Jon Wildsmith said:
main advantage of the isolator is as a failsafe if your solenoids fail in the on position during use, which can happen.
I second that, Jon. I would advise that all winches should have an isolator installed for that very reason, most winch kits are usually supplied with an isolator, but if not, all winch retailers should be able to supply them, don't worry their not expensive.
A lot of the standard winch solenoids supplied with the winches tend to gradually deteriorate overtime, especially if you tend to take them swimming now and then
, they can start to stick, usually they stick 'on' continuing to winch 'in' when you wanted it to stop. I know, its happened to me and I was very pleased the isolator was close to hand.
It would not have ended well, if the isolator hadn't been there.
Winches are a great bit of kit to get you out of a jam, but they are very dangerous and should be treated with the utmost of respect, (like the high lift jack), always think safety. Take the time to install them correctly, buy the proper winch accessories, learn how to use them safely and you'll be laughing. I've seen so many people do so many dangerous things with winches that, have resulted in damage to kit, cars and serious injury to themselves or others. Half the time they don't realize that their doing anything wrong until its too late, its not because their stupid, its just because they don't know any different.
Installing the winch is just the start, much like buying the 4x4, now you have the fun of finding out the best way to use it, to get full advantage and your moneys worth from it.
Enjoy,
Scott.