what the reason for GM's side post batteries?

[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.

[Nostril Cheese]

Good effing question!

[Bob Kontak]

Less terminal corrosion.

I hate them.

[pwd72s]

A brilliant faster corroding design that made for more people going to dealership service.

[wdfifteen]

They take up less vertical space. Routing wires is easier.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by wdfifteen

They take up less vertical space. Routing wires is easier.

I believe that's probably the main reason, packaging, which, I believe, drives a lot of the crap design stuff that folks have to deal with like starters in the V or removing bumpers to replace headlights.

[asphaltgambler]

3 main reasons - 1) move the terminal / end away from the top where the cell vents are 2) the design allowed some encapsulation / insulation of the terminal end minimizing exposed surface to corrosion 3) battery cables could each be slightly shorter saving $ per unit in production

[fastfredracing]

There is usually another spot for jump starting.

[Scott Douglas]

My brother has found that when corrosion does happen it's better hidden by the side terminals. He found the bolts of the terminal ends weren't clamping like they should and the corrosion took place between the end and mating surface. This was on his diesel dualie 6.5T. There's a kit out there to replace the bolts with better ones which solves the problem, at least it did on his truck.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by Scott Douglas

My brother has found that when corrosion does happen it's better hidden by the side terminals. He found the bolts of the terminal ends weren't clamping like they should and the corrosion took place between the end and mating surface. This was on his diesel dualie 6.5T. There's a kit out there to replace the bolts with better ones which solves the problem, at least it did on his truck.

Okay, not faster corrosion...change that to well hidden corrosion.

[fastfredracing]

I used to pull out those stupid little 8 mm bolts, and put in a standard 3/8" bolt, with a nut and a few washers threaded on it. It made it easier to tighten,clean, and jump start . My personal vehicles, were always the shop trucks, and were used daily to jump start customer vehicles so those little terminals were the first thing to go .

[stomachmonkey]

I don't know but on my Trucks at least they suck big time.

Barely any room to get in there and screw in the cables.

Hate them.

[JackDidley]

On my non Porsche cars I always get batteries that go both ways. I like to add extra ground cables and it is easy with the extra lugs.

[masraum]

Originally Posted by JackDidley

I always get batteries that go both ways.

Not that there's anything wrong with that. They can identify as top post or side post or bi-terminal or terminal-fluid. Whatever makes them happy.

[rusnak]

I switch them to connectors like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosgate-Battery-Post-Extender/dp/B0029LDIQQ/ref=pd_day0_5?pd_rd_w=H39xB&pf_rd_p=8ca997d7-1ea0-4c8f-9e14-a6d756b83e30&pf_rd_r=S98XF31AX091Z1DD3K2G&pd_rd_r=ef7e3ff1-a5e0-4bd3-9993-9a66963b4159&pd_rd_wg=UWlp1&pd_rd_i=B0029LDIQQ&psc=1

And I really like them more than the top post connectors. You can use a real wrench on them and they're durable.

[stomachmonkey]

Originally Posted by rusnak

I switch them to connectors like these:
https://www.amazon.com/Rockford-Fosgate-Battery-Post-Extender/dp/B0029LDIQQ/ref=pd_day0_5?pd_rd_w=H39xB&pf_rd_p=8ca997d7-1ea0-4c8f-9e14-a6d756b83e30&pf_rd_r=S98XF31AX091Z1DD3K2G&pd_rd_r=ef7e3ff1-a5e0-4bd3-9993-9a66963b4159&pd_rd_wg=UWlp1&pd_rd_i=B0029LDIQQ&psc=1

And I really like them more than the top post connectors. You can use a real wrench on them and they're durable.

Hmm, never thought to look for a conversion.

I'm gettin me a couple sets of these. Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/XS-Power-551-Terminal-Adaptor/dp/B005ASUIU4/ref=asc_df_B005ASUIU4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312442771380&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2269627968756566381&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027290&hvtargid=pla-516652504314&psc=1

[look 171]

Originally Posted by stomachmonkey

Hmm, never thought to look for a conversion.

I'm gettin me a couple sets of these. Thanks

https://www.amazon.com/XS-Power-551-Terminal-Adaptor/dp/B005ASUIU4/ref=asc_df_B005ASUIU4/?tag=hyprod-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=312442771380&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=2269627968756566381&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9027290&hvtargid=pla-516652504314&psc=1

Don't, depending on your batteries, they do not fit my Interstate batteries (too short). I just bought some. Off to get the longer studs for better jumper cable connection.

[JackDidley]

Originally Posted by masraum

Not that there's anything wrong with that. They can identify as top post or side post or bi-terminal or terminal-fluid. Whatever makes them happy.

I think the latest term is, non binary.

[look 171]

Originally Posted by masraum

not that there's anything wrong with that. They can identify as top post or side post or bi-terminal or terminal-fluid. Whatever makes them happy.

lol

[look 171]

Neither way, they are too short