Extreme Terrain Shows How to Install a Winch on a Jeep Wrangler
Winches are a popular mod for any Jeep Wrangler, and installing one couldn’t be easier.
If you’re thinking about getting serious about your off-road hobby, you’ve undoubtedly considered the equipment you’ll need. And the Jeep Wrangler, like any good off-road vehicle, can greatly benefit from the installation of a winch. No matter how skilled a driver you might be, there will come a time when you’ll inevitably get stuck. And even if you’re traveling in a pack, having a winch makes getting unstuck much easier. Plus, winches are relatively inexpensive and simple to install, making them an easy purchase.
To demonstrate just how easy it is to install a winch on a Jeep Wrangler, we found this informative video from Extreme Terrain. In this case, they’re installing a Rugged Ridge heavy duty 8,500-pound winch, but the process is similar for other brands and models. This is an inexpensive and basic winch, but still capable enough to get the job done. If you’ve already got a bumper with a winch plate on the front of your Jeep Wrangler, the job only takes about an hour.
Installation
The installation starts by mounting the fairlead, which just bolts right into your winch plate. Next, mount the solenoid box on top of the winch and wire it up. Take the winch assembly and bolt it in place, then run your power and ground cables to the battery. This can be done over, under, or through the grille or fender. Connect the cables to the battery and plug your remote cable into the solenoid box. With just two buttons on the remote (in and out), it couldn’t be any easier to use. Or install.
Of course, there are plenty of fancy winches out there with synthetic lines and even built-in air compressors. But if you’re running a two-door and just need a basic and inexpensive solution, this Rugged Ridge model is a great way to go.
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