what the reason for GM's side post batteries?

[Baz]

Always thought there should be some kind of "socket" one could plug a charger into for charging anything on wheels....cars, motorcycles, etc.

Seems like we are behind in technology on this.....

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Baz

Always thought there should be some kind of "socket" one could plug a charger into for charging anything on wheels....cars, motorcycles, etc.

Seems like we are behind in technology on this.....

Bean counters are to blame for this? If its easy enough to lift the hood and clamp a set of jumpers cables, crank and be home in 15 then why install a plug in unit? Clamping a set of jumper cables to the positive side is a bear on my truck. No room and the bolts head is only 9mm. Too small to get a good bite with jumper cables. Now, Porsche take this to a new lever of complexity on their newer cars. I think there's a charging port down near the driver left panel to charge the electronic hood release. I discovered that the painful way.

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by Baz

Always thought there should be some kind of "socket" one could plug a charger into for charging anything on wheels....cars, motorcycles, etc.

Seems like we are behind in technology on this.....

EVs have one. Time for the oil burners to catch up.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

EVs have one. Time for the oil burners to catch up.

Should we get rid of our tubs then?

[Baz]

Originally Posted by look 171

Bean counters are to blame for this? If its easy enough to lift the hood and clamp a set of jumpers cables, crank and be home in 15 then why install a plug in unit? Clamping a set of jumper cables to the positive side is a bear on my truck. No room and the bolts head is only 9mm. Too small to get a good bite with jumper cables. Now, Porsche take this to a new lever of complexity on their newer cars. I think there's a charging port down near the driver left panel to charge the electronic hood release. I discovered that the painful way.

I've noticed there are some jumper cable clamps that are better at this than others. They have small little clasping teeth as part of the clamps.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by Baz

I've noticed there are some jumper cable clamps that are better at this than others. They have small little clasping teeth as part of the clamps.

Mine clamps are like shark teeth so it does hold small bolts even if rounded. The problem is lack of room to stick the clamp in the positive side. After getting it in there, the bolt head is only about 1/4" sticking out for the clamp to hold onto. Got the new longer bolts, battery and its all fine now.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by look 171

Mine clamps are like shark teeth so it does hold small bolts even if rounded. The problem is lack of room to stick the clamp in the positive side. After getting it in there, the bolt head is only about 1/4" sticking out for the clamp to hold onto. Got the new longer bolts, battery and its all fine now.

There ya go......

[RANDY P]

Originally Posted by look 171

What a pain. Left the lights on and killed my batteries over night. Jumping starting it with those side post little thing is a PITA. Ended up driving to Costco for new interstate batteries.

To make life hell.

Extra good times when you strip one of the terminals.

rjp

[rusnak]

Originally Posted by look 171

Neither way, they are too short

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Gold-GM-Side-Post-Battery-Terminal-W-Amp-Stud-Car-Audio-Power-Wire-Amp-Install-/201091299838

https://www.amazon.com/Audio-Power-Install-Battery-Terminal/dp/B00OVHCPD8

https://www.sonicelectronix.com/item-18129-JL-Audio-XB-SPTM-Side-Post-Battery-Terminal-Adaptors.html

I think you bought the wrong ones. Side post terminals can be MUCH better than top post, but you need the right type of connectors.

[look 171]

Yep, I bought the post extenders from the local auto parts house. They made it possible for a positive bite from the clamp in that small area. I my situation, there's no room between the battery terminal and the large fuse box. I have to cramp the clamp in there jsut to get it to bite. New batteries, and no more worries for some times until I leave lights on next time.

[oldE]

I got a smile out of this thread. When I had the old E (a 1969), the most suitable battery I could find locally was a side terminal battery, so I converted the ends of my battery cables and didn't worry any more about top posts shorting in the battery box.
Never had a corrosion problem. A bit of di-electric grease prevents that.

Best
Les

[Zeke]

Best ever...