Would it hurt to double up the battery cables?

[SmartKart]

I have ordered a new set of 4 gauge cables to see if I could get any boost in speed or torque out of my 1994 Marathon. I have seen posts suggesting lowering the gauge even further. My question is.... and please excuse me if this has been asked before. Can you just put 2 cables (2,4,or 6 gauge) in place of the one cable between all the batteries? Would this have the same effect of allowing more current to flow to the motor?

-Tony

[BigDaddyChopShop]

Electricity, much like water, will take the path of least resistance. While it will not hurt, the change in cables alone will not "do" anything for you if the existing cables are in good condition. Now, if the are corroded, partially failed, or otherwise sub-par, you will see an improvement. I would stick with one cable- if you do replace, I'd go 2 gauge (i did in fact) so that when you ever do upgrades you are ready for them.

[Volt_Ampere]

The problem with this is getting a good connection at the terminals when doing this. I don't recommend doing it. Upgrade to 2 gauge if you like. More than that isn't going to do much.

[tag50]

Look at it this way. With twice as many cables you have twice as many connections and twice as many possible points of failure.


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[BigDaddyChopShop]

I have seen this done (lots) in Commercial HVAC applications, often because 2 smaller wires are cheaper than 1 large. There is a total of like what, 15' of cable in this cart? just do it right and once I guess is what I am saying.

[scottyb]

Originally Posted by SmartKart

I have ordered a new set of 4 gauge cables to see if I could get any boost in speed or torque out of my 1994 Marathon. I have seen posts suggesting lowering the gauge even further. My question is.... and please excuse me if this has been asked before. Can you just put 2 cables (2,4,or 6 gauge) in place of the one cable between all the batteries? Would this have the same effect of allowing more current to flow to the motor?

-Tony

Well, like the guys said it's best to just run one set. There is too much opportunity for corrosion to set in or a connection to become loose or be damaged from over tightening when doubling up.
I used to see lots of carts running double cables when I was in the service business.
Welcome to BGW & Remember opinions are like MILs - everybody's got one

[SmartKart]

Thanks for all the responses. I'll still take other opinions... Totally understand the weight opinions carry: ) My jury is still out. I do have the 4 gauge set already and was wanting to see what the consensus thought was. I get the consensus so far to be less is more and bigger is better. I'll think this over. If I decide to go one route or the other I'll report back if there are any discernible results. At least I got my feet wet on my first post and the flak wasn't bad at all. I just might like it here.

Thanx

-Tony

[teecro]

Originally Posted by SmartKart

Thanks for all the responses. I'll still take other opinions... Totally understand the weight opinions carry: ) My jury is still out. I do have the 4 gauge set already and was wanting to see what the consensus thought was. I get the consensus so far to be less is more and bigger is better. I'll think this over. If I decide to go one route or the other I'll report back if there are any discernible results. At least I got my feet wet on my first post and the flak wasn't bad at all. I just might like it here.

Thanx

-Tony

I'm in the "Can't Hurt" crowd that is as long as it does not cause any issues with bolting down... I ended up adding the 6 gauge cables back on top of my newly made 2 gauge cables as they were in like new shape and perfectly formed to drop right on. They did come in handy one day too! Working on a neighbor's cart and it needed a cable to make whole again...

[SmartKart]

Nice...didn't think of having spares for others:)

[Thomas965]

Originally Posted by SmartKart

I have ordered a new set of 4 gauge cables to see if I could get any boost in speed or torque out of my 1994 Marathon. I have seen posts suggesting lowering the gauge even further. My question is.... and please excuse me if this has been asked before. Can you just put 2 cables (2,4,or 6 gauge) in place of the one cable between all the batteries? Would this have the same effect of allowing more current to flow to the motor?

-Tony

Putting in larger or even double battery cables lowers the resistance & slightly increases voltage/amperage getting through to the motor. This is especially important in carts with upgraded motors which typically draw more current. The bigger the battery cables [the lower the gauge] the better. As an aside, I also got 1-2 more mph out of my cart by increasing tire inflation which makes the cart roll with far less resistance where the rubber meets the road.