Variation on dual golf cart batteries

mandt

I want to do dual golf cart batteries, but the batteries will not be right next to each other. So I will need 24 inch cables to do the series wiring. I will use heavy cadge wires 4/0 awg. Is this an issue?

Thank you!

ScottG

Generally speaking, using a larger wire than required is never a problem. The opposite, however, is not true--all wires must be of a sufficient minimum size to handle the amps they are expected to carry.

4/0 is pretty beefy, and is typically used to provide 200A residential service. It's probably overkill, but if you've got it lying around and can manage to work with it it would provide a pretty robust battery cable!

Sharon_is_SAM

How long a cable do you plan to use?  How far away are you spacing the batteries?  I would think 4 gauge would limit/eliminate your voltage drop.

Michigan_Mike

You can buy battery cables that will be much easier to work with than a 4/0 conductor.   Not unless you are planning on firing up a hot tub next to your trailer.  

ChanW

Mike's suggestion makes sense. Battery cables already have ends, and if you have one battery with the side mount terminals, you won't need to replace one end with the clamp type end.
It might be smart to use the heavier 6V cables though (which are pretty close to 4ga anyway). Less voltage drop with any high current draw (fridge).
Trucking or tractor supply?

Ratkity

It's hard to physically crimp ends of those large cables. I'd rather have a factory machine do it. Even someone with great hand strength would have a hard time without the correct tool. Buy something premade for batteries. @ChanW makes a great suggestion. Tractor or Trucking supply. Many 18W trucks run with two banks of batteries. Great idea, Chan!

ChrisandAlexis

or you can try this place: http://custombatterycables.com/

ScottG

Just in case it's not clear to everyone following this, 4/0AWG and 4AWG are not the same thing...

4AWG is about 5mm in diameter. 4/0AWG is almost 12MM in diameter!

Verna

My Interstate Battery dealer made up cables for me. He said he used welding wire because it was more flexible. He did put red ends on the positive cable and black ends on the negative cable.  It’s a very heavy gauge wire. And it’s doing fine for me.

ChanW

Love the welding wire idea.

Verna said:

My Interstate Battery dealer made up cables for me. He said he used welding wire because it was more flexible. He did put red ends on the positive cable and black ends on the negative cable.  It’s a very heavy gauge wire. And it’s doing fine for me.

jkjenn

Amazon...Camco has heavier gauge batrery cables.

Jdcouple

Pictures please! I'm wanting to do this this winter.