Suggestions for split loom tubing for under the hood/vehicle wiring that will last?

[brasskey]

I need to add some electrical connections under the hood and thought I would clean some things up. I have a dual battery setup and quite a few accessories. I took the time before to wire cleanly, but all of my split loom tubing is crumbling and falling apart. I guess the heat and/or extreme temperature fluctuations got to it. I bought basic split loom tubing at a local automotive store. Is there any brand or type that will hold up better? I've seen some thinner mesh type (not hard plastic) that seems like it would hold up well, but not sure where to get it. Any suggestions?

 

[John Shaffer]

I wonder about that too; bit my looms seem to hold up ok in my Toyota but I plan to use more for my new dual batt setup. I'd be curious what others say.

Thanks


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2008 Toyota 4Runner. Full time 12v mod, Rhino rack, Thule box, HIDs, front hitch, skid plates, Sliders, Aliner Classic 2014 camp trailer

 

[pugslyyy]

I've had good luck with the split loom that I have bought in bulk off of amazon...

 

[M35A2]

You must have gotten some real uptown split loom. It is not usual for it to crumble or split. It should last almost indefinitely. Try buying a better grade.

 

[Kevin108]

I've never had any issues with what I've gotten out of hardware stores like Lowe's or Home Depot. I've also found it to be significantly cheaper there than in parts stores.

 

[brasskey]

I always used stuff from recognised electrical suppliers.
Panduit, Ideal, etc. Never a problem at least in my professional work nor the bits of it I used on my vehicles.
Those guys should be able to furnish 'specs on the material its made from.

Look past the stuff on the shelf at Walmart or Autozone.
There are specialised tubings such as High temp. nylon, Self extinguishing, Plenum rated etc.

Alot of "parts store" electrical stuff is just mystery crap. Its there to make a buck off a clueless rube.
Those "1000 piece terminal & crimper kits" are good example.

Yeah, I bought it at Autozone. I guess it's just cheaply made. I'll try and electrical store. Thanks.

 

[Ducky's Dad]

My split loom is holding up OK, but has only been in a couple of years. Also have some of the black mesh stuff protecting fat battery cables behind the grill on my triple battery system, so it's exposed to lots of heat and enviro stresses, holding up fine. Both came from the local electronics geek emporium, in bulk. Online, you might check with Jamestown Distributors or Fisheries Supply, since both handle a lot of marine electrical stuff. Fisheries Supply always has my Blue Sea needs in stock ready to ship.

The best loom I have ever had is some milsurp kevlar sheathing that my auto electric guy had sitting around the shop. Used it to cover the 1/0 cable for my old dual battery system, and it was pretty much bullet proof. Took it out when I upgraded the truck to triple batteries with 3/0 cables, and it was in such good shape that I coiled it up to use it again later. It was in the truck for ten years. Have no idea where to buy more, though.

 

[pluton]

The cheap stuff from the auto parts store is usually polyethylene; The nicer stuff is made of nylon. Both are commonly available, though when I looked it seemed that I'd probably have to web oder the better nylon stuff. The cheap PE stuff seems to be holding up fine (about 1 year so far) in the engine compartment of my '97 4Runner so far.

 

[thethePete]

Split loom really is the best answer, there's a reason the OEM uses it and it's not just 'cause it's cheap. Anywhere that you're concerned about abrasion, try to re-route your wiring to avoid, or invest in friction tape. "Hockey tape" used to wrap your hockey stick is essentially the same stuff and is cheap. Plus you can get it in a myriad of colours if you want to colour code your harnesses for any reason. OEM uses friction tape on diesels in high heat, high stress environments to avoid chafing of the harness. If they figure it's good enough to warranty for 200,000km, it must work alright.

 

[Herbie]

Split loom really is the best answer, there's a reason the OEM uses it and it's not just 'cause it's cheap. Anywhere that you're concerned about abrasion, try to re-route your wiring to avoid, or invest in friction tape. "Hockey tape" used to wrap your hockey stick is essentially the same stuff and is cheap.

Wrapping the loom with cloth tape is really the key to making it last, especially if there will be grit, grease, or a lot of heat.

 

[DanCooper]

WayTec Wiring has a number of options . . . https://www.waytekwire.com/products/1467/Wire-Coverings/

I am intrigued by their split braided coverings.