Battery cable terminals are constructed with a rope strand of copper wire wrapped in a color-coded rubber compound.  Swollen cables can indicate that battery acid or road salts have entered into the terminal and caused corrosion.  Frequently clean the cables to keep them free of corrosion.  In addition, avoid overfilling the cells and/or overcharging the batteries, which can have just as detrimental effect as under filling the cells or allowing the batteries to drain past 50% state of charge.  Overfilling and overcharging can cause excess battery acid to boil out the cells and onto the battery terminals.

Worn or corroded battery cables can cause problems with the RV electrical system.  If the RV is experiencing hard starting or no starting, this may also signal a problem with the battery cable terminals.

It is not necessary to disconnect the cables when adding water to liquid lead acid battery cells, but each time the batteries are serviced a thorough cleaning and inspection of the battery cable terminals should be performed.  AGM and Gel Cell battery cable terminals should be maintained at least one time per month while the RV is in use.

Service of the battery cable terminals includes careful inspection of the rubber jacket.  Cuts or breaks that cause frayed cables must be immediately replaced.  Check the battery posts and clear away corrosion by scrubbing with a wire brush and a solution of 50/50 baking soda and water.  Remember to wear safety glasses when performing this procedure.  For heavier build up, use a battery cleaning solution available at most auto parts stores.  Rinse with clear water, tighten the connections and apply a coating of high temperature grease.

When changing batteries or removing a cable, first turn the ignition off and disengage the automatic generator start.  Sketch a drawing to note the position of the battery cables prior to disconnecting.  Unhook the negative before the positive, and when reconnecting, hook the positive before the negative.  Place the removed terminals on a clean flat surface that provides adequate space to prevent contact between the rings.

Use the usual precautions when working around battery cables.  Disengage the battery disconnect switch, remove all metal jewelry and wear eye protection to guard against splashed electrolyte.

When additional terminals are added to the battery it is important to pay attention to the placement of the ring terminal.  Heat shrink tubing on smaller rings will act as an insulator and prevent proper contact for larger rings.  Position the big cable first, followed by the smaller cable on top and then any connectors you may use, such as for the solar panel, on top of that.  Be sure rubber tubing only covers the barrel of the terminal and is not pinched under the bolts and covering any part of the conductive surface.