Wiring Options
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Senior User
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Wiring Options
I'm nearing completion of my huge body-off build-up of a 78 F250. I have the original wiring, but it's 30 years old and may have problems.
I need to decide what to do. As far as I can tell I have these options.
-use the old harness and replace wires that don't work.
-use the old harness and replace every wire
-get a new harness (specific or universal?)
I plan on using two batteries, the way the truck was originally set-up. Any ideas, comments, experiences or input greatly appreciated.
-kit
I need to decide what to do. As far as I can tell I have these options.
-use the old harness and replace wires that don't work.
-use the old harness and replace every wire
-get a new harness (specific or universal?)
I plan on using two batteries, the way the truck was originally set-up. Any ideas, comments, experiences or input greatly appreciated.
-kit
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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There is lots of information in the electrical systems forum. Do NOT wire up two batteries like the original OEM setup. Use a battery isolator and wire it according to the instructions that come with it. You can find battery isolators at some parts stores and at RV supply centers.
You can open and clean every connection in the OEM harness including all of the factory wire crimps. All crimps should then be re-crimped and soldered. The wires themselves should be OK unless damaged or overly corroded.
Buy a replacement wiring harness from Centech per this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=481026
Remember the wiring systems in these trucks were designed to last ~5 to 10 years max. They are a lot older than that now.
You can open and clean every connection in the OEM harness including all of the factory wire crimps. All crimps should then be re-crimped and soldered. The wires themselves should be OK unless damaged or overly corroded.
Buy a replacement wiring harness from Centech per this thread:
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/s...d.php?t=481026
Remember the wiring systems in these trucks were designed to last ~5 to 10 years max. They are a lot older than that now.
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I (think) I have to respectfully disagree with torque1st on the isolator. I have used two batts for many years, because of a lot of winch use, and have burned up several batt isolators with very, very, very bad timing. I now use a heavy on/off switch, used in busses, to control the two batts (elk hunting with a trailer). Since I went to this system I have not had a problem except that when I replace one batt….. both get done.
I am thinking of going to two HD golf cart 6V.
I am thinking of going to two HD golf cart 6V.
Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
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Burning up isolators either means they were the wrong size or wired improperly. Battery isolators properly applied and used have been working for many years in many thousands of vehicles. You can use a HD battery switch to switch the batteries in and out of the system but you have to remember to switch back and forth often to keep them both charged. If you connect two batteries in parallel or with a direct relay(solenoid) like the OEM system it will destroy both batteries fairly quickly. Remember the OEM system only had to get the vehicle thru the 1 year warranty.
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Originally Posted by Torque1st
Burning up isolators either means they were the wrong size or wired improperly. Battery isolators properly applied and used have been working for many years in many thousands of vehicles.
All three of the isolators I have burned up were wired correctly. The last one was the heaviest that was made at the time. However while heavy winching with the engine running the load melts them down. Without an extinguisher the last time could have been a disaster. You are correct, under normal use isolators have been around for years and are just fine but not in this case
[/QUOTE]You can use a HD battery switch to switch the batteries in and out of the system but you have to remember to switch back and forth often to keep them both charged.[/QUOTE]
Not at all. The switch only cuts out the second batt when needed over night for the Elk trailer to make sure that the primary batt is still good in the morning. Other wise its left on (second batt connected) all the time.
[/QUOTE]If you connect two batteries in parallel or with a direct relay (solenoid) like the OEM system it will destroy both batteries fairly quickly. Remember the OEM system only had to get the vehicle thru the 1 year warranty.[/QUOTE]
For the last 10 years (other than Elk camp) I have run the switch in the on position (both batts in the system ) and I get great batt life. The only draw back is when one gets weak both must be replaced. In fact my last (48 month) pair lasted 6 years and that included some heavy winching.The winching is what kills em.
Just my experience, some good……… some bad.
