Powerwinch 315 questions

[bonz_d]

Came across a used powerwinch 315 and have some questions of course. First of all what should I look for if I decide to go look at this. It says it's new and looks as such but does not include any wiring. Next, how does the 25' lanyard work and how does it attach to the winch? I also do not see it listed in the parts breakdown. Lastly can this winch be changed to use a strap? On my Shoreland'r trailer the winch is mounted below the bow stop and the strap comes up and over a guild roller on the post and I fear a cable would add stress to that roller and wear it out or cut a groove into it. This has a 15' per minute pull which is probably almost as fast as I can hand winch.

 

[kjsAZ]

the winch can be converted to strap with a kit:
http://www.powerwinch.com/powerwinch...duct&c=6&p=118

What lanyard do you talk about? AFAIK this winch only has a socket for power. It is free-wheel out and power in only.

You will have to install a power harness in your vehicle (fuse/wires/plug). When you want to use the winch you plug that in, flip the switch and it will pull (If you haven't forgotten to turn the free-wheel off).

 

[bonz_d]

That's why I ask questions. Many of the websites that I've visited refer to a 25' lanyard to assit in self loading.

 

[kjsAZ]

I haven't checked it but I have seen installations where the power supply cord was make a lot longer than needed and a switch installed in the plus line. If you leave the switch in the winch in the ON position you can control via the switch in the cable....

 

[moi]

That's why I ask questions. Many of the websites that I've visited refer to a 25' lanyard to assit in self loading.

My guess is that you're able to operate the on/off switch remotely using a lanyard. The 315 isn't remote controlled. I have an older Powerwinch I installed on my trailer and did operate it for a year using a lanyard. I've since converted it to remote control using some components I found on line.

 

[bonz_d]

My guess is that you're able to operate the on/off switch remotely using a lanyard. The 315 isn't remote controlled. I have an older Powerwinch I installed on my trailer and did operate it for a year using a lanyard. I've since converted it to remote control using some components I found on line.

I already know that which is why I'm asking how the lanyard is used. How does it connect to the toggle switch? What keeps it from pulling off? I have never used or seen one of thse winches up close so I am assuming that the switch is a monentary switch and has to be held on otherwise the motor stops.

 

[moi]

I already know that which is why I'm asking how the lanyard is used. How does it connect to the toggle switch? What keeps it from pulling off? I have never used or seen one of thse winches up close so I am assuming that the switch is a monentary switch and has to be held on otherwise the motor stops.

On mine the switch is operated by a spring loaded lever arm with a hole in it. I just fabricated a wire hook for the lanyard and hooked it in the lever arm. Pull the lanyard, the winch runs. Let it go, the winch stops. If the 315 has a toggle switch it's probably spring loaded to the off position. Maybe there's some way to connect a lanyard to it?? My guess is it doesn't use a toggle switch but you'll have to see one up close and personal to be sure.

 

[moi]

Just found an owners manual on line and it looks like the 315 does, in fact, use a spring loaded toggle switch.

 

[bonz_d]

Thanks moi. Any advice on what to look for on this used one

 

[moi]

Thanks moi. Any advice on what to look for on this used one

No special advice, I'm no expert by any stretch. But the 315 winch is a pretty basic piece of equipment and I would think you would spot anything questionable. There really isn't very much that can go wrong, as long as it's all there.