Where to install charge pack/solenoid for winch relocation

yoderman

I can’t find an answer to this question for the new Broncos. I have a Fab Fours matrix bumper with pre-runner bars (awesome bumper) and it requires a warn or smittybilt winch relocation kit for any winch 8k and up. The kit normally relocates to under the hood (best location) for jeeps, trucks, etc.. but the bronco engine bay is pretty darn tight to put a solenoid/charge pack given their size. I am pretty handy, but placing this is tricky without putting other engine parts in jeopardy. I am even open to building a custom bracket, as long as I can get to the plug -in to access the winch remote cable when needed. Charge pack sticks up too high to close the hood in obvious areas they normally are relocated to. I spoke to Warn, smittybilt and fab fours and nobody has done this for the bronco yet. Can’t find a solution on the internet either for this scenario. I welcome advice from those who have actually done it. (I don’t want to install on frame under engine…completely wrong area for lots of reasons. Also, anywhere on outside of bumper will kill the aesthetics). Thanks, Troy

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KR Off Road makes an engine bay compressor mount that at least one guy on B6G has mounted a winch control pack on (Warn VR10S I believe).

Thanks Buckin'! I will chase this down to see if it fits. I will likely have to drill some holes in my engine bay area, but it is what it is...

Found a spot!! Yay. With a custom bracket I had to make, there is an existing ‘V’ shaped metal bracket that you can drill into between the air filter assembly and the windshield washer fluid reservoir, on passenger side engine compartment. This is on top of an aluminum flat top engine piece that is not magnetic and does not get hot as engine is used. You can set the control box down flat on top of that piece, bolt it into the ‘V’ bracket with your own custom bracket; the remote control wire for the winch can easily plug in when it is needed, the stiff control box wires are easy to manipulate to battery and winch in front bumper. (I am keeping the winch remote control and its’ wire inside the bronco in a compartment out of sight.

there is one additional space that can be used but is tighter and harder to put the remote control wire into the control box when mounted. The space is inside the engine compartment against the driver side engine wall where the auxiliary wires terminate and next to the black fuse box. I toyed with that space, but the stiff control box wires were tough to move around for mounting. I found the ‘V’ bracket space better all around

FYI for those having to relocate the winch control box for an under hood relocation need.

yoderman

Found a spot!! Yay. With a custom bracket I had to make, there is an existing ‘V’ shaped metal bracket that you can drill into between the air filter assembly and the windshield washer fluid reservoir, on passenger side engine compartment. This is on top of an aluminum flat top engine piece that is not magnetic and does not get hot as engine is used. You can set the control box down flat on top of that piece, bolt it into the ‘V’ bracket with your own custom bracket; the remote control wire for the winch can easily plug in when it is needed, the stiff control box wires are easy to manipulate to battery and winch in front bumper. (I am keeping the winch remote control and its’ wire inside the bronco in a compartment out of sight.

there is one additional space that can be used but is tighter and harder to put the remote control wire into the control box when mounted. The space is inside the engine compartment against the driver side engine wall where the auxiliary wires terminate and next to the black fuse box. I toyed with that space, but the stiff control box wires were tough to move around for mounting. I found the ‘V’ bracket space better all around

FYI for those having to relocate the winch control box for an under hood relocation need.

Snap and post a picture when you have time.(y)

Here the pics of where I put the control box. Fits perfectly. I did use the warn relocation wires at 72” length, which was perfect. Thanks everyone. Hope this post helps other persons having to relocate their winch control box.

yoderman

Here the pics of where I put the control box. Fits perfectly. I did use the warn relocation wires at 72” length, which was perfect. Thanks everyone. Hope this post helps other persons having to relocate their winch control box.

Any chance you have a photo of the bracket you made before adding the control box? - I am about to embark in this journey this weekend - will take any advice you may have on this - hopeful this makes for a cleaner install for sure.

yoderman

I can’t find an answer to this question for the new Broncos. I have a Fab Fours matrix bumper with pre-runner bars (awesome bumper) and it requires a warn or smittybilt winch relocation kit for any winch 8k and up. The kit normally relocates to under the hood (best location) for jeeps, trucks, etc.. but the bronco engine bay is pretty darn tight to put a solenoid/charge pack given their size. I am pretty handy, but placing this is tricky without putting other engine parts in jeopardy. I am even open to building a custom bracket, as long as I can get to the plug -in to access the winch remote cable when needed. Charge pack sticks up too high to close the hood in obvious areas they normally are relocated to. I spoke to Warn, smittybilt and fab fours and nobody has done this for the bronco yet. Can’t find a solution on the internet either for this scenario. I welcome advice from those who have actually done it. (I don’t want to install on frame under engine…completely wrong area for lots of reasons. Also, anywhere on outside of bumper will kill the aesthetics). Thanks, Troy

Can you put it inside the bumper?

BBadlands

Can you put it inside the bumper?

I mounted mine here where many are putting their compressors. It’s a PIA but I think it’s handy when done. This pic is before I put in the cables but it works well.