quick-connect at the rear and the line goes forward along the left chassis rail to feed 3 sets of air horns (2x twins behind the bullbar and a single truck horn on the chassis rail half way along). It all works properly but I have a leak/s somewhere and have to get onto working out where. I know one of the horn solenoids is leaking and have ordered a new one....once fitted I will see if the whole things holds its pressure.
Bill
FollowupID:
834126
Reply By: cruza25 - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 16:26
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 16:26
quote from warn m1500 page
Remember the winch rope
must always spool onto the drum
as indicated by the drum rotation
decal.
Refer to the following
diagrams for proper mounting
orientation
http://www.warn.com/truck/winches/src/images/47/63418B7_rs.pdf
seems the m15000 is built the other way around
but says cable must feed from the bottom not top.
looks like you need to find the sticker with the arrow
cheers
mike
AnswerID:
546402
Follow Up By: cruza25 - Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 16:46
Sunday, Feb 22, 2015 at 16:46
Per Chrysler's specs, the Power Wagon winch features a 12,000 lb. capacity, similar to a WARN M12000. But the Power Wagon winch's drum rotates the opposite direction, and a different control box that includes a low-voltage interrupt (LVI) that'll halt the winch if the vehicle's voltage drops. In addition, this winch comes loaded with 90' of 7/16" of wire rope vs. 125' of 3/8" line on a WARN M12000.
unless your winch is off a crysler power wagon then they are built with the drum rotating in the opposite direction with the wire off the top.
clear as mud
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834117
Reply By: regansett - Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 06:46
Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 06:46
g`day Roachie,
Glad to hear it`s hot over your way, I`m rather cool over here in Norway. I think all you need do, is let it out till the end and see which way it`s locked to the drum. I may be wrong but I think it can only be attached the right way. If it`s going over the top like you think, then you may need to end for end the winch. Don`t be surprised though if the previous user hasn`t just let it all out and kept going back on, (people in a hurry? girls?). I`m interested to hear about what you find though. It would have to be a bit of a dill to mount a winch wrongly don`t you think?
Cheers Rog
AnswerID:
546420
Follow Up By: Roachie.kadina.sa.au - Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 16:49
Monday, Feb 23, 2015 at 16:49
Thanks Rog,
Once I've worked it all out I will report back on this thread....
Cheers
Roachie
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