Optima D31 into stock 60 battery location...any actual experience?

[John McVicker]

Ok, here’s the pics of my install. I’m using the threaded lugs instead of the larger lugs. And even tho I enlarged the hole in the bottom of the hood to eliminate any contact, I’m going to keep those covers on the lugs as well as the larger red & black ones I previously used to cover up the larger clamps. The last pic shows the cable I connect/disconnect when I use my winch.

 

[DickM]

. Ever put a tool down while not looking, thinking
that flat battery makes a good temporary bench and arced across the terminals?

I’m going to keep those covers on the lugs as well as the larger red & black ones I previously used to cover up the larger clamps

I seem to have an almost idiot savant ability to short battery terminals with tools. Blue Sea makes a great assortment of battery terminal covers for different clamp/cable configurations. These are #4018, which worked for my setup.

 

[John McVicker]

^^^
And I thought I was the only one that did this.

 

[dogfishlake]

That looks really good John. Where did you get the plug set up for your winch? I never liked the positive being permanently hooked up all the way to the winch so I usually leave it off but bolting it on when it is needed is a pain. A quick plug in would be nice.

 

[John McVicker]

Anderson Powerpole Connectors | Waytek Wire

Waytek is an authorized distributor for Anderson Connectors. We carry Anderson Powerpole products that are color-coded for voltage. Shop Waytek today!

www.waytekwire.com

I used Anderson Power Power 180’s. I believe I got them from Waytek, but can be had from many places.

Many ways to skin this cat. I do keep my winch ground cable hooked up constantly but not the positive side. And when I actually need to use the winch, I then connect the positive from the winch to the positive of the battery by using the Anderson PP’s.

The way I did mine, you will need 2 Anderson 180’s, sized for the gauge cable you have going from your battery down to your winch. Cut the cable and crimp on the Anderson’s. Done. Join them when you need to winch. Pull them apart when finished pulling you buddy out...well not your 4 legged Buddy, he could almost pull your rig out.

Just feel safer this way. Some folks use a cut off switch which is fine, don’t really think one is ‘better’ than the other...I just went with the Anderson’s and they work great and offer protection..

 

[MANUCHAO]

The way I did mine, you will need 2 Anderson 180’s, sized for the gauge cable you have going from your battery down to your winch. Cut the cable and crimp on the Anderson’s. Done.

That's what i did... with the exeption of adding a set of power studs to switch between the winch and a set of jumper cables....easy peasy....

 

[John McVicker]

^^^
I like the idea. Can you give more detail please...pics?
Thanks.

 

[MANUCHAO]

pics?

Battery leads to terminal studs
studs to anderson coupling...
Disconnected until needed to winch or give a jump start....
you can see my home brew battery holder....!!!
Going on 3 years with no issues....

 

[John McVicker]

^^^
Looks good to me...function over form. Winner!

 

[Code Red]

Fear and paranoia, nothing to do with common sense. I tend to isolated trips solo,
just like to feel one less thing that can trip me up.
To be honest, I should cap the positive. Ever put a tool down while not looking, thinking
that flat battery makes a good temporary bench and arced across the terminals?

I completely understand.

I once welded a crescent wrench to my radiator that way.

 

[88Retired62]

I completely understand.

I once welded a crescent wrench to my radiator that way.