[63Bonneville]

Here's a thought that's come to mind...

This day and age, with all automotive-tech from infotainment to autonomy, why do some contemporary vehicles, cars and trucks, still have a prop-rod to hold up the hood, as well as pickup trucks (with the exception of the new Ram and GM mid-sized models) still have an old-school radio-antenna on the right-front quarter-panel?!

[mick78]

Originally Posted by 63Bonneville

Here's a thought that's come to mind...

This day and age, with all automotive-tech from infotainment to autonomy, why do some contemporary vehicles, cars and trucks, still have a prop-rod to hold up the hood, as well as pickup trucks (with the exception of the new Ram and GM mid-sized models) still have an old-school radio-antenna on the right-front quarter-panel?!

Cost saving mostly, and, in case of prop rod, it is also sometimes weight saving (whilst a gas strut is not tons heavier, we know how every gram is shaved off here and there). That said, I don't mind prop rods, its not like I'm opening the hood 3 times a day, and at least they won't get weaker after a few years and constantly let the hood bump back on your head when filling up with washer fluid....

[boston]

I'm ok with prop rods. Unlike struts they are lifetime items.

Try out this thought.

Why are we still stuck with the 12v outlet that once lit cigarettes? Isn't there a better/small way to provide 12v power to accessories?

[mick78]

Originally Posted by boston

Why are we still stuck with the 12v outlet that once lit cigarettes? Isn't there a better/small way to provide 12v power to accessories?

I did wonder about that as well, but then again, it's a world wide standard (one of the few), in newer cars you do find USB, but IMO USB can't support the same power output as a 12V socket can, e.g. run a cooler box or a small hoover;

Some German cars now have even switched to USB-C, which most of the time still requires an adapter cable, as phones e.g come with a USB to USB-C charging cable out of the box;
You could of course install a regular power socket (you get e.g a 220V regular outlet in some European cars, but the problem is already that there are like 10 different power socket types in EUrope alone - of course non shared with the US ), but then again those are not standardized - neither in Voltage nor shape, unlike the "cigarette lighter" type of connector;

[63Bonneville]

This is all reminding me of what Jay Leno once commented on in "Jay Leno's Garage" once - "The car could even have a jet-engine under it's hood, but it will still have a prop-rod".