12v Wiring Connectors

[Alpine36]

Originally Posted by jaydee325

Doesn't anyone solder anymore?

I happen to prefer this.

Nothing wrong with soldering and heat shrinking, where feasible.
I’d trust that method or a proper heat shrink crimp connector to a Wago quick connector any day. Don’t get me wrong, the Wago connectors are great in residential environments, especially where multiple terminations are needed. Quick and easy.
But…in an automotive application such as RV or Marine use I want a proven durable waterproof connection.

[code2e]

Originally Posted by Alpine36

They work great and fit in tight work areas, unlike the bulky ratcheting type.
I remember many years ago we had a mechanic in the Police garage I worked in. We called him the Wizard, because he thought his work was magical. Anyhow, he criticized everyone’s work, including mine. I worked night shift prepping new Crown Vic’s for service…lights, sirens, strobes, wig wags etc.
He insisted we use the shops new $600 hydraulic “no crush”crimpers because, well, we were doing it all wrong and he was always right. We balked and Mr Wizard brought it up at a safety meeting, so we did a pull test between his work and everyone else’s. Our crimps won hands down, every time, while his pulled out of the crimp rather easily. He kept using his special hi tech gadgetry and soldered his connections after he crimped them.
We were prepping three cars to his one lol…

We hail from similar careers. I wrenched 32 years at City of Portland Oregon. We outfitted and maintained our own cars as well. Good place to work and we did good work. Policy was, do anything the car needed so it wouldn't return till next PM service. Breakdowns were a rarity.

You have likely seen the rear door window bars that became popular in the 80's? Called "Portland Bars" for a reason. I tired of doing so many kickouts on rear door glass. Met with our Fab Shop foreman. We designed a jig, welded them up and allowed any agency to use our plans. Cheaper than glass replacement and no foot chase.

[Alpine36]

Originally Posted by code2e

We hail from similar careers. I wrenched 32 years at City of Portland Oregon. We outfitted and maintained our own cars as well. Good place to work and we did good work. Policy was, do anything the car needed so it wouldn't return till next PM service. Breakdowns were a rarity.

You have likely seen the rear door window bars that became popular in the 80's? Called "Portland Bars" for a reason. I tired of doing so many kickouts on rear door glass. Met with our Fab Shop foreman. We designed a jig, welded them up and allowed any agency to use our plans. Cheaper than glass replacement and no foot chase.

Yep, I remember the Portland Bars, and the silent partner partitions as well. 27 years, City of Seattle. I did three years nights at Charles Street police/truck garage and then transferred to the Seattle City Light garage. Maintained about every type of electric utility equipment imaginable from chainsaws to 170’ Condor bucket trucks. Last nine years were in Fleet Management, but I really missed the dirty hands. Fortunately my job in management was spec writing new equipment so most everything custom built had our mechanics in mind…whenever possible.
We really do enjoy that PERS pension now.

[rarebear.nm]

There are multiple connectors types that will work. My favorite are closed end connectors. Like these.





Buy them at the big box stores, Amazon, etc in a variety of sizes. At home I have about 100 different types and sizes of wire connectors for a variety of applications, plus a selection of crimpers. I normally prefer a double crimp type. Some times space may suggest a particular type of connector. Like if it has to be pushed back up into a small hole.


I did an upgrade to LED lights by just replacing the bulbs and did not need to replace the fixtures. In another case I replaced RV fluorescent lights with LEDs by removing all of the guts in the fixtures and using LED light strips inside the old fixtures. Came out very nice. You can vary the brightness by the color of the LED strip and how many strips you put in to the old fixture.

[Winemaker2]

All you wanted to know about crimps & crimper.
CMS is a pro and provides very good non- biased info...

https://marinehowto.com/marine-wire-termination/