Warrior Winches 12RTS12

Gladiator 12500lbs Electric Winch User Manual

Model: 12RTS12 | Brand: Warrior Winches

Introduction

This manual provides essential information for the safe operation, installation, and maintenance of your Warrior Winches Gladiator 12500lbs Electric Winch. Please read this manual thoroughly before using the winch to ensure proper function and to prevent injury or damage.

Safety Information

Always prioritize safety when operating the winch. Failure to follow these instructions can result in serious injury or property damage.

  • Read the Manual: Understand all operating procedures and safety warnings before use.
  • Wear Protective Gear: Always wear heavy-duty gloves and eye protection.
  • Inspect Before Use: Check the winch, rope, hook, and all connections for damage before each operation.
  • Maintain Safe Distance: Keep hands, hair, clothing, and jewelry clear of the rope, fairlead, and drum.
  • Never Overload: Do not exceed the rated line pull capacity of 12,500 lbs.
  • Secure Vehicle: Always set the parking brake and block the wheels of the vehicle being winched.
  • Use a Tree Saver Strap: When anchoring to a tree, use a tree saver strap to protect the tree and the rope.
  • Avoid Shock Loads: Do not use the winch to lift or move people. Avoid sudden jerking motions.
  • Thermal Overload Protection: The winch is equipped with a Thermal Overload Protection System. If the winch stops, allow it to cool down before resuming operation.
  • Waterproof Sealing: While IP68 rated, avoid submerging the winch unnecessarily.

Package Contents

Verify that all items are present in your package:

  • Gladiator 12500lbs Electric Winch with Steel Rope
  • 2-in-1 Wired/Wireless Rechargeable Remote
  • USB Charging Cable for Remote
  • Control Box Relocation Plate
  • Heavy Duty Battery Leads
  • Stainless Steel Mounting Hardware (nuts/bolts)
  • Isolation Switch
  • User Manual
Gladiator 12500lbs Electric Winch and included accessories
Image: The Gladiator 12500lbs Electric Winch shown with its various components, including the main winch unit, wired/wireless remote, charging cable, and battery leads.

Setup and Installation

Proper installation is crucial for the safe and effective operation of your winch. If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified professional.

Mounting the Winch

  1. Ensure your vehicle's bumper or mounting plate is rated for the winch's capacity and weight.
  2. Position the winch on the mounting surface, aligning the mounting holes.
  3. Secure the winch using the provided stainless steel mounting hardware. Tighten all bolts securely.

Electrical Connections

  1. Disconnect Battery: Always disconnect the vehicle's battery before making any electrical connections.
  2. Connect Leads: Connect the heavy-duty battery leads to the winch motor and control box according to the wiring diagram (refer to the diagram usually found on the control box or in a separate wiring guide).
  3. Connect to Battery: Connect the main power leads to the vehicle's battery. Ensure correct polarity (positive to positive, negative to negative).
  4. Install Isolation Switch: Integrate the isolation switch into the positive power line to allow for complete power cut-off when the winch is not in use.
  5. Reconnect Battery: Once all connections are secure, reconnect the vehicle's battery.
Gladiator winch installed on the front bumper of a red Jeep
Image: A Gladiator winch securely mounted on the front bumper of a red Jeep, demonstrating a typical installation scenario.

Operating Instructions

Familiarize yourself with the winch controls and proper winching techniques.

Remote Control Operation

The 2-in-1 remote can be used wired or wirelessly. To charge the remote, use the provided USB cable.

  • Wired Mode: Plug the remote cable into the winch's control box port.
  • Wireless Mode: Ensure the remote is charged. Activate the wireless function (refer to remote specific instructions if a pairing process is required).
  • IN Button: Activates the winch to pull the rope in.
  • OUT Button: Activates the winch to pay out the rope.
Hands connecting the wired remote control to the winch
Image: A close-up view of hands connecting the wired remote control to the winch's control box, illustrating the setup for wired operation.

Basic Winching Procedure

  1. Assess the Situation: Determine the safest anchor point and path for the recovery.
  2. Prepare the Vehicle: Engage the parking brake and place the transmission in neutral (or park for automatic).
  3. Prepare the Winch: Disengage the clutch to free spool the rope.
  4. Run the Rope: Pull out enough rope to reach the anchor point. Ensure at least 5 wraps of rope remain on the drum.
  5. Secure Anchor: Attach the hook to a secure anchor point using a tree saver strap or shackle.
  6. Engage Clutch: Re-engage the clutch.
  7. Begin Winching: Slowly and steadily operate the winch using the remote control. Keep an eye on the rope spooling evenly.
  8. Monitor: Watch for any signs of strain on the winch, rope, or anchor point.
  9. Stop and Re-adjust: If necessary, stop winching, re-adjust the setup, and continue.
  10. After Recovery: Once the recovery is complete, disengage the clutch, remove the rope from the anchor, and carefully respool the rope onto the drum under light tension.
Person pulling winch rope across a field towards a vehicle
Image: A person pulling the steel winch rope across a grassy field towards a vehicle, demonstrating the initial step of extending the rope to the anchor point.

Maintenance

Regular maintenance will extend the life and ensure the reliability of your winch.

  • Rope Inspection: Regularly inspect the steel rope for frays, kinks, or damage. Replace if necessary.
  • Cleanliness: Keep the winch clean and free of dirt, mud, and debris. Use a damp cloth to wipe down the exterior.
  • Electrical Connections: Periodically check all electrical connections for corrosion or looseness. Clean and tighten as needed.
  • Lubrication: Consult a professional for internal lubrication if required.
  • Storage: Store the winch in a dry environment when not in use.

Troubleshooting

Here are some common issues and their potential solutions:

ProblemPossible CauseSolution
Winch does not operate.No power, loose connections, isolation switch off, remote battery low.Check battery connections, ensure isolation switch is ON, charge remote, check vehicle battery.
Winch operates slowly or with reduced power.Low vehicle battery, overloaded, motor overheating.Charge vehicle battery, reduce load, allow winch to cool down (Thermal Overload Protection).
Rope spools unevenly.Insufficient tension during respooling.Respool the rope under light tension, guiding it evenly across the drum.
Remote control not responding.Remote battery dead, out of range, interference.Charge remote, move closer to winch, try wired mode.

Specifications

Detailed technical specifications for the Gladiator 12500lbs Electric Winch:

FeatureDetail
Rated Line Pull12,500 lbs (5669 KG)
Motor Input/Output6.7HP/5.0KW (Input), 3.2HP/2.4KW (Output)
Voltage12 Volts
Rope TypeSteel Rope
Rope Dimensions10.2 mm x 25 m Wire
Line Speed (No Load)8.5 m/min
Line Speed (Full Load)1.4 m/min
Waterproof RatingIP68 Standard
Contactor600 amp Silver Tip
GearsHRC50 Full Steel Gears
Item Weight74.8 pounds
Product Dimensions21.97 x 6.54 x 10.39 inches (558mm x 166mm x 264mm)
Model Number12RTS12
Diagram showing the pulling power specifications of the winch
Image: A visual representation of the winch's pulling power, indicating a rated line pull of 12,500 lbs (5669 KG) and motor specifications.
Diagram showing the rope and speed specifications of the winch
Image: A diagram detailing the winch's line speed (8.5 m/min no load, 1.4 m/min full load) and steel rope dimensions (10.2 mm x 25 m).
Diagram showing the dimensions of the winch in millimeters
Image: Technical drawing illustrating the physical dimensions of the winch: 558mm length, 166mm width, and 264mm height, with a total weight of 43 KG.

Warranty and Support

For warranty information or technical support, please contact Warrior Winches customer service. Refer to the product packaging or the official Warrior Winches website for the most current contact details.

You can also visit the Warrior Winches Store on Amazon for additional product information and support resources.