High Amp weatherproof connection for Truck bed

[Amp34]

It looks like even with 13.5A* running through a 3ft length of #10 wire there's an unacceptable voltage drop (around 4v) so the split wire is not going to happen unfortunately.

Bolting it could be an option. What I would ideally do with the SB is install it in a flush mount box in the side of the bed. I've seen plenty of photos of them, but have no idea what they're called to search for them!

*27A for a 20A renege DC/DC, lower than I'd want but acceptable.

 

[Bayou Boy]

13.5 amps at 12v through 3 feet of #10 will have almost imperceptible voltage loss. How are you figuring a 4volt loss?

 

[dreadlocks]

~0.75% voltage drop with 3ft of 10awg on 15A, well under the 1-3% range most shoot for.

if 12v in, 11.9v out.

 

[Amp34]

I did the calculation about 5 times because it didn't make sense. Once more after reading I'm wrong and I get your answer. Still not sure what happened there...

Also found this:

50A Weatherproof Anderson Connector Socket Cover FLUSH MOUNT

Ideal solution if you wish to mount your anderson connector flush with you bumper on the side panels in your cargo area. Innovative, weatherproof, heavy-duty anderson plug cover is effective in its design to protect and ensure mating plugs are locked into place for secure and reliable towing.

www.australiandirect.com.au

A protected flush mount socket for the SB50 connection. Unfortunately only comes in the 50, which takes up to #6 wire. Too much wire to strip off a #4 to fit it in? I'll have to take around 1/3rd off, but could compensate by soldering it in. Alternatively I could just stick with a 20A DC-DC and run 6AWG the entire way.

 

[Alloy]

I did the calculation about 5 times because it didn't make sense. Once more after reading I'm wrong and I get your answer. Still not sure what happened there...

Also found this:

50A Weatherproof Anderson Connector Socket Cover FLUSH MOUNT

Ideal solution if you wish to mount your anderson connector flush with you bumper on the side panels in your cargo area. Innovative, weatherproof, heavy-duty anderson plug cover is effective in its design to protect and ensure mating plugs are locked into place for secure and reliable towing.

www.australiandirect.com.au

A protected flush mount socket for the SB50 connection. Unfortunately only comes in the 50, which takes up to #6 wire. Too much wire to strip off a #4 to fit it in? I'll have to take around 1/3rd off, but could compensate by soldering it in. Alternatively I could just stick with a 20A DC-DC and run 6AWG the entire way.

Never solder a wire into a lug with acid flux. The flux that flows up into the wire cannot be removed.

 

[Alloy]

13.5 amps at 12v through 3 feet of #10 will have almost imperceptible voltage loss. How are you figuring a 4volt loss?

In a DC system the combined length of wire is used to calculate wire size.

My rule of thumb for runs less than 20' ( that's 10' of + plus 10' - wire) is 14ga for 15A, 12ga for 20A, 10ga for 30A.

When I'm not sure I'll use this wire calculator.

Circuit Wizard - Blue Sea Systems

circuitwizard.bluesea.com

 

[Hillbilly Heaven]

Witts End has some SB50 and SB175 mounting brackets.

Wits' End, Solutions for Problems You Didn't Know You Had

Wits' End, Land Cruiser, 80 Series, LX450, 100 Series, Fire Extinguisher Mount

absolute-wits-end.com

 

[Photobug]

Why does it have to be high amp? Here is what i came up with to recharge my truck shell battery.

https://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/threads/need-to-charge-deep-cycle-in-truck-and-boat.205821/

 

[Alloy]

Then how is it calculated on AC systems ?

At what voltage?

 

[IdaSHO]

Your not following.

His point is that it doesn't matter whether its AC or DC

Both consider conductor length when determining conductor size.

 

[IdaSHO]

To the OP

Just use anderson connectors.

Done right with adhesive heat shrinked wire to terminal, and you will never have a problem

Realistically the connection itself doesnt need to be weatherproof. Keeping moisture out of the wire itself is key.

Ive been using large andersen connectors (forget the amp rating) with 2awg wire for my truck to camper connection for years with zero problems.
The connection is so positive that not being weathertight is never an issue.

 

[john61ct]

The thick gauge to prevent voltage drop is needed over the distance.

No harm in stepping down, via a dulal-post buss, asymmetric butt connector, ferrule, whatever.

If you just trim strands, be sure to seal the end well against corrosion, even if tinned type wire.

 

[jeffjeeptj]

I have used this SB-350 Anderson for years. It just sits under the rear bolted to the hitch. When I plug in its mate, I will plug/unplug a couple of times for cleaning. The other end of the wires in the engine compartment has a fuse and a Blue Sea ACR. I also manually connect the ACR and hook up the battery clips from my Viair for compressor duties. Been driven on salty roads in middle Tennessee, all around Florida this past winter/spring. No connection issues. It should work inside a pickup box. It connects far better than the 7 pole trailer connector. I use the SB-350 so I can use large gauge wires for voltage drop reasons.
The air connector you see is 1 of 2 for the rear airbags.

 

[IdaSHO]

I have a rear mounted andersen as well.

Its for an ATV winch, that is mounted to a crane on the firewood trailer.
Makes loading and hauling logs lengths a snap.

 

[Alloy]

Your not following.

His point is that it doesn't matter whether its AC or DC

Both consider conductor length when determining conductor size.

I was following.....why not politely state the facts as you did.

I stand by what I said. On the systems we are dealing with the combined length of wire is used for a DC system.........not for a AC system.