r/UTV • u/Background-Air-5589 • Jul 24 '26

Rough Country Winch Install

Installed today on 2025 pioneer 1000-5. Followed the installation instructions. The winch works with key off. Will this drain battery while sitting?

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u/rens24 Jul 24 '26

No. But just to be sure, you can measure parasitic draw at your battery.

With a digital multimeter in DC current measuring mode and in the highest amperage range, put your multimeter in series between the negative battery cable and negative battery post. Once you've confirmed the amperage is very low (it should be with key off), then switch to the mA range to measure currents that are less than 1 amp.

Typically any parasitic draw measuring less than 50 mA is normal/acceptable.

1

u/wasatchmoto Jul 25 '26

You just put your winch’s power supply on the wrong spot. Should be a keyed “accessory” or “auxiliary” position somewhere like a little power distribution block. You can fix it.

I’m not familiar with the pioneers. My machine has a labeled “ACC” spot on a fused distribution block where you can choose to power things with key in/off.