Best way to run 4 ga wire to the rear of the truck?

[4flyer]

I need to run 4 ga wire to the back for my inverter install (it will be apart of my cargo box system). Does anybody have good suggestions on how to run wiring back there from the engine bay without just running it in plain sight inside the cabin? I was thinking of running it along the chassis and up through the rear left vent. Is that possible without impeding on the operation of the vent? I would just run it through where the stock wiring is run (the floor trim) but that is too small for 4 ga and I already ran coax and other cables through there.

Thanks!

 

[nc-grayson]

thru the firewall, down the drivers side under the trim.

or under the carpet running down the middle of the truck

 

[Mr.Rick]

If I can make a suggestion, I would make sure that the wire is fused or that you put a circuit breaker between the battery and the inverter. I installed a blue sea 60a circuit breaker under the hood before the firewall. Maybe 12-14" of 4awg, then the breaker, then continued on through the firewall under the carpet and driver side kick panel. I did this in the event that something happens to the 4awg and it grounds out or shorts. It may have been overkill but the $25 bucks was cheaper than an electrical fire in my rig and or a battery fire. I ran mine back to a blue sea fuse block but same principal. Just a suggestion. Once you get through the firewall its pretty easy to hide the wire. good luck!

 

[Mgyver1]

I ran 1ga along the frame and then up through a grommet in the floor in the cargo area. It's near the upper rear shock mount. From there it goes to a distribution block for things like stereo, fuse panel for misc lights, future inverter & air compressor.

 

[psraff]

thru the firewall, down the drivers side under the trim.

or under the carpet running down the middle of the truck

'll

X2 on this. I did this similar and once it's complete (right now I have it through a existing grommet but I'll give it it's own.)

Check my build thread and I did it with 2 awg so yours will be easier. For me, under the trim was tight so I ran it under the carpet in areas where it won't be damaged. Then it will come up under the dash on the driver side through the firewall through it's own grommet. My cargo box has a second battery, disconnect, main fuse, distribution block, inverter, air compressor and tank and more (powered solenoid valve, and fans to keep the compressor cool) when it's complete. I'll add pics or answer questions if you ask if I'm available.

I beg you, don't short cut this area. Do it right. Don't need to fry your system and leave you stranded, or worse burn your truck to the ground.

 

[kolelt]

if you are auto. You can cut the hole where the clutch pedals mounts. And install a grommet and run it through there. If you have a manual. There is like no area to make a new hole

 

[pluton]

I ran mine from the battery only to as far as underneath the drivers seat. I went from the battery along the top of the inner fender, down along/past the firewall and onward to the top of the frame rail. Added split loom for the engine section...should have done the whole thing in split loom just for extra safety. I came up through the floor pan...just drilled a hole. Rather than use a grommet, I used Permatex Ultra Grey RTV, which completely immobilized the wire as it comes through the floor.

 

[diverscale]

If you have an automatic, you can run it through the firewall where the clutch master cylinder should be on a manual truck. I had to run two 4 gauge wires on mine. Don't forget to get grommets at your hardware store.

 

[Rock_Rat]

if you are auto. You can cut the hole where the clutch pedals mounts. And install a grommet and run it through there. If you have a manual. There is like no area to make a new hole

If you have an automatic, you can run it through the firewall where the clutch master cylinder should be on a manual truck. I had to run two 4 gauge wires on mine. Don't forget to get grommets at your hardware store.

Are you sure an 01 has "optional" pre-made places for a manual when they no longer offer a manual as an option? Or are you both just talking about drilling holes where it would've gone in the older models? Just curious as I may be doing this some day myself. I'm leaning towards the way Bandit did his going under the rig.

 

[diverscale]

Are you sure an 01 has "optional" pre-made places for a manual when they no longer offer a manual as an option? Or are you both just talking about drilling holes where it would've gone in the older models? Just curious as I may be doing this some day myself. I'm leaning towards the way Bandit did his going under the rig.

they certainly didn't change the firewall for this reason. Look at my picture, you can see on your truck if that free space still exists or not. Wires go straight to the cabin where you can hide it below the kick panel then the door plastic trims.

 

[psraff]

May I ask what tool you used to drill those holes? That was my first location for my bulkhead fitting but I sure have no drill small enough to fit there on either side of the firewall.

I'm going with a different location with it now but I would still like to know for my 2awg wire.

 

[BrianSD_42]

Ok so just throwing this out there but why don't you just install the inverter under the front seat so you only have to run the power wires a short distance and then run an AC extension cord to the back of the vehicle?

The reason being that AC is far far better at distance than DC. So only run DC to front seat then AC to the rear since that is where you want the AC power plugs.

 

[Killer Squirrel]

May I ask what tool you used to drill those holes? That was my first location for my bulkhead fitting but I sure have no drill small enough to fit there on either side of the firewall.

I'm going with a different location with it now but I would still like to know for my 2awg wire.

I used a step bit and hit it from inside the cabin. Depending on the size of your drill that may work better. I was able to get a fairly straight shot in that location, but it was tight. Just put a drop cloth or plastic garbage bag down under there to catch all the metal shavings or vacuum them up well so you don't leave your carpet full of metal!

 

[psraff]

I used a step bit and hit it from inside the cabin. Depending on the size of your drill that may work better. I was able to get a fairly straight shot in that location, but it was tight. Just put a drop cloth or plastic garbage bag down under there to catch all the metal shavings or vacuum them up well so you don't leave your carpet full of metal!

Oh yeah, I know that spot well.... I think my drill is too big, even with a Uni-bit (step bit). May have to get an angle drill from work and that would work, I'm sure. Last thing I wanted to do was use a Drimel Tool and work a hole open with that. I would be cleaning debris up for weeks if I did.

But at least I know it can be done. Thanks!