battery cable size

getting ready to install new battery cables and ends, what size cable is best? 1 gauge or 2 gauge ?

Which cables?

Wire sizes are listed in the TMs. (schematics)

Either sizes you listed, are larger than stock(iirc).

Just match the ones your replacing at the parts store.

I used a set of old slave cables and made new battery and starter cables. They're all 00 No voltage drop for me!

Mine are 2g on y M1009

The factory cables are 2 guage.

Anything bigger than that is good. With all age of our trucks and all the dirty electrical connections, the more juice you can provide the better. Whatever you do don't go smaller.

The factory cables are 2 guage.

Anything bigger than that is a waste. With the lengths involved, you can't measure the difference. Proper connections will make more of a difference than going from 2 gauge to 00.


Slave cables can be pretty long, so it makes sense to have larger gauge for slave cables.

Thanks guys. thinking about moving batts.to rear of truck where more weight would help,would install behind rear wheel on drivers side.would def. use 1 gauge or better cable..What are your thoughts? it would also open up more room underhood for a fresh air intake system ?

Oh, yeah! If you go back that far, you definitely want to go big! Just shooting from the hip (no calculations), I'd say I'd probably go to 0, with quality terminals. Don't skimp on the terminals!

Are you installing them inside or under the truck? Inside raises safety concerns about hydrogen gas.

Changing the battery cables is always a great idea.

Though moving them to the back won't make a whole lot of difference weight wise.

If you want to add more weight in the rear, consider adding a second spare.

I had an extra spare tire holder, so I cut it in four places and welded it up so it would fit on the drivers side, just like the passenger side. That adds a whole lot more weight to the rear, with out the concerns of two batteries gassing in the rear of an enclosed space.

Plus it gave me two spares, which I rotated all six tires once a year. Made the tires last a lot longer.

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Sorry .. had to chuckle at the "enclosed space" description.

Love the 'two spares' setup. I'll definitely have to put that on my list.
I usually leave my spare out of rotation to avoid shifting belts. That would certainly kill two birds with one stone.

Now I'm thinking about relocating batteries to....this site can be hazardous to the pocketbook.

Yes inside,but would be in sealed,vented boxes.thanks for the input guys..

You can buy batteries that have vent tubes for interior installation. All automobiles that have batteries in the trunk or cabin area have vent tubes that come off the battery and vent to the exterior.

Please check the dates on the threads you're replying to.