Variation on dual golf cart batteries

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!
Mickey & Terri
2016 Max S
Kalamazoo Michigan

Comments

  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,655
    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!
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • Sharon_is_SAM
    Sharon_is_SAM Member Posts: 10,061
    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.
    Sharon / 2017 T@B CSS / 2015 Toyota Sienna Minivan / Westlake, Ohio
  • Michigan_Mike
    Michigan_Mike Member Posts: 2,858
    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.   =)
    Mike - Elmira, Mi / 2019 T@B 400 / 2021 Chevy Silverado LTZ
  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    edited October 2017
    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?
    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • Ratkity
    Ratkity Member Posts: 3,770
    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!
    2017 820R Retro Toy Hauler from 2015 Tabitha T@B from 2009 Reverse LG Teardrop (but a T@Bluver at heart)
  • ChrisandAlexis
    ChrisandAlexis Member Posts: 120
    or you can try this place: http://custombatterycables.com/

    Chris and Alexis-- Roseville, California--2017 T@B CS-S--Toyota 4Runner
  • ScottG
    ScottG Administrator Posts: 5,655
    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!
    2015 T@B Max S (320)
    2015 Nissan Frontier SV V6 4x4
  • Verna
    Verna Member Posts: 6,876
    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.
    Verna, Columbus, IN
    2021 T@B 320S  Boondock “The T@B”
    Towed by a white 2019 Ford F-150 4x4 Supercab, 3.5L V6 Ecoboost “The Truck”
  • ChanW
    ChanW Member Posts: 3,165
    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.

    Chan  -  near Buffalo NY
    2014 S Maxx
    2011 Tacoma 4cyl ... edit: 2022 Tacoma 6cyl - oh yeah! 

     A_Little_T@b'll_Do_Ya
  • jkjenn
    jkjenn Member Posts: 6,417
    Amazon...Camco has heavier gauge batrery cables.

    2021 T@b 320 Boondock "Mattie Ross" | 2021 T@b Nights: 239 | Total nights in a T@b 455 | 2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee L Overland | T@b owner since 2014

  • Jdcouple
    Jdcouple Member Posts: 96
    Pictures please! I'm wanting to do this this winter. 

    2017 T@B Outback, 2000 Excursion V10 4x4