Connect 4WD, Trailer & Auxiliary Battery Power With Confidence

Your 4WD has an auxiliary battery, the trailer needs a detachable power connection & the cable is already selected. Now comes the detail that determines whether the system connects properly: the Anderson-style plug must match the circuit, cable & mating connector.

Matson Anderson plugs offer detachable two-pole DC power connections for suitable automotive, 4WD, caravan, trailer & equipment applications. Industrial Shed's range includes 50A, 175A & 350A connector families, coloured 50A housings, protective covers, a 175A handle & bulk installation packs.

A connector is only one component in a properly designed circuit. For battery & charging-system checks, explore Testing & Measurement Tools. Before preparing the installation, Cutting Tools can assist with suitable cable-preparation work.

Start With the Power Connection You're Building

Not every detachable DC connector serves the same purpose.

A portable fridge connection, a trailer-mounted auxiliary battery circuit & a high-current equipment connection may require different cable sizes, protection arrangements & connector ratings.

Matson's range is organised around three main connector families.

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50A Connectors – Compact Auxiliary Power Connections

The Matson MA2350 family is rated at 50A & uses a two-pole Anderson-style connector design.

The manufacturer identifies the standard 50A family with 8mm² cable contacts. Coloured housing options in the collection include grey, red, yellow, green, blue & black variants.

A colour choice should be treated as a compatibility decision, not simply a visual preference. Confirm that the selected housing mates with the corresponding connector & suits the intended electrical system.

175A Connectors – Larger Power Connections

Matson's MA2360 family provides a larger 175A two-pole connector.

The published catalogue identifies a 35mm² contact arrangement, although another manufacturer product page gives a different cable-size figure. Confirm the specific contacts supplied with the part before choosing the cable.

A larger connector may be appropriate for a suitably engineered circuit, but its 175A designation does not mean every installation can safely carry that current continuously.

350A Connectors – High-Current Equipment Applications

The MA2370 family is Matson's 350A connector option in this collection.

Its catalogue lists a 65mm² contact arrangement. Applications may include compatible high-current battery or equipment connections where the complete circuit has been designed for the load.

The connector rating is not a substitute for selecting the correct cable, fuse or circuit breaker, mounting arrangement & operating duty.

Matson Anderson Plug Range at a Glance

The live collection contains these product types, with quantities varying between single connectors, pairs, accessories & bulk packs.

Five Compatibility Checks That Prevent the Wrong Purchase

Match the Connector Family

A 50A connector should not be assumed to mate with a 175A or 350A connector.

Each family has different housing dimensions & contact arrangements. Check the existing connector's part number or specification rather than estimating its size.

Match the Housing Colour & Keying

Coloured 50A connectors are useful for distinguishing different circuits, but colours may also correspond to different mechanical keying arrangements.

Do not force together connectors that do not mate correctly. A matching colour alone is not proof that two products are compatible across different brands or series.

Check the Cable Contacts

The conductor must suit the supplied contact barrel & approved termination method.

For example, the standard Matson 50A family is listed with 8mm² contacts. Using an unsuitable conductor or crimp can compromise the connection even when the housing fits.

General cable handling may require Pliers, but dedicated crimping equipment must match the contact manufacturer's requirements.

Design for the Actual Load

A 50A, 175A or 350A label is not permission to operate every installation at that current.

Circuit design must consider cable length, conductor size, voltage drop, protection devices, temperature & operating duty.

Check What Comes in the Pack

Some Matson listings contain a pair of connectors, others a single connector or an accessory.

The MA2350 is listed as a grey connector pair, while MA2360 & MA2370 are listed as individual connector-and-contact products.

Covers & handles are separate accessories unless the particular listing states otherwise.

Real-World Applications: Where the Connection Matters

4WD Auxiliary Battery Systems

A detachable connector can be useful when a 4WD needs to supply a compatible external device or auxiliary power arrangement.

Before installing the plug, determine whether the circuit is intended for charging, supplying a load or connecting a removable battery system.

The circuit's purpose influences conductor size, protection & connector selection.

Caravan & Trailer Power

A trailer-mounted battery or electrical accessory may need a connector that can be separated when the trailer is uncoupled.

The plug should be mounted where it can be accessed without straining the cable or exposing the connection to unnecessary damage.

For an overview of connection hardware selection, see Fastener Guide.

Portable Equipment Connections

Some suitable compressors, power units or workshop accessories use detachable DC power leads.

Before choosing a connector, check the equipment's starting & operating current. Motor-driven equipment can have a higher starting demand than its normal running load.

Fleet Vehicle Installations

Standardising compatible connectors across a fleet may simplify equipment changes between vehicles.

However, connectors must not allow accidental connection between incompatible voltage systems or circuits. Clear labelling & correct housing selection remain important.

For organising installation components, explore Portable Organisers.

Workshop Battery Equipment

Detachable power connectors may form part of suitable battery charging, testing or auxiliary power equipment.

Use the connection method specified by the equipment manufacturer. Never assume that a connector is suitable for direct battery connection without appropriate circuit protection.

For insight into the working environment of automotive service teams, read A Day With Automotive Mechanic.

From Loose Parts to a Finished Connector

Prepare the Cable

Measure the conductor against the specified contact size. Strip the insulation without damaging strands & confirm the insertion depth required by the contact.

For associated mounting work, Screwdrivers may help with suitable covers & equipment panels.

Terminate the Contacts

Crimp the connector contacts using approved tooling. Check the finished termination before inserting it into the housing.

An improperly crimped contact may heat under load or pull free during use.

Assemble the Housing

Insert each contact according to the manufacturer's instructions, observing polarity & orientation.

The contacts should be fully seated. Never rely on force to overcome a mismatch.

Mount & Protect the Connection

A trailer plug exposed to road debris needs different placement considerations from a connector installed inside a protected equipment enclosure.

Use appropriate cable support & compatible mounting hardware. For general mounting components, browse Bolts & Fasteners.

Test Before Connecting the Load

Verify polarity, continuity & the intended circuit voltage before energising the installation.

Check for abnormal voltage drop or heating under appropriate operating conditions.

Covers, Handles & Bulk Packs: Which Extras Are Worth Buying?

A protective cover can help reduce contamination when a connector is disconnected. The MA2350-1, MA2360-1 & MA2370-1 are listed for their respective connector families.

The MA2360-2 handle is a separate accessory intended for compatible 175A connectors. It may assist handling where the installation arrangement permits its use.

Bulk packs such as MA2350-126 & MA2360-44 are more relevant to workshops carrying out repeat installations than to a single one-off repair.

Keep unused contacts & housings separated by part number. Tool Storage can support an organised electrical work area.

What Causes Anderson-Style Connections to Fail?

A connector that looks intact may still have poor contact pressure, contamination, a damaged housing or an incorrectly terminated conductor.

Common warning signs include unusual heating, intermittent power delivery, difficult mating or visible contact damage.

Never disconnect a connector under load unless it is specifically rated & approved for that operation.

Clean components only by the manufacturer's recommended method. For general maintenance principles, read How to Clean Your Gear.