battery terminals/cables
 

where can i pick up some big battery cables with big battery terminals, besides dodge? and about how much will they run me, can i still put those 4 other wires besides the big one in the new terminals?? help truck hardly ever starts unless i stick another screw in the term [redface]

Alot of teh guys have mentioned using welding cable..
I replaced mien with 00 cable( 1.39/foot) from the local O'reilly's( behind the counter).. had the terminal clamps put on at a semi-truck shop, cost me about $4 per end.

You can use welding-cable, which is actually better for the job than regular battery-cable, with copper-lug/ring-terminals crimped on BOTH ends.

If you have/prefer regular old lead-post batteries, you can use these on the battery end of the cable, simply fastening the copper-lug to the bolt on the terminal :

http://saturnsurplus.com/electrical/btermp.htm


These are HD-Military terminals and they come in two sizes, + and - ; also, insulating boots that cover the terminal are listed right under the terminals.

I didn't look, but they might have ready-made cables that will work.


OR, with copper-lug/ring-terminals on both ends of the cables, you have the option to do as I do and use STUD-TYPE batteries, thus eliminating the headaches associated with lead-posts.




I also hear a lot of positive comments on this guy's products :

http://www.custombatterycables.com/index.htm

He can custom-make cables, with whichever terminal-ends you prefer, or he has factory-original length/style cables that are direct replacements, except of a heavier gauge and better made.

The only kicker is I see it says he is closed for a vacation.

Napa does cables in house if you have one there, whopping $20 for my ground, going to get new terminal on my posi tomorrow.

I replaced mine last year, new from Dodge it was less than $110 for the pair.

go to an over the road wrecking yard. last month i went to the freightliner resale yard for factory stuff. wow fifteen foot chunk of heavy cable 20buckx. intercoolers never used size of your hoood. lots of aluminuim , stainless . next time my camera goes along.

I got my positive cable from Dodge.

after checking several different auto suppliers, I just decided that Dodge was easier.

Fleet Pride (nation wide diesel shop) may make ya cables also ( www.fleetpride.com )

Go to a welding supply store. They will crimp on a ring terminal if you want. I used the fancy schmancy gold audio ends on mine.
While you are there.... Get 40 foot of 1-0 gauge and 2 sets of clamps and make yourself some uber-beefy jumper cables. Keep in mind, if you do that, that the clamps are strong enough to destroy a normal battery cable end, if it is near the end of its life already.

I just got back from Advanced auto...they did me one for $15 but it wont last long. Dodge was $80.71!!!! plus tax, so I opted to pass on that one. Napa is $40. Ill find a decent one while I run this cheapie.

I went to a Freightliner dealer, and had some cable made up. Put a ring terminal on each end, factory length.

I then got some marine terminals for my battery posts (this basically "converts" your battery from a post-type to stud-type). This allows one to install the other things on the positive side of the batter connection.

I paid <$30 for BOTH cables, and terminals.

Mom paid ~$60 from Dodge for the positive cable at about the same time, and the insulation on her positive cable is coming off at the battery end (<2yrs). It isnt corroding for now, but the OEM cable is junk, IMO. At least the connection at the end is.

Daniel

Another Welding cable & Military Terminal user. I really like the use of ring terminals at either end of the cables.

Hey if anybody is here locally in Southern California I have the crimper with rotating dies to make my own cables.

Everything in my truck that carries any amount of current uses welding cable of some gauge.

Also the military terminals are available from NAPA and any Interstate Battery Store.

Jim