Winch wiring HELP. Negative cable

The instructions say to wire the negative directly to the battery...but my battery is in my bad...should I run the wire all the back? Or is it okay to ground it to the frame ??

The battery is grounded to the frame with a super thick ground strap.

 

If the battery itself is grounded to the frame, then you will be fine grounding the winch to the frame as well.

 

Agreed, the biggest challenge you'll have is maintaining a corrosion free connection over time to minimize voltage drops when power is flowing. A compound called NoOx will help. Its purpose is to deny oxygen access to the metal surface. Only a thin layer is required.

more info.
http://www.sanchem.com/electrical-contact-lubricant.html

 

I just read online that you should only run it to the battery so I wasn't sure

 

Make sure the wire size running from the battery to the frame, and from the winch to the frame is large enough to handle the load. The larger the better. Not sure what they are recommending, but I would think 1/0 size would be desirable.

 

I might just move the battery back into the engine compartment. Would make this easier and I would have the positive wire running all the way back

 

The trade-off for battery locations is voltage loss due to cable size and length vs. premature battery failure from accelerated plate grid corrosion due to the high underhood temperatures during the summer, especially in hot climates. Regardless, batteries need to be fully charged to prevent sulfation, so voltage loss from the alternator could also be a consideration. If the starting or deep cycle battery can not achieve a full charge, "topping off" periodically with an external battery charger will prevent sulfation.

Bottom line is that batteries like to be cool and fully charged.

 

My battery is a brand new optima yellow top...I live in a place that's usually always 70 degrees. I also have no core support so that helps. The cable runs right next to the gas tank so that has been freaking me out too