Negative battery terminal upgrade, or just better regular check?

Several years ago, I had the truck act weird on the freeway- it just went dead in mid flight, with all gauges, electrical, rpm's, everything going dark and dead.

And then it would pick back up. And then die, and start, die, etc....

I found the negative battery cable was caked with powdery white residue, and was a little loose. Cleaned, tightened, and all was good for a long time.

A week ago, I changed the oil, and checked the negative battery terminal by trying to wiggle and shake it. It looked clean and felt plenty tight.

Well, my shake must have knocked it loose! The next morning it did it again as I pulled into work. So, I loosened the terminal, looked for build up, crammed it back on and tightened it, and it has been fine.

I do run some mods- a power amp and seat heaters that I added that may exacerbate the persistence of the issue, but could this perhaps be solved with a beefier negative cable with a better clamp?

 

How old is the battery?

 

You can get those terminal upgrades from sdhq. I like mine for my extras and they are plenty sturdy. Alternatively you can clean the terminal and clamp and coat it in used oil and it stops corrosion.

 

I went with these and like said above I coated them with grease to keep the corrosion at bay. Been great for a few years now.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2648607933...3vLFqmVS6m&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

 

I’ve had these one for 2+ years now and have not had a problem with them.

$42 Vgate Lead Acid Battery Terminal Clamps, 8AWG up to 4/0(XL) AWG Gauge, 12-Way Connectors, Positive and Negative (+/-)(Pair) for SAE/DIN/EN Tapered Top Post

https://www.amazon.com/Battery-Term...t=&hvlocphy=9003212&hvtargid=pla-967054001239

 

About a year and a half. I don't doubt the battery at all. Once I cleaned and tightened, there have been no more issues.

 

Your ground terminal looks very bad. At least remove oxidation on the mating surface with sand paper.

 

That's what I thought too. That picture is after I wire brushed and applied dielectric grease. I think a beefier negative clamp is in order.