Badlands Winch Wiring Diagram

The Badland winch wiring diagram is a document that will assist you in getting your winch up and running again. A winch is a valuable tool for off-road vehicles, but only when it’s working correctly.

If your winch does not work as expected, you need to find out the problem and troubleshoot it before replacing any parts.

If you have recently purchased a new Badland Winch or are having trouble making your existing one work, this article will be of great use to you.

In it, we explain the badland winch wiring diagram and take an in-depth look at each component.

This article contains manuals for three popular Badland winches, which include all the information required to wire the solenoid, remote, and winch. For the most uncomplicated winch wiring possible, carefully follow the instructions.

Badlands Winch Wiring Diagram

1. Badland 2500 Winch

• Connect a black wire to the battery’s negative terminal and the winch’s positive terminal with a red wire from the solenoid box.
• Connect the wire from the solenoid box to the circuit breaker; the other circuit breaker’s terminal leads to the battery’s positive terminal.
• To use the wireless remote for winch operation, connect the remote controller switch to your solenoid box.

2. Badland ZXR 2500 Winch

There is a wired remote and a wireless remote option available for the Badland ZXR 2500 Winch model; use the same wiring diagram as the Badland 2500 Winch above.

• Connect the cable to the solenoid box’s remote socket to operate the wired remote control.
• Connect your winch’s wireless controller box to the solenoid box if you want to use the wireless option. 
• The wireless remote controller box will receive the wireless remote. To turn on the wireless remote, press and hold the ON/OFF button for three seconds.
• Download the installation and instructions manual for the Badland ZXR 2500 winch.

3. Badland 3500 Winch

The cables from the solenoid should be connected to the battery, as shown in the diagram below, and the yellow and blue wires should be connected to the appropriate winch terminals.

• The battery’s positive terminal is next connected to the circuit breaker, and the other end is connected to the solenoid.
• Connect the black battery cable directly from the solenoid to the battery’s negative terminal. Connect the corresponding wires from the solenoid to the remote control and handlebar switch.
• Connect the red cable to an ignition circuit or affix the ignition wire to the positive battery terminal to operate the winch.

Badlands Winch Components and Accessories

Plate for mounting a Badland winch

The mounting plate for your winch is typically included with badland winches.

You might need to buy it separately if your car can’t support a mounting plate or if it doesn’t come with one for a winch like the Badland 2500 Lb or ZXR 12000 Lb.

Remote Control

The wired remote control should be your top choice when choosing a winch over the wireless remote.

The wireless remote is helpful for convenience and safety, but having a wired remote would be a much-needed backup in any unforeseen circumstances, such as the wireless remote breaking down or a battery dying.

Control/Solenoid Box

By controlling the high amp between the winch and the battery, the solenoids aid in the operation of the winch.

Winch Cover

Not all Badland winches are waterproof; the only winches with a waterproof rating above IP66 protection are the 3500 lb, ZXR 3500 lb, 5000 lb, and APEX 12,000 lb models. Anything with an IP lower than 67 is vulnerable to flooding and rain damage.

Circuit breaker

A strong circuit breaker can stop the damage from an overload or short circuit by stopping current flow.

Replace the stock circuit breaker that came with the Harbor Freight winch, which has no mounting points and no protection.

Synthetic Rope

Steel cables are heavier and less flexible than synthetic ropes. A synthetic rope with a hawse fairlead can reduce the load on the front of the vehicle by about 30-35 lbs.

Hawse Fairlead 

Hawse fairleads and a synthetic winch line are employed. Since they allow the cable to slide across, they are lighter and made to give you a slightly better approach angle.

Fairlead roller

A steel cable line is used in conjunction with roller fairleads. They are widely used and have long served as the standard for 4×4 vehicles.

Handlebar Control Switch

The handlebar switch makes it simple to operate the winch with your thumb.

With the push of a button, winching in and out is made simple by a plug-and-play system. If the wireless remote control malfunctions, the handlebar switch will come in handy.

Use of Badlands Winches: Cautions and Safety Measures

In any winching situation, be extra cautious and familiarize yourself with the mode of operation of your winch before using it. Maintaining constant focus is more critical.

When handling the winch, always wear heavy-duty leather gloves and always follow the manufacturer’s installation manual.

• Ensure the cables won’t be run through an area where they could be damaged or have their proper functioning interfered with as you start the wiring process.
• Create a safe path for the cable to travel free from encounters with moving parts and road debris.
• Avoid running the cables through fuel lines, driveshafts, or other areas where heat could harm the wiring.
• To stop the wire from fraying, rubber grommets must be installed in any holes drilled in the hardware or vehicle.
• Before using your winch on a trail, always check its functionality.

Badlands winches use synthetic rope, which is more resistant to heat than metal. This does not mean synthetic rope can be used like a regular rope.

It is still essential to keep it under tension when using the badlands winch. If the rope is allowed to fall slack, it can heat up and melt. When using a badlands winch, be aware of your surroundings.

Most winches are dangerous to bystanders, so keep people as far away as possible.

Final Thoughts

As you’ve discovered, the Badlands winch wiring diagram is not overly complicated.

However, it is essential to make all connections correctly to avoid any damage to your vehicle.

Contact a professional for assistance if you have any queries about the process.