Battery Connection challenge

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Mar 20, 2018 | 07:53 AM

mikebaby

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Battery Connection challenge

I'm trying to run an accessory to my driver side battery. Both posts have plastic cleats that hold the battery connector on with a little bolt, the Negative wire has a screw post that looks like it would conduct, but no bolt on it. The Positive wire has nothing that I can connect a wire to. Does anyone have any advice on how I can solve for this. The auto parts store also scratched their head on this one, and suggested I take it to a truck shop.

Mar 20, 2018 | 09:32 AM

PentaPop

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I might just put a ring terminal under the clamp nut. Be sure to use an inline fuse!

Mar 20, 2018 | 09:35 AM

mikebaby

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Quote:

Originally Posted by PentaPop

I might just put a ring terminal under the clamp nut. Be sure to use an inline fuse!

That is what the wire harness has. The challenge is it's a 1/4" or 3/8" ring. Not the 5/8" that the battery posts have.

Mar 20, 2018 | 09:38 AM

PentaPop

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I don’t think I’m following you. The rings are available in lots of sizes for lots of different gauge wires.

Mar 20, 2018 | 09:40 AM

troverman

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From: NH

You can attach the ring clamp right under the screw that tightens the battery clamp down to the post. The passenger side battery is the primary battery and preferred battery for attaching accessories to, but smaller loads would probably be fine on the secondary battery. My snow plow is connected this way.

Mar 20, 2018 | 07:43 PM

disker

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Joined: Jan 2018

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From: Spokane, WA

Got rid of the OEM battery clamps. Lot of work but its way better.

Mar 21, 2018 | 06:54 AM

troverman

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From: NH

The factory clamps are quite adequate...when tightened, they actually "cut" into the lead terminals of the battery slightly, resulting in a very good connection. Maximum current is able to be conducted through the factory terminals. Disker, your setup looks very nice though!

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Mar 21, 2018 | 12:53 PM

troverman

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Joined: Apr 2013

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From: NH

My snowplow wiring is connected to that clamp nut. The harness for the plow is pretty much as thick as the main starter harness. At least on mine, no problem.