What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

jesse977 · 03-23-2011, 11:32 PM

My truck has side terminals. The dude at autozone says they suck and that I should get a battery with posts. What do you guys think? Is it worth it to switch over to posts?

1BadSS · 03-23-2011, 11:36 PM

I like the side terminal batteries. Much easier to unhook the connections without damaging anything.

Redcap · 03-23-2011, 11:44 PM

I prefer top post, but I also always run terminal ends with removable leads.

*78 Chevyrado* · 03-23-2011, 11:45 PM

Side Terminals are the best design out there. they won't corrode if the cable isn't damaged. Top posts are OLD tech and require maintenance. For once GM built the better mouse trap.

The only thing I can think of that top posts are better for is hooking up lots of accessories, and only then because dang near everyone ONLY makes adapters for top posts.

hotrodhomi · 03-23-2011, 11:55 PM

Dual post batteries are great. I like the side post hook up with the top posts free for jumps/ stereos.

willstruck · 03-24-2011, 12:02 AM

I bought a replacement connector for my side connector battery in my car that had a threaded end on the back side, so I could bolt on any accessory I wanted... worked great! Never had a problem. This truck? 3 months, had tons of problems with the top posts. Stranded on the side of the road multiple times, burned through like 5 connectors.

texasfunk · 03-24-2011, 12:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

Dual post batteries are great. I like the side post hook up with the top posts free for jumps/ stereos.

This! All my trucks have side and top posts...
Posted via Mobile Device

hotrodhomi · 03-24-2011, 12:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by willstruck

I bought a replacement connector for my side connector battery in my car that had a threaded end on the back side, so I could bolt on any accessory I wanted... worked great! Never had a problem. This truck? 3 months, had tons of problems with the top posts. Stranded on the side of the road multiple times, burned through like 5 connectors.

replace the whole cable with heavy duty cable or crimp and solder the connection.

Pop's C-10 · 03-24-2011, 12:15 AM

Side posts are a much cleaner looking instal..

83burban · 03-24-2011, 12:21 AM

the dude works at autozone because he doesn't know whats hes talking about.

Each one has its uses - i prefer side batteries with both. Side for normal connections and post for accessories like winch etc.

bigwheel15 · 03-24-2011, 12:30 AM

I prefer top post but have side currently.

willstruck · 03-24-2011, 12:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

replace the whole cable with heavy duty cable or crimp and solder the connection.

I had the connector that was on there corrode, and fall apart while driving. Then I had a few instances where the battery slid on the homemade battery tray forward, so the hot hit the front of the truck, and shorted out. A longer ground, so I can flip the battery around will pretty much fix my problem...

Altec · 03-24-2011, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

Dual post batteries are great. I like the side post hook up with the top posts free for jumps/ stereos.

Bingo!

**78 Big10 454** · 03-24-2011, 01:43 AM

My square has factory dual batteries. My primary is side post and my secondary is top post.

1986swb · 03-24-2011, 02:48 AM

Purchase a battery with both posts. Reason. For stereo/amp system setups (require lots of grounding and direct power source) and then some. The side posts are good for jumper cables and for your trickle battery charger hookups. See pic.

Rifter_Chevy · 03-24-2011, 06:49 AM

I will never buy another side post battery again, i have seen to many die by the side connectors literally melting off on high draw applications(such as a 200-300 amp draw10,000lbs+ winch, or a boost on a semi rig)

I have never seen a top post melt off, ever, even when welding with a pair of jumper cables with 4 or 5 batteries hooked up to them which must be 200 amps+.

First thing i did when i bought the truck is buy a new top post battery.

motornut · 03-24-2011, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 78 Chevyrado

Side Terminals are the best design out there. they won't corrode if the cable isn't damaged. Top posts are OLD tech and require maintenance. For once GM built the better mouse trap.

Actually they will up here, the salt goes anywhere/everywhere seen quite a few corroded between the bolt and side post

The only thing I can think of that top posts are better for is hooking up lots of accessories, and only then because dang near everyone ONLY makes adapters for top posts.

yes they do make side post adapters

Quote:

Originally Posted by hotrodhomi

Dual post batteries are great. I like the side post hook up with the top posts free for jumps/ stereos.

yup best setup for a boost,try clamping on that small bolt head and then it comes off and ZAP, more$$
you will get better power to the other truck from the extra top post

my4by2 · 03-24-2011, 08:38 AM

Both have their pros & cons, but I prefer the top post style personally - mine had duals from the factory & will have when it's done - both Optima Red Top's with top posts. Yes they require a little more care & maintenance, but come on people - we are all talking about square body Chevy's here - which are older vehicles & generally require more maintenance anyhow so you're probably gonna be under the hood fairly regularly - either showing it off, cleaning it or even just checking everything out. If you were really worried about that kind of thing you should probably just get a new truck so you really never have to open the hood....

silvereagle07 · 03-24-2011, 09:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1986swb

Purchase a battery with both posts. Reason. For stereo/amp system setups (require lots of grounding and direct power source) and then some. The side posts are good for jumper cables and for your trickle battery charger hookups. See pic.

I agree. I use batteries with both posts in my trucks. I like the ability to add things to power source without a lot of clutter. 1986swb that's a clean install, I like the kicker terminal ends.

**hatzie** · 03-24-2011, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jesse977

My truck has side terminals. The dude at autozone says they suck and that I should get a battery with posts. What do you guys think? Is it worth it to switch over to posts?

If your side post lugs are in good shape keep em. I run dual post batteries with side post cables. Makes jumpstarting another rig easy.

Mrtn15 · 03-24-2011, 04:03 PM

What's so good about dual post batteries?
Posted via Mobile Device

87 V20 Scottsdale · 03-24-2011, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrtn15

What's so good about dual post batteries?
Posted via Mobile Device

I use dual terminal batteries because it makes jump starting other vehicles or machinery a helluva lot easier. Without the top posts you've got to make sure you have a good connection to the wimpy little side terminals.

1985ChevyK20 · 03-24-2011, 07:56 PM

I prefer top posts i think that it is a better connection plus i have seen side connections striped out and the battery not being able to be use anymore

85Bowtie · 03-24-2011, 09:10 PM

Top post all the way. No reason to go with side post, thats just asking for a hard time.

Rollinsqrbdy · 03-24-2011, 09:17 PM

Both posts and you'll never go back to single posts

03-23-2011, 11:32 PM	#1
jesse977 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 277	What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? My truck has side terminals. The dude at autozone says they suck and that I should get a battery with posts. What do you guys think? Is it worth it to switch over to posts?

03-23-2011, 11:36 PM	#2
1BadSS NOT REALLY BANNED! Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Shawnee, KS Posts: 1,072	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? I like the side terminal batteries. Much easier to unhook the connections without damaging anything. __________________ 1987 Mustang Coupe - 2.7 Stroker, 78mm turbo, Stainless header, 3" Exh, FMIC, 160lb/hr Injectors, MS3, twin walbro 255's, 34psi. Eating V8's daily. 04 Pontiac GTO 04 Ford Mustang GT 68 C20 LWB stripper truck 73 K5 Cheyenne 76 C20 Sierra Crew SRW 88 K20 Suburban I'm not hammering on metal just to hammer, i'm creating a piece of art.

03-23-2011, 11:44 PM	#3
Redcap Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lewis County, WA Posts: 1,523	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? I prefer top post, but I also always run terminal ends with removable leads.

03-23-2011, 11:45 PM	#4
78 Chevyrado Account Suspended Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Unnapreciative, Trollville Posts: 2,079	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? Side Terminals are the best design out there. they won't corrode if the cable isn't damaged. Top posts are OLD tech and require maintenance. For once GM built the better mouse trap. The only thing I can think of that top posts are better for is hooking up lots of accessories, and only then because dang near everyone ONLY makes adapters for top posts.

03-23-2011, 11:55 PM	#5
hotrodhomi Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Sacramento Posts: 3,737	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? Dual post batteries are great. I like the side post hook up with the top posts free for jumps/ stereos. __________________ '72 2wd blazer, bagged w/ watts link & EDC '72 C10 "Lowered Farm Truck" STOLEN 5-18-11 '66 impala ht

03-24-2011, 12:02 AM	#6
willstruck Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Auburn, WA Posts: 87	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? I bought a replacement connector for my side connector battery in my car that had a threaded end on the back side, so I could bolt on any accessory I wanted... worked great! Never had a problem. This truck? 3 months, had tons of problems with the top posts. Stranded on the side of the road multiple times, burned through like 5 connectors. __________________ '85 k10 long bed, 6" lift. 35" tires. 350, Edelbrock intake/carb, headers, dual exhaust. Automatic.

03-24-2011, 12:15 AM	#9
Pop's C-10 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: memphis Posts: 2,537	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? Side posts are a much cleaner looking instal..

03-24-2011, 12:21 AM	#10
83burban Registered User Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: la Posts: 345	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? the dude works at autozone because he doesn't know whats hes talking about. Each one has its uses - i prefer side batteries with both. Side for normal connections and post for accessories like winch etc.

03-24-2011, 12:30 AM	#11
bigwheel15 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Fort Worth, TX Posts: 727	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? I prefer top post but have side currently.

03-24-2011, 01:43 AM	#14
78 Big10 454 78 Big10 454 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Pismo Beach, CA Posts: 839	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? My square has factory dual batteries. My primary is side post and my secondary is top post.

03-24-2011, 02:48 AM	#15
1986swb Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Sammamish, Washington Posts: 163	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? Purchase a battery with both posts. Reason. For stereo/amp system setups (require lots of grounding and direct power source) and then some. The side posts are good for jumper cables and for your trickle battery charger hookups. See pic. Attached Images __________________ 1986 GMC Sierra Classic C1500 SWB 2006 GMC Yukon Denali http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/a...hp?albumid=977

03-24-2011, 06:49 AM	#16
Rifter_Chevy Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Vancouver, Canada Posts: 107	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? I will never buy another side post battery again, i have seen to many die by the side connectors literally melting off on high draw applications(such as a 200-300 amp draw10,000lbs+ winch, or a boost on a semi rig) I have never seen a top post melt off, ever, even when welding with a pair of jumper cables with 4 or 5 batteries hooked up to them which must be 200 amps+. First thing i did when i bought the truck is buy a new top post battery.

03-24-2011, 08:38 AM	#18
my4by2 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Hot Springs, AR. Posts: 1,215	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? Both have their pros & cons, but I prefer the top post style personally - mine had duals from the factory & will have when it's done - both Optima Red Top's with top posts. Yes they require a little more care & maintenance, but come on people - we are all talking about square body Chevy's here - which are older vehicles & generally require more maintenance anyhow so you're probably gonna be under the hood fairly regularly - either showing it off, cleaning it or even just checking everything out. If you were really worried about that kind of thing you should probably just get a new truck so you really never have to open the hood.... __________________ 1977 Chevrolet K30 LWB Crew Cab 497HP Mast Motorsports 6.0L LY6 HO engine GM NV4500 5-speed, Centerforce clutch + NP205 D60 + 14-bolt FF w/ Eaton posi + disc brakes Skyjacker 2.5" full spring lift w/ Nitro shocks Custom paint + interior http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=435722

03-24-2011, 04:03 PM	#21
Mrtn15 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Edgewood Texas Posts: 272	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? What's so good about dual post batteries? Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1986 Single cab 2WD Chevy 350/350 1977 Single cab Dually C30 BB454!

03-24-2011, 07:56 PM	#23
1985ChevyK20 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Kenosha Wi Posts: 21	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? I prefer top posts i think that it is a better connection plus i have seen side connections striped out and the battery not being able to be use anymore



Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.

03-24-2011, 09:10 PM	#24
85Bowtie Registered User Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: TN Posts: 410	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? Top post all the way. No reason to go with side post, thats just asking for a hard time. __________________ '69 Dodge Charger R/T 440, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '68 Plymouth Road Runner 383, 727, 3.23 Sure Grip '89 Dodge Diplomat ex cop car 408, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '77 Dodge Monaco ex cop car 440, 727, 2.71 '79 Dodge 'Lil Red Express pickup 360, 727, 3.55 Sure Grip '12 Dodge Challenger SRT8 392, M6, 3.92 '85 Chevrolet C-10 SWB 2wd 305, TH350, 2.73

03-24-2011, 09:17 PM	#25
Rollinsqrbdy Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Dexter, N.M. Posts: 1,082	Re: What battery do you prefer post or side terminal? Both posts and you'll never go back to single posts __________________ Its Kool to be a square 2013 Chevy Silverado Z71 w/ 7" lift and 35" Nitto's 1985 C-10 ......My dream truck (under construction) 1984 k 10 Silverado...6" lift with 38.5 super swampers New Mexico Member --- Member of the Square Body Club---

Register or Log In To remove these advertisements.