KFI makes a winch mount that is cheaper than the Kawasaki one, if you don't have one already. The install is pretty straight forward, so you might have to ask some specifics to get more detail from anyone. The one thing I'd say, is if you are already tearing the Mule apart, now would be the time to run an accessory fuse box or any other wiring the comes from the battery.

 

I actually do have the KFI mount and one of my main questions is do you need extra wiring? I noticed while buying the mount KFI suggested an 11 foot cable for the pro fxt. And what wiring adapter do you use to access the already prewired accessory outlets behind the dash for the use of led rocker switches?

 

And is there a easy access to an ignition wire anywhere under the hood, I've made my mind up that's where I'm going to mount the solenoid.

 

I had to buy a longer wire to go from the battery compartment to the front hood area of the mule. I made my own wires using lugs that I purchased also. (I ran the wire under the mule along the framing along side the other wires). I put my winch solenoid in the under hood area also. I ran the positive wire from the battery (coming off a 100 amp breaker I installed in the battery compartment), to the hood area to one side of my new solenoid that powers my new fuse box, winch positive wire comes off of that solenoid to the winch solenoid. To trip the winch solenoid and the one that I am using for my fuse box, I tapped one of the LED headlight wires. Just remove the push pins on the dash, unscrew the one screw holding the gear shift rubber knob on, remove it, then remove the three gauge cluster/screen screws, this allows you to remove the dash and get to the wires you need to tap into easier. You will need to unplug the wiring harness connectors from the dash rocker switches also, they just have tab you bend back and then they pull off. Label them first!! I just connected another set of wires to the wires feeding the dash rocker switches to connect to the solenoids to open/close it (power on/off). But from what I remember there may be a set of wires that are hot when the ignition turns on but were not in use that I used also?? I know there is a set for the factory horn, but I don't think that is the one I tapped into. Just find a set that gets hot when the ignition is hot.

 

Just installed a moto alliance winch this weekend on my pro fxt. Yes the extension cables are required. it came (because I selected it during checkout) with 12' and had about 1' of extra that I stored in the battery compartment area. as for a hot wire, I removed the front center dash. there was a red/brown cable that is sitting there. this wire is what is used for the oem front fuse box accessory also, that is how I knew it existed (reading the install guide for the fuse box). I used this for the rocker switch and the hand held remote that both required a hot connection when switch is turned on. BTW I really liked the moto alliance one (Viper Max Series 4000), very good instructions. my only complaint is it didn't come with screws to mount the contactor. the instructions recommended mounting to steel frame right next to front electrical box. but didn't provide any self tapping screws. luckily I found two in my misc. screw drawer.

 

Thank you MuleHauler!!!! Thank you big time, that's the kind of info I've been needing. The wiring is what I've stressing over the most. I got everything prepped and ready but work calls and want be able to start the install until next weekend.

 

And thank you cutthroat, just found the wire and I've marked it, I'll use it like you said.

 

no help from me, sorry, had the dealer install the Warn 4500s when I purchased the vehicle new.....good luck

 

Wiring the winch

I just bought the new 15 Pro FXT eps - While "accessorizing" before leaving the dealership, the salesman says to me "IF you decide to install a winch, you'll have to purchase our $300 + Fuse box hookup"! He said "several people were upset after buying the winch & finding this out, some even returned the winch"!

I asked if it's absolutely needed (Knowing I had not seen the info on these boards that he claims), he said yes, it cannot be installed w/o the $300 new fuse box accessory !

Is he just trying to sell parts, or, is there an easier/cheaper way?

 

I just bought the new 15 Pro FXT eps - While "accessorizing" before leaving the dealership, the salesman says to me "IF you decide to install a winch, you'll have to purchase our $300 + Fuse box hookup"! He said "several people were upset after buying the winch & finding this out, some even returned the winch"!

I asked if it's absolutely needed (Knowing I had not seen the info on these boards that he claims), he said yes, it cannot be installed w/o the $300 new fuse box accessory !

Is he just trying to sell parts, or, is there an easier/cheaper way?

Hard to say.. Are they an established dealer with lots of service experience? If so, then I'd say yeah they are trying to make some money on the accessories and service. For newer dealers or less experienced, they might not really know the alternatives that are more cost effective. The manual for the winch says the Kawasaki Accessory Fuse is "required". That can be taken different ways.

To answer your direct question, yes there are alternatives for an accessory fuse box as well as other winch alternatives at a better cost if you are willing to DIY. I choose to wire the winch direct to the battery and added a Blue Sea fuse box later for other accessories.

 

well, the winch install guide says that the fuse box is required. The reason being the cables the winch comes with. The cables aren't long enough to go back to the battery. With long enough cables you can go directly to the battery and run it that way. I went with the Viper Max winch and there was an option to order it with longer cables. I think with winch, mount and extra length cables it was under $400. It even has a option to go with a rocker style switch like the Kawasaki/Warn one has.

 

I did not need to buy the Kawasaki fuse kit either and did not buy it because of the cost, but did buy similar parts that come in that kit from 3rd party (Amazon). I purchased the Bussmann (CB185-100) 100 Amp Type III Circuit Breaker ($38.00), Blue Sea fuse box ($32 - $40), some cables + lugs (EBayed these parts & made my own cables) and a winch momentary switch for the dash to match those that come with the mule (EBay & Amazon have it). This was a lot cheaper for me and I am a do-it-yourselfer type person and was in no hurry to wait on the parts to come in. So yes you can save some money and yes if the dealer does it they will need for you to buy the kit, if you do the winch install you can save some $$$. Browse through this forum, there is info on how to install the winch + parts needed.

 

Good info, thanks everyone.