changing to Trojan 6V's, need crimping tool

[rbs]

Has anyone purchased a hydraulic wire crimping tool, in particular the one listed as Klutch brand from Northern Tool? Or a recommendation.

Changing out the original Interstate Grp 27 batteries, replacing with Trojan T125s. Raised the battery box 2 inches, so now have 12 inches of clearance. Going with the embedded universal terminal, which requires eyelet battery connectors. Plan on removing the automotive style post connector and replace with the correct eyelet style connectors, hence the need for a crimping tool.

And, of course, any and all advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

R&J

[IdahoTrvlr]

Originally Posted by rbs

Has anyone purchased a hydraulic wire crimping tool, in particular the one listed as Klutch brand from Northern Tool? Or a recommendation.

Changing out the original Interstate Grp 27 batteries, replacing with Trojan T125s. Raised the battery box 2 inches, so now have 12 inches of clearance. Going with the embedded universal terminal, which requires eyelet battery connectors. Plan on removing the automotive style post connector and replace with the correct eyelet style connectors, hence the need for a crimping tool.

And, of course, any and all advice will be appreciated.

Thanks,

R&J

When I replaced my batteries on my off grid cabin, the battery vendor made cables the length I needed with connectors crimped on at cost. You might ask your battery vendor to crimp new connectors on as part of the sale and save your self a likely one-time tool purchase.

[brokeboater]

I haven't used that unit but it looks like a lot of tool for the money. I went with the whack it with a big hammer style and it's served me well. Looks like about the same price as the hydraulic. The nice thing about the whack it with a hammer style is it's easy to store and I've never once had a hammer leak hydraulic fluid. Good luck whatever you choose.


https://www.solar-electric.com/hacrtoforlal.html

[jhenry]

I changed to two 6 volt batteries,had a wielder drop the sliding tray 3 inches.we have Napa auto parts up here they had pre made cable and I just adapted the posts.Works great.

[skitger]

I did my solar project and added Trojan batteries too. I used this tool for the crimping from Amazon and the lugs too.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

It did a great job for the cost, good luck

[JoeHTP]

Second Skitger’s suggestion. I used the same tool to install Trojans and just used it again to crimp some connections for the solar system I installed.

[Bob Peahl]

I switched our boat to 6 volt several years ago. Found an on line resource that will custom cut and crimp battery per your specs. Cost was very reasonable and quality was superb. Custombatterycables.com

[drbrick]

When I ditched my trojan 6v for lithium I us this crimp tool for 2awg wire https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QYTMPGP...xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==

[Mollysdad]

Originally Posted by rbs

Has anyone purchased a hydraulic wire crimping tool,

When I did the battery disconnect, I bought the 16 ton hydraulic crimper from Amazon, $54. It worked flawlessly. The only conundrum is the dies are marked in sq/mm, but there's an easily available chart to convert to AWG.
Crimping the ends was actually fun. When done properly, if you cut one open it's a solid block of copper inside.
I recommend not using "Hammer crimps".



Sourcing the terminals is time consuming. I tried to stick to Panduit, but I couldn't always. The terminals are sized by AWG AND hole diameter. Plus I wanted nickel coated copper.

[brokeboater]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I recommend not using "Hammer crimps".

And that would be because...?

[TravelingJim]

A crimping tool is something you just don't use very often. When I changed out some battery cables last year, I checked with NAPA Auto Parts. They offered crimping as a service. Well worth the money. Give them a call.

[bibbs]

That’s over kill for a crimping tool, I want one! You could melt solder into the connector, or you can find lugs with set screws.

[guskmg]

if you use a hammer crimper in a vise you get the same results as a hand crimper. The vise makes it very easy to control once you are set up. A second set of hands is handy though.
guskmg

[RON NICKELS]

Power company trucks carry them for service work. Catch up with local lineman and ask.

[robertbrenne]

Get the correct lugs for wire size, slip heat shrink up high and sweat solder correctly, slide heat shrink down and heat it up. a little extra time but I think it is better than crimping!

[Prettygood]

I need to make a similar change to the end connectors. Does anyone know what gauge wire Airstream uses for the primary power lines that connect to the battery? I have a 2019 Sport 22’ if that makes a difference. Thanks

[SuperTrouper]

Originally Posted by JoeHTP

Second Skitger’s suggestion. I used the same tool to install Trojans and just used it again to crimp some connections for the solar system I installed.

X3 I bought this one for installing my solar. Worked fine. - Brad

[Prettygood]

Originally Posted by Prettygood

I need to make a similar change to the end connectors. Does anyone know what gauge wire Airstream uses for the primary power lines that connect to the battery? I have a 2019 Sport 22’ if that makes a difference. Thanks

For future reference, it was a 6 gauge wire