External battery posts to hookup air compressor?

**GaryS1964** · 05-09-2021, 04:56 PM

My air compressor uses alligator clips to connect to power. I have two 6V batteries. I was thinking that I could wire these (https://smile.amazon.com/Allstar-Per...A5Q/ref=sr_1_5) to the outside of one of my battery boxes so I wouldn't have to remove the security straps from my battery boxes in order to remove the box covers every time I wanted to add some air to my tires. I'm no electrical genius but it seems like this would work. Any thoughts? Any alternative ideas?

I don't want to change the alligator clips as I want to be able to connect to other batteries on other trailers and vehicles.

**GeoffnCheri** · 05-09-2021, 05:20 PM

To answer your question, I think that would work as long as you utilized it with the batteries in series. The positive on the first battery positive post and the negative on the second battery negative post. I think it would be a pretty good drain on your trailer batteries though.

Personally, I would keep the clips and and use the tow vehicle battery (with tow vehicle running) as the 12v source.

YMMV

**GaryS1964** · 05-09-2021, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by GeoffnCheri

I think it would be a pretty good drain on your trailer batteries though.

Personally, I would keep the clips and and use the tow vehicle battery (with tow vehicle running) as the 12v source.

YMMV

Good points. Thanks

**SteveO** · 05-09-2021, 06:36 PM

Originally Posted by GaryS1964

My air compressor uses alligator clips to connect to power. I have two 6V batteries. I was thinking that I could wire these (https://smile.amazon.com/Allstar-Per...A5Q/ref=sr_1_5) to the outside of one of my battery boxes so I wouldn't have to remove the security straps from my battery boxes in order to remove the box covers every time I wanted to add some air to my tires. I'm no electrical genius but it seems like this would work. Any thoughts? Any alternative ideas?

I don't want to change the alligator clips as I want to be able to connect to other batteries on other trailers and vehicles.

The portable air compressor we have does not really run if the engine is not on, so I would reiterate not to run off the trailer batteries. Also, I see you have an F150 as well, not sure of you know this, but you need to clip to the negative accessory post as opposed to the battery post. This way the device runs through the current sensor.

**orbiker** · 05-09-2021, 11:04 PM

Look up Anderson connectors.

They are safe and can't be connected backwards. KEN

**Second Chance** · 05-10-2021, 09:01 AM

I'll join others calling for just using the tow vehicle with the engine running. We have a Viair 400 compressor and I got an extension hose (along with a water trap) so I can reach all four tires on the fifth wheel and all six on the truck just hooking up to the truck batteries and idling the truck.

Rob