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08-02-2016, 11:11 AM
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#1
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 15
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Dual battery cable gauge
Hey gang!
I'm hoping someone can help answer a question I have about proper gauge cable to use for my batteries. I just switched from a single 12v, to dual 6v deep-cycle batteries. Actually, I'm still in the process of switching.
My question is about wire gauge. Originally, the positive from the battery to the trailer was a 6 awg. Unfortunately, it's not long enough now with the dual batteries in place, and I'm having a heck of a time finding a longer 6 awg with the correct lugs. I found a 3', 4 awg with the correct lugs. Is it ok to go to the larger cable?
Attached is a basic diagram of the current setup if that helps.
Thanks for any information!
__________________
2017 Ram 2500 4WD w/ 6.4L Hemi
2016 Keystone Passport Ultralite GT 2510RB
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08-02-2016, 11:19 AM
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#2
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 773
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Assuming you are adding no additional loads, that should be ok. Depending on the cable type (I prefer welding cable) you are replacing, you may find the cable easier to route and definitely have less line loss.
__________________
2012 Dodge C3500 DRW 4x4 Long Box, WeatherGuard 90 Gal transfer tank, B&W Companion Hitch
2012 Keystone Montana 3100RL, 520W Solar, 460AH batteries, Morningstar MPPT 45 CC, Bogart 2030RV monitor.
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08-02-2016, 11:22 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,679
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Never hurts to go larger. Welding cable or marine grade cable is preferred. More flexible because the wire strands are smaller.
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Dale & Mark Bruss
13 Years Full-Timing Now with a 2016 Bounder 33C
40' Travel Supreme winter residence
Lots of RV Information at www.dmbruss.com
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08-02-2016, 12:25 PM
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#4
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 15
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Awesome! Thanks guys. Maybe now I can finally get this conversion complete and hit the (camping) trail.
__________________
2017 Ram 2500 4WD w/ 6.4L Hemi
2016 Keystone Passport Ultralite GT 2510RB
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08-02-2016, 08:16 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 349
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I used 1/0 welding cable on all my battery leads (just because I had a spool). Bigger is better in this case.
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Bill
1991 Winnebago Warrior 23EC Class A
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08-02-2016, 08:24 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Country Coach Owners Club Solo Rvers Club iRV2 No Limits Club
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Vancouver, WA
Posts: 37,725
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Any marine or welding shop should be able to make new cables although a welding shop may just have a standard length.
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2009 45' Magna 630 w/Cummins ISX 650 HP/1950 Lbs Ft, HWH Active Air
Charter Good Sam Lifetime Member, FMCA,
RV'ing since 1957, NRA Benefactor Life, towing '21 Jeep JLU Rubicon Ecodiesel
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08-02-2016, 08:57 PM
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#7
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Senior Member
Newmar Owners Club
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: Spicewood Texas (West of Austin)
Posts: 4,511
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As long as your not changing the load (adding an inverter), or increasing the distance substantially, the #4 will be good. Load and distance dictate wire size. It sounds like your distance only changed slightly.
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Scotty and Kristen, Airedales Dagny and Wyatt
2007 Newmar Mountain Aire 4528, 450 HP ISM, Allison 4000, 8 Lifeline AGM's
2019 F250 King Ranch 4x4 Powerstroke - SOLD
2022 F350 DRW King Ranch 4 x 4
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08-02-2016, 09:26 PM
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#8
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Junior Member
Join Date: Mar 2016
Posts: 15
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I'm definitely feeling better about the 4 gauge now. Thanks for all the replies and advice. I think the original cable was 18". The new is 3'. That should give me enough to route and fasten it the way I want.
__________________
2017 Ram 2500 4WD w/ 6.4L Hemi
2016 Keystone Passport Ultralite GT 2510RB
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08-02-2016, 10:22 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,846
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It's pretty easy to make custom length cables so you don't have to settle for standard lengths. Any well stocked hardware store or big box store will have the cable sizes you need. They also have the proper lugs that go with the specific cable size you choose. Simple matter to buy the proper lugs and then crimp and solder to the length you need. A skill that comes in handy when you need to rewire.
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