warn 8274 controller substitute

[72k5mike]

I just scored an old warn 8274 for a decent price. I want to know how much of rebuild its going to need, but it came with no controller. It accepts the 4 pin controller, and from what I have read, that is a standard round 4 pin trailer connector.

Does anybody know of any other winch controllers that might work? Finding a 4 pin warn is pretty tough. I have seen pictures of ramsey controllers, and they seem to have a similar round 4 pin plug. Has anyone used anything that fit?

 

[Hogback Fabrication]

Do something like this, WAY better in my opinion

http://www.12voltguy.com/home.php?cat=255

 

[Kota4bye]

I've got a 12voltguy in cab control, its nice, and you can easily build yourself something like it for less. same deal with a controller.

I like having both, depends what I'm doing as to what controller I use.

When I had my first winch I was going to build a controller using a 4 pin trailer connector, a switch, and a wiffle ball bat....I know ghetto, but that **** woulda worked!! I found a 8274 with everything I needed instead though.

 

[Bowtie85]

I had an 8074 on my old K5 with just an incab switch, I added a power switch by the battery as well.
I did buy a 4 pin trailer connector but never got around to hooking it up

On my 8274 on my K20 I have the stock 4 pin controller, it works alright but always seems to get crud and corrosion on the plug and what not. Usually seem to find it out when I need it, it always works when I check it before wheeling though

 

[big pappa b]

Agreed with above. I also recently bought an 8274 with no remote. I plan to do in-cab controls instead of paying $60-70 for a new remote. Keeps you safer in the cab as well

 

[onetonbb74]

my controller and winch has the 4-flat trailer connector on it, the end of my controller was corroded away and it was an easy fix. I retained the stock 3-6 pin round connector that was on the winch from the factory so my buddies controllers will work on the winch.

 

[Fordum]

I don't know how many winches I have installed or helped install, but it may approach 100.
Don't know of any that had an outside controller until I bought a Desert Dynamics winch for my father's truck.
It had a pistol grip rubber unit with a toggle switch that plugged into the relay box with that same 4 pin plug.

My father and I looked at it for a while, then tossed it in the toolbox. I grabbed some wire and ran an in-cab switch like I had done for all the rest.

For reversing winches, I always used single pole, double throw, center off switch. Usually with latch in one direction and spring return in the other.

That way, you could bump it in the out direction and latch it on for pull. Also, when switching it off, you would not accidentally switch it to out.

I think he used the remote a couple of times when winding up the cable when alone, but never while winching himself out.

Not only do I prefer to be in the cab helping with the wheels if necessary, and with some glass and steel between me and the cable, but being in Fl. I like the windows rolled up with the AC on while stuck.

Don't want the control wire running in through the window.

 

[jeeperman2]

Newby here.............
I am currently restoring my nearly 26 year old Desert Dynamics 8k.
I run the original pistol grip controller when I desire to be next to winch.
Usually only during a rewind of cable.
I also added a regular flat four trailer connector to the same connection points that the stock hand control is wired to.
The added wires (3) go to a momentary on-off-on dash mounted switch.
I used a trailer connector because I can move the winch from front to back on my truck as needed.
I would ad a pic but I do not see how without utilizing a hosting service.

 

[Fordum]

DD made some good winches. I think they bought most of their parts, except for the cast housing with their name on it. I have seen other brands whose parts would interchange.

The only difference between their 8K and their 12K was a small planetary gear in the secondary gearbox that took the place of an idler gear in the 8K and increased the ratio.

You have to have a certain number of posts before you can post pictures. 5 I think.

 

[jeeperman2]

Yes,
And thus the 12k is slower than the 8k which is slower than an Warn 8274.
I have no idea as to what country they were made.
But for 1986, I would guess a great deal was USA made.
The current Pierce is virtually identical if not 100% identical.
The gasket(s) kit for a Pierce will fit a DD.
But they do note that you have to stretch them ever so slightly to use them all on a DD.

If the exact same winch is still made the same as it was 30 years ago, there must be something good about them.

The only troubles I have ever had were the Essex solenoids they used.