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Topic: Custom Battery Cable (Read 570 times) previous topic - next topic

Custom Battery Cable

Looks like I just wasted some good money at my local NAPA store. The biggest wire they had for my Victron project was 1/0. They used a hammer and die setup, didn't install any heat shrink and left some copper wire showing. Not a happy camper.
It seems that I have 3/0 welding cable. I need a 2 foot length with proper ends. Where do I look for this stuff. Don't want to buy bulk and crimper. Would proper solder, anyway.
Thanks
Glenn and Amy Beinfest
2001 36' U320
#5812
2014 Honda CRV

No Whining on the YACHT

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #1 –
If near a marine area, should be able to find Ancor or other quality wire and pre-tinned ends. 

I know many of the West Marine stores allow you to use their HD press to install the ends for free.
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #2 –
No solder.  Hard point.  Cable breaks
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #3 –
Bay Marine will make cables, with crimped connectors, any length you want and ship them to you.  You configure exactly what you want online.  They did a nice job on my solar & battery cables.  Supposedly a 10% discount if you mention the forum.

Custom Battery Cables

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #4 –
I've bought cables from here

Quality Copper Battery Cables Made in the USA! - BatteryCablesUSA

Keith
The selected media item is not currently available.Keith & Jo
2003 U320T 4025 PBBS Designer series
Build 6203    Cummins 500hp
2000 U320 4010 WTFE / Build 5762 —Sold—
Motorcade #18070   
Pasadena, Texas
2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara-Sunset Orange pearl coat
Don't argue with a fool, people watching might not be able to tell the difference.

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #5 –
Glenn I just checked ebay they have it by the foot for 4.09 plus shipping.  You may check a little closer and find some by the foot with free shipping.  Amazon also has a lot to choose from
Chris
1999 U 320 DGFE
Build Number 5523
Chris & Elka Lang
In the field, Lonoke AR

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #7 –
UL ends.  Pvc covering.  Not tinned wires but very good
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #8 –
Look for a local forklift company. Lots of electric forklifts out there and they all need cables. They make them up on a as needed basis. They are industrial quality and they probably make lot's of them.
The Starship- 1990 Grandvilla Unihome U300 40ft
6V92 Detroit Diesel w/ 4 spd Allison w/ retarder. Build# 3575 , Foretravel# 17895
The Shuttlecraft- 2015 Ford Explorer
Steve ( N6EKV ) & Lori ( N6JTD ) Faries  w/ Marlee our precious pup.
Patterson CA.

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #9 –
My local battery store has everything. That's all they do. Look for one in your area under batteries
1996 U295-36, Cummins 300hp, 8.3. Build number 4864. Vin number 1F97D536XTNO54271. Purchased October 31, 2019.

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #10 –
If you're just going to make one or two, then buy them pre made or take the parts to a place that can do them for you.
When I was rewiring my last boat, I knew I would need to custom make my own cables so bought the tools to do it myself. It's not difficult.
Key is quality components and attention to detail.
Getting them in place can be the hard part.
I always use marine grade components. For quality and to stand the test of time.
Don't use harbor freight. Spend the extra cash for quality. It will make a difference.
This is my setup. Have had the crimping tool now for 15 plus years.
As far as wire is concerned, I go with marine grade cable over welding cable but AM Solar did use welding cable inside and so far no issues. Outside in the moisture, heat, dust, etc. I would not. But that is my choice.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired
 

Re: Custom Battery Cable

Reply #11 –
In the past I have used these lugs, however at around $5 per lug plus the price of the raw cable, buying a complete 2 ft cable for $22 looks pretty attractive. Custom lengths in less than 1 ft increments can be nice for a clean installation.

Quick Cable: Quick Lug Connectors
Stud Terminal Locking
Bruce & Linda
2004 U295, Build # 6268, ISL400 CAPS
2016 Ford Explorer Sport or 1985 Jeep CJ7