Reterminate or splice battery cable?

[millerfish]

I want to replace the stock battery cable ends on my 14 Tacoma with military style ends. I would rather not replace the entire cable harness. So, would it be reasonable to Reterminate the existing cables and if I cannot make the length work would a splice be acceptable practice. Either would be proper hydrolicly crimped fittings.

 

[toddz69]

Re-terminating would certainly be an acceptable thing to do (assuming the cable has enough stress relief in it currently to allow for a slightly shortened length). That's what I did with the cables in my Super Duty when I put ring terminals on them to attach to military clamps.

Todd Z.

 

[IdaSHO]

Yep, assuming you have enough length to do it safely, and there isn't any corrosion within the cables, which Id have to assume there isn't, being such a new rig.

 

[millerfish]

Thanks for the input, well most of it... The cables are in good shape corrosion free. It looks like the length might be just a bit short on the + side. What would you think about a splice like this with heavy duty shrink over it?

 

[IdaSHO]

Personally, Id never do a splice on a large cable like that.

Id much prefer to pony up the coin for a new cable to run the entire distance needed.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

Not sure, but I think Blue Sea has some connectors that bolt together to connect two lengths of cable, and can then be insulated and waterproofed. How much additional length do you need?

 

[Tazman]

Im anal enough to replace the cable. Why introduce a weak spot in such a critical location? I recently had to make that decision on a 25' run of 6awg. Not cheap but fewer worries for a worrier.

Yes. I do tend to overdo things.

 

[4x4junkie]

Thanks for the input, well most of it... The cables are in good shape corrosion free. It looks like the length might be just a bit short on the + side. What would you think about a splice like this with heavy duty shrink over it?

If you solder the wires into a butt connector like that it shouldn't ever become a problem. I wouldn't ever use a crimped connection though... Among the several I've had fail (develop resistance) one actually caught fire. So everything on mine get soldered. YMMV.

 

[ZMagic97]

A properly crimped connection is just as reliable as a soldered one.

With that being said, I find either acceptable. If you do a crimp, I would only suggest a high quality heat shrink.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

It looks like the length might be just a bit short on the + side.

I don't know how much "a bit" is, but you might consider something like these.


Marine electrical suppliers are your friend.
http://www.boatownerswarehouse.com/product_p/deka-2-0-battery-cables.htm