Anderson plug to rear of 80 series wagon

Submitted: Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 12:57

ThreadID: 49881 Views:5107 Replies:6 FollowUps:3

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Robnicko

I am wanting to run power to the back of my 80 series so I can charge an additional battery in my trailer via an Anderson type plug.. What is the best route for the cables that will be conencted to the second battery in the engine bay. The dual battery controller is a Pirahna dbe180s which can handle the 3rd battery and also what size fusible link (or circuit breaker) should I run at the 2nd battery that feeds no3?

I was thinking of running the leads through the chassis rail in conduit. Any suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks,
Rob

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Reply By: Gerhardp1 - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 13:27

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 13:27

I ran my #8B&S cable through cheap garden black plastic tube, and cable tied it to the top of the chassis rail. My electric brake cable #5 was also pulled through, a bit tight but a fair bit of CRC helped it through.

Took the tube right up into the engine bay, as high as possible, and squirted a good dollop of silicone sealant into the rear end near the Anderson plug, which I soldered.

AnswerID: 263150

Reply By:- Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 13:33

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 13:33

I Used 18mm2 cable through a solenoid (which is only closed when the engine is running) I followed the chassis bar through to the battery ( Neg & Pos) and installed a 175 amp Anderson plug at the rear of the vehicle

AnswerID: 263155

Reply By: Nick R (VIC) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 15:36

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 15:36

When I had an 80 i put the 32 sq mm cable inside high density poly pipe and then inside the chassis rail, was a mission to get it through but it was protected in there....
NickR

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AnswerID: 263178

Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 21:07

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 21:07

If you're putting cable through conduit, and rubber grommets, talcum power works great for getting the cable to slip through. Or better still, do what most people do and buy the correct split conduit.

Its a long way back to your trailer. I'd suggest at least 4Ga cable both pos and neg.

Beware of bolts protruding into the chassis rails if you want to go inside - I prefer to cable tie the conduit to the top of a chassis rail.

Fusible links at every battery is good for short circuit protection - I'd guess 100amps would be about right , but that is determined by your batteries.

AnswerID: 263236

Reply By: Member - Christopher P (NSW) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 21:52

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 21:52

Hi Rob, i had a young bloke come into where i was working, on wednesday, asking about wire size and stuff, that's a salesman job not a support persons ie me!!!

What he wanted was wire to wire up a engle fridge and a caravan!!! i suggested that he puts a anderson plug on the back of the car and run a second battery and trip switch, but the sales man ended up selling him some 30amp wire and maybe a 30 amp fuse holder!!! Not sure as it's not my job to serve customers!! Queried the sales man and he said he just sold him the wire that he requested!!!

I see a flat battery and burnt wiring( learnt that one from experience) maybe a car fire and some trouble!!!!

But i can't say anything cause i'm not a sales man!!!

So will be interesting to see if all of above comes true????

Some people will not learn!!!

AnswerID: 263241

Follow Up By: Aandy(WA) - Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 23:42

Thursday, Sep 20, 2007 at 23:42

Why didn't you show a bit of initiative and correct the salesman! You stood by gutlessly and let a customer purchase equipment which will flatten his battery, burn his wiring, set his car on fire and give him some trouble too. Some people will not learn if they are not taught and you didn't offer your expert advice.

FollowupID: 524833

Follow Up By: Member - Christopher P (NSW) - Friday, Sep 21, 2007 at 20:51

Friday, Sep 21, 2007 at 20:51

Hey Aandy read this!!!!

"i suggested that he puts a anderson plug on the back of the car and run a second battery and trip switch, but the sales man ended up selling him"

I DID WHAT I COULD!!!

CAN MORE BE ASKED!!!!

I DON"T THINK SO, I HELPED HIM OUT AS THE TRUE NATURE OF THIS FORUM, IMPART WISDOM AND I DIDN'T STAND THERE GUTLESSLY I DOUBLE CHECKED THE SALESMAN. I DONT WANT THEM TO BURN ANYMORE THEN YOU AND I DON'T WANT THEM TO BE STUCK IN THE MIDDLE OF NOWHERE WITH A FLAT BATTERY.

PROBLEM WITH TODAY IS NO ONE WANT'S TO SPEND ANYMORE THEN THEY HAVE TOO!!!!

WE ARE DIFFERENT TO PREVENT, PROTECT AND SURVIVE!!!!!

Now that i had my dummy spit, i'll put my soap box away and talk as a normal person, we learn by our mistakes!! i tried to lesson them, as i said i'm not in a sales position and i would advised him on what to do and written it down word for word to keep them safe, if this comesback to haunt me then so be it!!!! I did what i could, i will cry every night and remeber that day.

FollowupID: 524938

Reply By: Robnicko - Friday, Sep 21, 2007 at 10:25

Friday, Sep 21, 2007 at 10:25

Thanks for all your replies.

Rob

AnswerID: 263289

Follow Up By: Member - Mark E (VIC) - Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 at 10:08

Sunday, Sep 23, 2007 at 10:08

Bottom line is use the heaviest wire that you can afford as anything is a compromise over that distance. Correct wiring techniques and attention to detail will prevent problems.

I am just in the process of doing the same and through my research and Collyn Rivers books on Motorhome Electrics, I figured that I needed at LEAST 50mm2 wiring to maintain voltage drop of less than 10%....a bit unrealistic, so I wen for twin 2G wire and 175amp anderson plugs...won't be perfect, but will do the job until there is a better option.

Cheers,

Mark

FollowupID: 525160