[crgrissom]

I just finished installing my RoadlessGear in cab winch controller, but I have a new variation on the installation location so I thought I'd share some pictures.

The controller has its own switch panel:



but I didn't really like any of the install locations I had seen. I decided to just take the switches and install them directly into the knee panel on the left side of the steering wheel.

First I popped out the panel and drilled holes to mount the switches in a vertical configuration, with the "arming" switch on top, and the momentary toggle below it:



Then I put the switches in:





I also ended up putting quick disconnects on the switch wires so I could take that panel out easily when needed, and I had to buy more wire at Ace hardware in order to have enough to get to the winch. I ended up buying 12 feet of wire and that was plenty. The 8 feet that came with the kit was not nearly enough.

Here is the "test fit" before I connected the wires:



I ran the wires to the winch through the firewall by drilling a hole in the clutch block-off panel (I have an auto tranny) and using a tight grommet:





I ran the wire (in wire loom) across the firewall to the passenger side, then to the winch following the main winch wires. Then I just had to connect the wires to the winch solenoids following the instructions:



Here's the finished product, with the "arm" switch off:



...and here is it "armed" ...



...works like a champ.

The arming switch needs a power source, so I used one of the ignition-switched leads from my Painless 7-circuit fuse box (I'll do a separate write-up for that) so that it is only functional with the ignition on. Of course the regular plug-in wired remote controller still works as usual.

I like having it on the left side of the wheel so no doofus passengers start playing with it. Also, I don't really like the switch plate that came with it (though I did have a black one). I think putting the switches in directly almost gives it a factory look.

Of course, there are no labels for the switches, but it is easy to remember. You "pull" the toggle switch down to pull the cable in, and everything else is obvious from there.

Chuck

[SaharaJeep]

Nice install

[o3bluetj]

Very clean,i like that!

[newbs]

No picture yet but I bought mine and it interfaces with your cruise control, so when your off road (or any time you want) you can just control the winch with the cruise on one side and the other side to control your idle speed.

[R. Potts]

That looks real nice. Good job.

[95BadBoy]

crgrissom

Looks good! Clean install & nice pics.

[Rule303]

Nice work!

[GIJOE]

This is exactly what I have been looking for ever since I was out just cruisin' around not planning on doing any offroading. I left the remote at home and got buried big time. Now this upgrade is #1 on my list when the weather gets a little warmer. Or maybe sooner now that you have walked me thru it! Many thanks!!! Joe

[Zoom By You]

nice and neat....

[Mattism78]

Looks nice, I'm just not a fan of those long toggles. Seems like it would be easy to break off.

[Michael_K]

Good job!

Just realized, 98s have the headlight switch right there. Must install on the otherside!! Thanks for the great idea.

Michael K.

[Grubbi]

I made my own controller using these directions. Click here.



Sorry for the bad picture, but you get the idea.

[BlueFlame]

Originally Posted by Mattism78

Looks nice, I'm just not a fan of those long toggles. Seems like it would be easy to break off.

The same thing but with one of the red shielded "arming switch" type of switches would be great. Keep from from hitting it with your knee.