What's the latest on the best start batteries? This rig has two shot 34R redtops, Almost five years old and won't hold a charge. I saw a couple of posts recommending the Intimidator 9A31 AGM Battery. Just looking for opinions. Thanks.
jor
We replaced our 3 yellow tops a few of years ago.
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/SSBL/AGM8D.oap?year=2014&make=Jeep&model=Wrangler&vi=5178786&ck=Search_8a8d_5178786_-1&keyword=8a8d
Made by East Penn.
Just my opinion...FWIW. Our coach came from the former owner with two Optima RedTop starting batteries. They are almost 6 years old and still going strong. I think I will replace with the same brand when they die. The Intimidator (in same size) has less CCA and costs more:
Deka 9A34R AGM Intimidator Battery (775 CCA) - EAS9A34R (http://www.autobarn.net/9a34r-deka-intimidator-battery.html?site=google_base&gclid=COGNyrib19ACFUe1wAod9MsFkA)
Amazon.com: Optima Batteries 8003-151 34R RedTop Starting Battery: Automotive (http://www.amazon.com/Optima-Batteries-8003-151-Starting-Battery/dp/B000MS9VZA)
Agree with you, jor will probably be good with only one on the 8.3 engine. 1450 cca is pretty healthy.
I replaced the Red Tops, too many poor reviews of the new ones and no great warranty.
I went to Costco and bought 3- 900ah batteries for less than $300. With there (Costco) warranty I will never pay for batteries again.
I just replaced my 3 red tops with new red tops. The old ones where dated 2008 and 2009. I have heard similar comments of the new ones not lasting as long. However I decided to try them any way. I think life of batteries is related to good maint. Clean terminals and keeping them charged by a low amp charger I hope this will give me longer life. I agree the Cosco price is very tempting.
As a valued customer, please write to Mr. Costco and ask him to build more stores in Texas. We would REALLY like one in Midland-Odessa! :help:
Not available at the Tucson Costco. I need 34R ("R" indicates reverse terminals). The Costco guy told me that they can only sell what's on the floor - no special orders. Didn't have any 900 cold cranking either.
I checked O'Reilly's and they sell their Super Start Platinum for $165 with a three year warranty. It's 775 cold cranking. The Optimas are indeed less expensive but there seems to be general agreement from the folks that I've spoken with that their quality has deteriorated. I don't think I'll get an 8D as I prefer something I can handle.
jor
I think no matter what battery you buy I would look for 900-1000 cold cranking amps. That will drive price but in cold weather you will appreciate it. In this case size matters.
Next time, hopefully not soon, I'll look into a single 8D AGM.
Ended up installing the Optimas. They are 700 ah (group 34R). Couldn't find any comparably priced reverse terminals and it was too much trouble to rewire it. I take good care of batteries so I should get good life out of the Optimas. Installed a TriklStart and will install a Trimetric in the next couple of days. It will be good to see what's going on with the batteries rather than relying on the rinky stock panel.
jor
This is worth a look when I have to shop for house batteries. Have they done better than the "maintenance free" alternatives?
Installed three Autozone Duralast 34 series 7 years ago. Spins like a top in winter without the boost switch. 31 series are more HD but shorter warranty. Less than $300.
Pierce
I have 2 red tops, 11 years old in june of 2017.. the only charge to 12.8v but spin my 8.3 love a top.... ^.^d
Did I read... 3 red tops?... WoW if ya run out of fule they might take ya to the next stop... lol