71_Bronco 1,072 #1 Posted June 12, 2020 Just curious what you guys are using for gauge of wire when doing your tractors. I think I read somewhere that the battery cables should be 6 gauge, and the rest only needs to be like 18 or 16 gauge. I wouldn't think there would be an issue going thicker (within reason) other than it being a little less flexible and harder to make sharp turns. Only other thing to consider would be connecting to items that are already pre-wired with a lead, like lights or switches. Thoughts? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 68,879 #2 Posted June 12, 2020 Couple years ago I bought a roll of 7 conductor trailer harness that is 14 gauge. I leave it together in the places where I want it like going through the gas tank shelf. Battery cables if they're only like a foot long or whatever I'll do 6 gauge. If I build anything longer I use 4 gauge. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
edgro 677 #3 Posted June 12, 2020 I would recommend 14ga minimum, 12 would be even better. Not for load capacity, but for physical strength and resistance to vibration. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 56,168 #4 Posted June 12, 2020 If you take a look at the factory wiring on a you will find that the majority of the wires are 18 gauge, the wires from the battery to the ignition switch and Voltage regulator/rectifier are 16 gauge. As @ebinmaine said, 6 for a short cable and 4 if it is longer than a foot. Grounding should be directly to the engine block rather than the frame. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ebinmaine 68,879 #5 Posted June 12, 2020 3 minutes ago, 953 nut said: Grounding Oh yes.... I ran several "extra" grounds. Voltage regulator. Volt gauge. Direct to starter. Good to have redundant grounds. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
