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Racorman's avatar
Racorman
Explorer
Jul 20, 2015

Extending the Chassis Battery Cable Question

I'm going to move my starter battery in the MH from under the entry steps to the front of the coach, closer to the starter. It probably will take about 4' of extra battery cable, What is the best way to join the existing battery terminal end to an extension battery cable. Is there some sort of junction box for doing this?

  • If you move it closer, you should figure a way to shorten the cable, not add to it
  • Not sure what gauge cable you are using now, but extending it 4' you might want to consider upsizing one gauge. I would also use one piece of wire and not consider splicing
  • roam1 wrote:
    If you move it closer, you should figure a way to shorten the cable, not add to it


    I agree. One more point for connection corrosion to cause frustrating problems.
  • I would find the starter relay and measure from there to where the battery will be re-located and go to the auto parts store and get a new cable that length... The longer the cable the more resistance and the less amps there will be for starting.. cables are a common item at the parts store..
  • Born To Travel wrote:
    I would find the starter relay and measure from there to where the battery will be re-located and go to the auto parts store and get a new cable that length... The longer the cable the more resistance and the less amps there will be for starting.. cables are a common item at the parts store..


    I just figure that if this does not work....... I'll buy a bigger starter battery. Money is no object with this rig. We got it for 1/2 price.
  • Canadian Rainbirds wrote:
    roam1 wrote:
    If you move it closer, you should figure a way to shorten the cable, not add to it


    I agree. One more point for connection corrosion to cause frustrating problems.


    Don't you guys use CRC 05046 Technician Grade Battery Terminal Protector?
  • Racorman wrote:
    Born To Travel wrote:
    I would find the starter relay and measure from there to where the battery will be re-located and go to the auto parts store and get a new cable that length... The longer the cable the more resistance and the less amps there will be for starting.. cables are a common item at the parts store..


    I just figure that if this does not work....... I'll buy a bigger starter battery. Money is no object with this rig. We got it for 1/2 price.


    Buying a larger battery doesn't solve the problem. You still have to get the amps to the starter. By extending the cable run, you are adding more resistance and could reduce the amperage being supplied.

    You need to use a cable resistance chart to determine the correct size cables. A good one can be found on the West Marine website or on the Blue Sea site. Remember, you have to figure the total length of the cables meaning from the battery, to the starter and return to the battery
  • Racorman wrote:
    I'm going to move my starter battery in the MH from under the entry steps to the front of the coach, closer to the starter. It probably will take about 4' of extra battery cable, What is the best way to join the existing battery terminal end to an extension battery cable. Is there some sort of junction box for doing this?

    If an extension is indeed required, I usually just crimp on lugs as you've shown and coat them with pentrox before bolting them together and insulating in some manner.
    What is the reason for this and are you attempting to make room for another house battery perhaps?