In cab winch remote

A few years back I started work on an in cab remote for my Jeep. I wanted to be able to use the winch without breaking out the remote, and running it back into the cab. Knowing that the remote is just a on-off-on momentary switch, I got to work wiring a direct line into the cab. I used a safety switch to ensure that power to the in cab remote was never hot when I didn’t want it to be.
The setup runs from a 12v source off the fuse panel, through the switch and out to the winch. In the winch, it’s connected the same as the Warn remote, and activates the relays to control the winch. It’s pretty straight forward and makes using the winch so much nicer when you need to do it in cab

I used a trailer 4 pin harness to connect the in cab section to the winch. This allows for quickly disconnecting if I need to remove or service the winch.

Here's the setup, conveniently located in front of my 4wd shifter. It's easy to reach from the drivers seat and simple to operate 

It's hard to make out here, but that's the wire into the back of the winch. I drilled a hole and added a grommet for a clean looking install. At a quick glance, you'd think it was a factory option. In my opinion anyways. 

Adding some extra light

There comes a time in every Jeepers life when extra light it required. I decided to try some RioRand 4" lights. The price what right, and well, they're pretty good. Nice and bright and for the price, I really can't complain. 

To begin, I needed to wired in a new switch, fuse block and relay. The lights themselves at 18 watt each, a total of 36 watts, at 12 volts, that's only a 3 amp draw. Hardly needs a 30 amp relay, but I'd rather do it right. 

To feed power, I decided to build some custom cables and tap into the size posts on my battery. When I upgrade to the military battery clamps, I may change this. 

The switches come off the always on 12v feed from the fuse panel on the TJ. Located right in behind the glove box. I've already made a break out connector in the past, so it was easy to tie into

Wires run through a handy grommet in the firewall to the auxiliary fuse panel. I took the opportunity to run a switch and wires for an upcoming electric fan install. 

New switches in and looking stock. The reverse light is a previous install. 

Nice and bright, even in the sunshine. Still need to get out and aim them, but they really light up my life (HA!)

2016 Jeep To-Do List

Spring is finally springing up here in the great white north that is Canada. With each spring, my inevitable (and often never complete) Jeep List is born. This year I'm apparently pretty sure of myself, especially considering that I have a one year old at home and a honey-do list of home renovations to complete. The fact that there's a plastic Jeep bed parked in the garage isn't helping either.

For 2016, this is what I have planned

• Centre the steering wheel. 
• Despite my best efforts last year (July 2015), my steering wheel is still slightly off to the left. Annoying, yet easy to fix.
• Front Fender repair.
• As anyone with a TJ can tell you, the damn fenders just rot away into nothing. Mine are patched together with left over duct work and rivets. This is the year I take advantage of a brakepress and metal shear to cut me some new fender tops.
• Front extended flares.
• Thanks to changes in the MTO's vehicle safety standards, my front tires need full tread coverage. I blame the MTO, but in reality, I'm tired of the dirt and mud sprayed up the side of my Jeep due to the front tires.
• Rear turn signals
• Again, thanks MTO. The previous owner of my Jeep flush mounted the taillights, and under the new rules, I require a visible rear turn signal on the side of the Jeep. Already got the lights, just need the weather.
• Battery Lug Replacement.
• Thanks to Dave at the Redneck Garage, I splurged on some new battery lugs. Shouldn't be too difficult to install them.
• Removable Mud Flaps.
• Going to fab something up for the rear to keep Johnny Law from getting too interested in my "Excessive Road Spray"
• Electric Radiator Fan.
• Been sitting in my garage for two years now. Maybe I should install it. At least I wired the switch into the cab already.
• New Fan Belt.

• To do when I change the fan.
• Rear Diff Service.
• Bought some Royal Purple max gear oil to change up the rear to see if it makes a difference on the Detroit unloading. Just gotta do it.
• Transmission Service
• Picking up some Redline MT-90, 'cause I hear it makes the AX-5 smooth as butter.
• Delrin Bushing for my Tire Carrier
• I run a pipe on a bolt tire carrier (homemade) and it could use a bushing in there. Gong to try and source some Delrin to use.
• Emergency Rear Axle Retainer.
• Got a thought on something that'll hold my axle together should I snap a shaft in the Dana 35c.
• Aim Headlight and Fog Lights.
• Pretty self explanatory. Just need a nice warm night
• New Winch Cable
• Again, pretty self explanatory.
• Missing bolt in Winch
• Snapped a bolt that holds the gear housing on. Has been fine for years. One of these days I'll head to Bolts+ and get a replacement.
• Jerrycan and Mount

• One day I'll get around to building a mount for a Jerrycan
• Hi-Lift Mount.
• See above. One day
• Lockable storage
• Now that I have a kid, and need all the seats in, I need to build a new locking storage box for behind the back seat. Has to work with the CJ tailgate on the Jeep.
• Hitch mounted vice.
• I have a spare vice, I have spare 2"x2" square tube. I need to merge the two to have a vice that can travel with me.

See that's not too much. Add in that I go camping at least once a month in the RV with the family, I have a multi-day expedition style trip planned, and I really wouldn't mind getting back to Rausch Creek. Well, you get it, Kev's gonna be pretty busy, and lucky, if he gets everything scratched off this list. Just keep in mind, all this translates to new content for this site.

Let me know what your plans are this year.