PSA: Maintain your battery terminals

[Berty_K]

Sharing a maintenance item some may have overlooked (I sure did).

I've spent some time building out my 12v setup. I'll share an observation:

• With stock terminals, I noticed my alternator charging voltage was fluctuating from 13.3-13.9.
• With new mil spec terminals (pictured below), my charging voltage holds steady at 13.8-13.9.

My old battery terminals were old and corroded-- I suspect this was causing a poor connection the the battery. I didn't do a full "big 3" upgrade because the Mil Spec terminals gave me flexibility to wire directly to the battery.

You probably don't need to go as far as I did. I assume even a proper cleaning would have made a difference.

 

[randy88fj62]

Use a brush to get rid of corrosion.
Then put vaseline on the terminals.

Regarding your setup. Blue Sea is made by Eaton. You can buy the Eaton RTMR and it's 100% waterproof / submersible. Waytekwire sells their switchable circuit breakers real cheap.

The only criticism I can give on your picture is the need for rubber boots over your hot terminals. Don't take the risk of anything arcing when you accidentally lay a wrench in there.

 

[Berty_K]

Use a brush to get rid of corrosion.
Then put vaseline on the terminals.

Regarding your setup. Blue Sea is made by Eaton. You can buy the Eaton RTMR and it's 100% waterproof / submersible. Waytekwire sells their switchable circuit breakers real cheap.

The only criticism I can give on your picture is the need for rubber boots over your hot terminals. Don't take the risk of anything arcing when you accidentally lay a wrench in there.

You’re totally right.

These covers off Amazon just came in today. Both terminals are covered now.

Fastronix Military Spec Battery Terminal Covers (Red and Black) Amazon.com: Fastronix Military Spec Battery Terminal Covers (Red and Black): Automotive