How To: Relocating a Battery
The Benefits of Moving Your Battery to the Trunk
You might not realize it, but the location of your car's battery can have an impact on how your car handles. That's because the weight distribution over the axles is crucial to a car's handling; the closer to 50% / 50% that distribution is, the better the car will handle.
One way to help move some of the weight to the rear of the car is by relocating the battery to the trunk. This may seem like a daunting task, but it's actually quite simple and can have an impact on your car's performance. Plus, it's a great way to extend the life of your battery. Here's everything you need to know about moving your battery to the trunk.
Why Move Your Battery to the Trunk?
There are several reasons why you might want to consider moving your battery to the trunk. First and foremost, as we mentioned, it can help improve your car's handling by evening out the weight distribution over the axles.
In addition, moving your battery to the trunk can also help extend its life. That's because engine heat and hot days sitting in the sun can cause batteries to fail after just 1-2 years. However, if you store your battery in a cooler location like the trunk, it will last much longer. In fact, some batteries have been known to last up to 10 years when stored in a cool, dark place!
Finally, another benefit of moving your battery to the trunk is that it frees up space under the hood. This can be particularly helpful if you're someone who likes to tinker with their car or make upgrades; you'll have more room to work without having to worry about coming into contact with an exposed battery.
How To Move Your Battery To The Trunk: Step-By-Step Guide
Now that you know all of the benefits of moving your battery to the trunk, you might be wondering how exactly you go about doing it. Luckily, it's not as difficult as you might think—just follow these simple steps and you'll have your battery relocated in no time!
Whether you're looking to improve handling or extend the life of your car's battery, relocating it from underhood storage location is a great solution. It's relatively simple process that anyone can do with just a few tools and supplies.
Parts Needed:
- Marine-grade battery box. Aluminum is Best but plastic can be used
- Roughly 6 Sheet metal screws and Cushion Clamps.
- 15-20 ft of 1 GA Positive Battery Cable Red
- 2 Battery Terminals
- 2 ft. of 1 GA Negative Battery Cable Black
- 1 or 2 Grommets for Firewall and Trunk Entrance
- 2 battery connectors 1 for Ground 1 For Starter
- Hammer Lug Crimping Tool
Tips:
- Make sure to run a ground strap from the motor to the body.
- Don't run the new wiring UNDER the car. Go through the interior under the carpet
- Watch out for the movement of the seat rails.
- Often you can find unused grommets but you can always drill a hole and add one.
- 4 Gauge wire is said to be the minimum acceptable gauge. Anything less is dangerous.
- Leave plenty of Contact area for your ground to battery. Mount to shiny metal, no paint.
- Watch out for any hot engine parts such as exhaust when running your wires from the starter.
How To:
- Remove battery
- Remove the ground wire
- Remove the battery tray if possible
- Test fit your power cable through the interior of the car
- Install the Positive Cable to the starter and attach any other wires.
- Mount the battery box in the trunk. Leave room to remove the lid.
- Cut any excess cable for a nice fit.
- Use the Hammer Crimp tool to install terminals. Some cables come pre crimped with terminal.
- Mount a ground strap from the body of the car to the engine.
- Recheck the wiring and Reconnect the battery.
- Have Fun!