HELP Wires to Battery Rockwood HW276

[A.Brewer]

HI There,

I am new to the forums.

I need help. Someone stole my battery and cut all the wires that were attached to remove it. Argh.

I don't know what size gauge wires I need to buy to get a new battery installed and I need to winterize my camper (soonish.)

I have 3 red positive wires and 2 black wires.

Can anyone take a photo of their battery for me for a reference?

Do you know what size gauge wires I need?

I think 1 red positive wire could have had a fuse attached to the end??? not sure. I've attached a photo of my wires but I'm not sure if it would help.


Thank you
Andrea

[5picker]

Hi Andrea, So sorry for your issues.

It's hard to tell from the photo but it 'appears' you have enough cable there to put some ends on them and reuse without having to add cable.

Depending on the battery you get as a replacement, the cables/wires will need to have eyelets put on them (crimp or solder or both) and attached by a stud/nut on the battery post.

If the battery has common posts, you could simply buy some replacement automotive style battery cable ends where you simply attach the wires to the ends (with the included clamp/bolts) and fasten the replacement ends to the battery posts.

Some deep cycle batteries have both kinds of attaching studs/posts on them.

If you are not handy with mechanical things or soldering ends, your best bet is to find someone qualified to do so.

[A.Brewer]

Hey thanks! you are probably right that I have enough wire still there to attach new eyelets (maybe one black wire is too short??)



Can you answer this question - about a fuse or a "block" on one of the red positive wires? ( for the roof winch???)

[5picker]

Originally Posted by A.Brewer

Hey thanks! you are probably right that I have enough wire still there to attach new eyelets (maybe one black wire is too short??)



Can you answer this question - about a fuse or a "block" on one of the red positive wires? ( for the roof winch???)

It is possible that a wire had a fuse holder attached to it. I have certainly seen that.

Whether YOURS had one is a million dollar question as every R/V is wired somewhat differently, even between models/years.

Hopefully, someone with your exact make/model/year will chime in and be of better help.

[A.Brewer]

Thank you for you help :-)


I would really like to see a photo of someone's HW276 battery with wires attached for a newer model 2018 :-)



fingers crossed I get a few hits.


thanks again

[bryon]

I had the same question on the positive side block for a HW296. I was told it is a 12V circuit breaker. Here is a picture of mine. Here is some more info

https://www.forestriverforums.com/fo...et-154141.html

Bryon

[Ben N]

Originally Posted by A.Brewer

Hey thanks! you are probably right that I have enough wire still there to attach new eyelets (maybe one black wire is too short??)



Can you answer this question - about a fuse or a "block" on one of the red positive wires? ( for the roof winch???)

My 2020 Flagstaff HW 27KS has a 12 volt circuit breaker like this one on the positive lead:

https://www.amazon.com/Rig-Rite-Manu...153245&sr=8-14

[A.Brewer]

thank you.


Would you know what size gauge wire or eyelets I would need for the 3 red and 2 black wires?


I have 5 wires total and I am guessing:

1 x 8 AWG Red (power jack lift?)

2 x 10 AWG Red ( roof winch and for the power for the main camper)



1 x 8 AWG Black ( is this a ground wire)

1x 10 AWG Black (is this the negative power for the main camper


I will pick up one of those 12 Volt circuit breakers in 30 amp. (my camper is 30 amps)


Thanks again for your help.
Andrea

[A.Brewer]

Thank you.


Do you remember what size gauge wire those 3 red wires are and the 2 black wires?


Thanks for the photo.

[rbq]

When you get this all figured out you may want to get one of these. 8 years ago I had someone steal my 2 6 volt batteries. Got these & haven't had another problem since. B & D RV Battery Lock For RV travel trailers and popup campers.

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

If the existing wires are of any decent quality to start with.

They should be marked as to the gauge. You may need to clean them off and get a magnifying glass but look for markings that read like:

Wire size: Indicated by a number (such as 12, for 12-gauge) or a number followed by "AWG," for American Wire Gauge.

Good Luck!

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Just curious where was the trailer when this happened?

Good Luck.

[bstuhldreier]

I'm guessing you can determine the gauge of the wire if you look at the print on the wire insulation. It should be printed multiple times over the length of the wire.

[kjlars]

Many manufacturers use 6 gauge wire. I replace all my 12Vdc wiring with 4 gauge as it will handle a higher amperage load. Wire gauge is dependent on the amperage load placed on the system. You can determine the size needed by adding up the wattage of the items turned on at any given time and dividing the total wattage by the dc volts; i.e. 800 total watts / 12Vdc = 66.6 amps. 66.6 amps requires 6 gauge wire but I would go with 4 gauge just to have the ability to absorb any surge.

[A.Brewer]

thanks for this suggestion. I will be getting one of these asap.

[A.Brewer]

My camper is on my driveway in the back alley. There's no fence to block it off from passerby's. We just returned for a month away and were trickle changing the battery for out next camp trip. The chain that is usually wrapped around it locked up, was forgotten. Hence, easy pickings. Unfortunately, unless things are bolted down in our neighbourhood it easily walks away....

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by A.Brewer

My camper is on my driveway in the back alley. There's no fence to block it off from passerby's. We just returned for a month away and were trickle changing the battery for out next camp trip. The chain that is usually wrapped around it locked up, was forgotten. Hence, easy pickings. Unfortunately, unless things are bolted down in our neighbourhood it easily walks away....

Ok , got it. Yes that is a big bummer.

Take care!

[GravelRider]

That's too bad. Now is a good time to upgrade batteries if you find that your current bank is lacking. A very cheap and easy upgrade is two 6 volt GC2 batteries wired in series to give a 12 volt battery bank. Sam's Club has flooded GC2 batteries for $89 each, which is a steal, and will leave you with a 215 AH (112 usable) battery bank for under $200. Not as good as AGM or, of course, lithium, but $/Ah is unbeatable.

[A.Brewer]

Here are the wires ... I can't figure out what size gauge they are but my best guess is:

1X 8 gauge Black (negative - main camper power)

1x 10 gauge Black ( ground wire?)

1x 10 gauge Red ( power roof winch)

1x 10 gauge Red ( positive - main camper power)

1x 12 gauge Red (power Jack)

5 total.


I will purchase a 12 volt 30 amp circuit breaker

[U.S.ArmyVeteran]

Originally Posted by GravelRider

That's too bad. Now is a good time to upgrade batteries if you find that your current bank is lacking. A very cheap and easy upgrade is two 6 volt GC2 batteries wired in series to give a 12 volt battery bank. Sam's Club has flooded GC2 batteries for $89 each, which is a steal, and will leave you with a 215 AH (112 usable) battery bank for under $200. Not as good as AGM or, of course, lithium, but $/Ah is unbeatable.

That is a good deal if they are decent batteries. The reviews were not encouraging but ok. The good news is Sams Club is pretty good on battery returns,
The weight would be an issue for a lot of smaller trailers.
68 pounds each

Thanks for the info.