Battery Lugs

[PhiDor]

The lugs on the battery cables, (red) are both cracked. So far I haven't had any trouble. How much of a job is it to change the entire cable? Should I just change the lugs?

And has anyone a tip on sliding the batteries out of their compartment? What a job! Another 1/4" and they would never come out!

2007 Excella Classic 34'

[Sav'h Steve]

I have the same problem. End of the terminal by the nut is cracked but still holds. At some point I'll replace with:
Amazon.com: Shoreline Marine Battery Marine Terminal Kit (Red/Black): Sports & Outdoors

These are quality terminals which you can crimp on a awg 4 ring terminal to attach it too.

As to pulling out the battery, I simply cut a piece of black nylon strap approx 4-5 feet long and wrapped it vertically around the battery (so that it goes underneath & on top of). To pull out the battery simply grab the ends - give it a slight lift and out she comes. Makes life a lot simpler!

Hope that helps.

Steve

[dznf0g]

In addition to the straps that Steve mentions, I cut large pieces of milk jug and place them under and protruding over the compartment door frame where the batts dig in. They slide nicely on this material. I also cover the wing nut ends and threaded posts with those little white rubbery wire shelf end sleeves to prevent the contact and arcing with the compartment door frame. Still a tight fit, especially with the group 29 Interstates, but much more manageable. My lugs are also cracked, but still clamp down tightly.

[Jammer]

Originally Posted by PhiDor

The lugs on the battery cables, (red) are both cracked. So far I haven't had any trouble. How much of a job is it to change the entire cable? Should I just change the lugs?

And has anyone a tip on sliding the batteries out of their compartment? What a job! Another 1/4" and they would never come out!

2007 Excella Classic 34'

The stock group 27 batteries fit reasonably well. Those from most manufacturers have a strap-type handle and are not difficult to remove or install.

I have not had to replace the terminals in the Airstream yet but have had excellent results with other vehicles with solder-on terminals that use a solder slug:

Copper Battery Terminals

They can be installed easily enough with just a propane torch.

[Wazbro]

Lifting the battery up and putting a pry bar under it for it to slide out on works well.

Pry bar like this.
Stanley 55-515 12-inch Wonderbar Pry Bar - Amazon.com

[ROBERT CROSS]

I lift and slide the battery with this...

plastic putty knife.

Replaced Positive cable ends with these...

Bob

[PhiDor]

Thank you all for the tips and hints. I'll use one or more of them for sure. Thanks again.

PhiDor

[richinny]

Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS

I lift and slide the battery with this...

plastic putty knife.

Replaced Positive cable ends with these...

Bob

bob, that looks a lot like your window opening tool! nice multi-use tool

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by richinny

bob, that looks a lot like your window opening tool! nice multi-use tool

And it never gets lost...it lives in the battery box.......after getting evicted from the silverware drawer...my bad.

Bob

[cwf]

I pulled mine out just grabbing top strap. Guess I am tool wimpy.

The circular strap is good idea.

When cable ends fail I get ones that I can strip back the wire and clamp down to the terminal clamp

In a pinch you can use a hose clamp to hold stripped wire to the terminal.

You can also use copper tubing to couple new and old wire. Go to welding shop for good ones.

Once clamps crack it will minimize current flow. If not cranking a motor it won't be a big deal for a while.

[cwf]

Mil spec battery terminal clamps
http://www.mcmaster.com/#battery-terminals/=n07x5t