routing of Battery Tender pig tail

Just behind the driver's seat is a panel which an easily be removed. That is the usual area from where a pig tail is routed. The ac cord is routed through an open driver's window. Use a microfiber towel to prevent the cord from rubbing on the paint.

 

If possible, I would extend the pig tail a bit, so you can leave the battery tender outside the car...maybe a bit overboard, but in that "million to one" instance when it melts down...better outside the car.

Use 18 guage zip cord, and you can just close the door on the cord...the thick door seals will easly collapse around it. Worked fine on my previous 308, 328 and current 355 (though I now have an "on board" battery tender). I even close the door on the cord in my BMW 540....no problem, no pinches or marks on the cord.

 

I have an '02 360. The previous owner had his dealer install a Battery Tender pigtail which terminates in the passenger side forward air intake (the pigtail pretty much hangs in there). For reasons specific to my garage, that's the one corner of the car that I can barely get to, so now I just run it through a slightly open driver's side window and plug into the cigarette lighter (an attachment that is readily available). That has the added benefit of having to be REALLY oblivious to it to be able to drive off without unplugging it! I haven't used the one in front since.

 

Brian:
Thanks for the your input. I was a bit tenative in using the lighter connection, which I have, when I lay-up the car next month for six months. I have a '85 308 that I purchased last month and obviously didn't want to fry the electronics. Regards, -Chuck

 

You didn't did you?

 

I did once!!! Many choice words ensued!!! Fortunately, no permanent damage.

 

Thanks for the admission

Brings to mind one time I watched a guy "cast off" in his shiney new 40-something-foot powerboat - He let-go all the lines, but forgot the power cable - Pulled the bollard thingy right out of the dock!......

Cheers,
Ian

 

I have always had to fear of doing that with the motor home. So many things connected and extended. It sure gets you in the habit of doing a walk around. Pretty tough with a boat I guess. At one of the NHRA races I worked one of the drivers last in an early round and was so upset he got in his motor home and took off. Someone caught him before he hit the highway to tell him that is slideouts were still extended.