Forum Discussion

plasticmaster's avatar
Apr 04, 2017

What gauge cable to TT battery?

What gauge cable is typically connected to the 12V battery on a travel trailer? I need to get a couple of terminal connectors to hook up a battery disconnect and want to make sure I get the right size. Thanks.

20 Replies

  • plasticmaster wrote:
    What gauge cable is typically connected to the 12V battery on a travel trailer?

    From the battery to the converter/distribution panel ? #6 is a good guess.

    From the 7 way connector at the hitch ? Probably #12.
  • RoyB wrote:
    I replaced all of my Battery wiring with 4AWG cable... Around $50 for 25-foot spool... Then I can do lots of different battery mods and not worry about the cable size...

    Now I wish I had used 2AWG size. Always changing things...

    Got my wire from AMAZON and the wire brand is ANCOR MARINE wire
    Also got all of my correct size Ring Terminals using the ANCOR BRAND.

    Cut most of wiring proper lengths and used a hand power crimping tool and adhesive heat shrink ends to dress thing up...





    heat shrink tubing application like this...

    Google Images

    Doing this all over again building up my new Battery box for the trailer tongue area to house my new batteries I will be bringing to life this season... Everything uses the ring terminals so it can all dress up real neat...

    If you don't want to build your cables you can purchase all of these 4AWG and 2AWG size cables you need from AMAZON cut to the different lengths and all will have the heat shrink ends etc... Cut to length - ready to install... AMAZON delivers in two days using AMAZON PRIME...

    Roy Ken


    where do you find that crimper?
  • I would cut a piece and match it up. I think it's only 10 gauge on my trailer.
  • If you can go look at the existing cable, it should be marked.

    Bill
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    6 AWG is pretty typical.
  • My most likely guess is #6
    Read the insulation or cut an inch off and match it up.

    Battery terminal is probably 5/16 stud.

    Good time to assemble an assortment
  • RoyB wrote:

    Got my wire from AMAZON and the wire brand is ANCOR MARINE wire
    Also got all of my correct size Ring Terminals using the ANCOR BRAND.
    Roy Ken


    ANCOR makes very good wire and terminals for use in open environments. PACER is also a good wire. Either way always use a "tinned" wire for outside and secure properly.
  • Could be anywhere from 10 AWG to 2 AWG. For 30 amp fuse or breaker it should be 10 AWG minimum but I prefer 6 AWG from the battery to the DC distribution panel although some panels will take wire as large aw 4 AWG.
    Inverters need a seperate feed from the battery.
  • RoyB's avatar
    RoyB
    Explorer II
    I replaced all of my Battery wiring with 4AWG cable... Around $50 for 25-foot spool... Then I can do lots of different battery mods and not worry about the cable size...

    Now I wish I had used 2AWG size. Always changing things...

    Got my wire from AMAZON and the wire brand is ANCOR MARINE wire
    Also got all of my correct size Ring Terminals using the ANCOR BRAND.

    Cut most of wiring proper lengths and used a hand power crimping tool and adhesive heat shrink ends to dress thing up...





    heat shrink tubing application like this...

    Google Images

    Doing this all over again building up my new Battery box for the trailer tongue area to house my new batteries I will be bringing to life this season... Everything uses the ring terminals so it can all dress up real neat...

    If you don't want to build your cables you can purchase all of these 4AWG and 2AWG size cables you need from AMAZON cut to the different lengths and all will have the heat shrink ends etc... Cut to length - ready to install... AMAZON delivers in two days using AMAZON PRIME...

    Roy Ken
  • plasticmaster wrote:
    What gauge cable is typically connected to the 12V battery on a travel trailer? I need to get a couple of terminal connectors to hook up a battery disconnect and want to make sure I get the right size. Thanks.


    I use this to determine what gauge to use
    http://www.engineeringtoolbox.com/amps-wire-gauge-d_730.html