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Old 08-02-2016, 11:11 AM   #1
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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!
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Old 08-02-2016, 11:19 AM   #2
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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.
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Old 08-02-2016, 11:22 AM   #3
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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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Old 08-02-2016, 12:25 PM   #4
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Awesome! Thanks guys. Maybe now I can finally get this conversion complete and hit the (camping) trail.
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Old 08-02-2016, 08:16 PM   #5
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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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Old 08-02-2016, 08:24 PM   #6
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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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Old 08-02-2016, 08:57 PM   #7
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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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Old 08-02-2016, 09:26 PM   #8
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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.
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Old 08-02-2016, 10:22 PM   #9
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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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