I installed by Smittybuilt XRC 9.5 Gen2 winch. I wanted a cutoff switch so I used this one:

Battery DoctorŽ Rotary Dial Disconnect Switches - Wirthco Engineering, Inc.

I purchased it from Amazon. I ran the neg from the winch to the switch, and a short cable from the switch to the battery. And the winch works regardless of the switch position. I emailed Wirthco and they give the same instructions. So is the winch otherwise grounded? Should I put the switch on the hot side? Thanks

 

The winch is going to ground itself to the mount and frame. The switch will need to be on the positive side.

 

+1 switch goes on the positive side

 

Done. You were right. Winch was grounding itself. I put the switch on the positive side and it works like a charm. Thanks