Question on power cable routing

[Pradege 0]

Got a question about running power cables thru my 2011 Chevy Tahoe I have seen people run their cables either thru the firewall or under the truck using flexible conduit. Which is preferable? Or is that depending on the amount of runs you are doing. I am planning on 2 runs of both positive and negative from a D3400 under the hood to a D3100 in the rear running a Crescendo BC5500D for 2 ZCON 15’s. If it is just a matter of preference then my question is answered, but if there are other issues to consider then any input would be greatly appreciated. I won’t start my build for about another month or so (in Afghanistan) so I have just been pouring over the net and this forum trying to dig up as much info as I can before I jump deep into doing this build which is my first btw. TIA

[emh9009 199]

I believe the only thing to worry about is wire exposure. If you're able to protect it well enough (if it needs any more than the standard jacket) then you can run it under your truck, will probably be easier as well.

[Frostedflakejake 148]

I am planning on 2 runs of both positive and negative from a D3400 under the hood to a D3100 in the rear

Do not connect the grounds of the two batteries together if they are that far apart. Ground the D3100 in the rear to a much closer point.

[Impious 1,476]

I am planning on 2 runs of both positive and negative from a D3400 under the hood to a D3100 in the rear

Do not connect the grounds of the two batteries together if they are that far apart. Ground the D3100 in the rear to a much closer point.

Depends entirely on the resistance of the wire compared to the resistance of the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle and/or grounding location it's possible for the wire to have less resistance, and hence would be a better choice.

[Pradege 0]

Well the truck is a 2011 Chevy Tahoe and i was wondering about the runs from the negative terminals but from what i had read and seen from most people running larger system it seemed like that was the preferred method. I was just wanting to know which one was easier. The cable i am using is 0 gauge XS OFC so dont get me wrong i would rather save money by not having to run as much cable plus the :effort: but i maybe expanding the system this time next year to an additional BC5500D and 2 more ZCONs and D3100's. So i am just trying to do the runs right the first time so i don't have to do it again later even if it is overkill/more money for the time being. Also thx for the replies.

[swift 501]

I personally do not think that car audio power cable has a thick enough jacket for me to feel comfortable running it under the vehicle exposed to the elements. Inside the vehicle it seems fine. I also have some Coleman Royale Stage cable that is perfect to run under vehicle. It has a very thick 600v jacket and is also very flexible. It's the same thing you see at Concerts, Carnivals and Fairs.

Now being that I have been there and doing that now if you do plan to run another amp down the road make sure you place the first 3100 in a spot where you can just add more beside it later and also go ahead and do the main runs front to back so all you have to do is add jumpers. I have to pull all of mine out because I didn't do that the first time. Also for a BC5500 I would do 2 3100's in the rear along with your 3400 up front. Then add 2 or 3 more 3100's when you add the other amp.

I would do 2 + and 2- front to back and also ground in the rear to the frame as well.

Edited November 13, 2012 by swift

[dbsupra 69]

Well think about this. If you run it under the truck you are going to have to drill a couple big holes somewhere.

[Pradege 0]

Well i appreciate the responses and like i said i am just curious as to which way is better for the long run. I just don't want to end up doing it the easy way, just to have to come back later to change it when i can do it right the first time. So for me it is not a matter of ease but more an issue for the best long term solution. Since i plan on install sound deadner anyway running inside the truck maybe the better option since i have to remove most of the interior anyway. But like i said i just want to do it right the first time and not run into an issue of "i should have did it like this to begin with". Either way though it will be a solid installation.

[Frostedflakejake 148]

Depends entirely on the resistance of the wire compared to the resistance of the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle and/or grounding location it's possible for the wire to have less resistance, and hence would be a better choice.

Very, very good point sir!

Since i plan on install sound deadner anyway running inside the truck maybe the better option since i have to remove most of the interior anyway.

Then I would run it through the cabin. It just seems like the right place for a wire to go and comes off as being more professional. My opinion only, of course. As stated before, you also have less wire exposed to the elements. Even though there is only a slight chances that the elements can danger the wire, it's still one thing less to worry about.

[Sencheezy 689]

I would probably run it under, especially for that much power. Just think about how large the whole is going to have to be through you're FW to support over 11krms.