[Janizary]

Thanks, @Kreg for his post on "Added cable for easy battery negative post access"

With the the starting post in mind today I added a 12" 2AWG extension from the battery chassis ground for easy access to hook up my Viair 88p compressor (requires direct battery connection due to power draw). I had already added @DudeCS elegant 10mm bolt XS Power brass tower mod for my Battery Tender Plus (for trickle charging), but still wanted a more direct connection for my 88P compressor.

I used the 12" extension to just get enough to clear the front cover (and like @Kreg post, running a temporary battery-to-chassis ground wire during install, then zip tied it to the hood release cable). Then added a bit of heat shrink tube, cutting the unshrunk end to form a few flaps to keep the end protected when not in use (held with a zip clip). Just remove the zip clip and fold back the ends to use. Tested with both my BTP charger and my Viair 88p for function and everything was great. This is why I always check out the forums to see what other folks have come up with before I start hacking about on my own

 

[thro1]

Good stuff. I'm thinking of doing similar to mine. What if you extended the battery cable you used to go all the way to the "jump bolt" brass tower mod? Would that be ok or even advisable? I was thinking to have something more to grab onto that wouldn't dangle like the end of a lug cable. Didn't know how this would effect electrically as well. I love my Viair compressor and use it all the time. Appreciate your write up.

 

[DudeCS]

Electrically, it should not be a problem extending the ground cable to the brass adapter. The cable lug may not fit well under the brass adapter, as it is a bit wide. Also, a longer 10mm bolt may be required if the cable lug is too thick.

I have been able to operate my VIAIR compressor with connections at the positive battery terminal and brass bolt connection. The cable extension point (above 1st photo, right side) is bolted to the body, same as with the brass adapter. At the brass adapter, be sure to remove the paint on the female threads and use a star-washer for a good electrical connection.

 

[Janizary]

Also, a longer 10mm bolt may be required if the cable lug is too thick.

At the brass adapter, be sure to remove the paint on the female threads and use a star-washer for a good electrical connection.

My XS post kit actually came with two different length bolts (for each post). One short one that sticks out about about 7 threads below the post, and a longer one that sticks out an inch+ below the bottom of the post.

On mine I ran the bolt in and out several times then ran a brass wire cleaner (on a power drill) down into the threads to make sure I got all the paint out of the threads.

I'll need to try to run the compressor off the the brass post since yours seems to work ok doing that. Thanks!

 

[thro1]

Is the factory lug your connecting the ground to 2 AWG 3/8th's or 5/16's?

 

[Janizary]

I erred on the side of caution when I ordered my cable and picked up the 3/8. The bolt passed through with quite a bit of wiggle room, however.