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Topic: Engine Start Batteries (Read 1097 times) previous topic - next topic

Engine Start Batteries

I had an engine start battery go bad.  >:(  so, I need to replace my Three (3) , engine start batteries,  :( :(  two options;  Energizer 950 cca  from walmart @  $97.00 each  or Interstate 660 cca @ $114. each .  :'( :'(  The coach had the Interstate in it when I got it and they did a fine job, after shopping I found the higher cca Energizer. Any ideas or other suggestions, or donations  appreciated.  :)) :)) :))
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Gerry & Brenda
CHARLOTTE HARBOR, FL
1994 Grand Villa - # 4466
U300 Unihome - 6V92 Detroit
4 speed Allison - Jake Brake

Re: Engine Start Batteries

Reply #1 –
Gerry & Brenda,

When we bought our coach, the three start batteries were really weak. We wanted fresh batteries before we headed home to California.  We went to the local Autozone store and bought three Duralast batteries at $80 each (2009) with 7 year warranties (I had called across the US to make sure three were in stock at that store). They spin the Detroit over like a top and can be serviced anywhere in the U.S. I had trouble with one (out of many purchased) in a car several years ago and the local Autozone replaced it in minutes. Check the warranty compared to the gel batteries. Spun the Detroit in Yellowstone at 20 degrees (with 40 weight oil) as easily as home in the summer. They get my vote. Kragen (O'Riley) and NAPA have something similar that is serviceable anywhere also (NAPA may be more expensive with nothing to gain).

Pierce & Gaylie
93' U300/36
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Engine Start Batteries

Reply #2 –
One consideration is what type of battery you want to use, flooded, gel, or AGM. I chose AGM batteries to replace our two starting batteries. I chose AGM because: 1) our house batteries are AGM and I charge all the batteries together by using the boost switch when we are on shore power. All the batteries have the same charging profile; 2) AGM batteries don't normally lose and liquid and don't need to be checked for liquid level; 3) AGM batteries don't seem to promote as much corrosion as flooded cell batteries.

AGM batteries are more expensive at the time of purchase. They will be about twice the price of the batteries you mentioned. I can't speak to the relative cost per unit of time.

The Optima series 34 AGM batteries we use are rated at 800 CCA each. We carry two of them to start our Cummins C8.3 engine.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Engine Start Batteries

Reply #3 –
I put three new Interstate batteries in my Foretravel last year.  They work great.  The only problem I have is that the caps are snap ons.  The little caps that accumulate battery acid and allow it to go back into the batteries will not work.  They fit only batteries that have screw in caps.  So, I have to add water every couple of months.  This is not a big deal; but I wish the special caps would fit.
Alan Dodson
1991 U280 GV 36'

Re: Engine Start Batteries

Reply #4 –
Equally important beside CCA, price etc, is the date code, you do not want to purchase old batteries that have been on the shelve for a long time,  Good battery dealers send 60 day old batteries back for recycle or to be sent to Walmart or Kmart etc.  They tell me, batteries over 60 days old, will never be as good as fresh batteries.
If there is no date code, I skip it.
fwiw

Re: Engine Start Batteries

Reply #5 –
Quote from: alandodson –
The only problem I have is that the caps are snap ons.  The little caps that accumulate battery acid and allow it to go back into the batteries will not work.  They fit only batteries that have screw in caps.  So, I have to add water every couple of months.
Get your self one of these:

 About $15 at a parts store.  Use distilled water only. 
1994 U225
build #4514

Re: Engine Start Batteries

Reply #6 –
The most wonderful battery fill system is Qwik-Fill/Flow-Rite

Qwik-Fill | Flow-Rite

Simply snap the flow caps onto batteries - use the hand pump with tube in a gallon of distilled water and mash pump until it becomes to hard to squeeze. Batteries are filled to correct level.
Virginia Cunningham
Motorcader # 16992
'99 U320 40'
'06 Black Silverado 2500HD 4x4 Crew Cab
 

Re: Engine Start Batteries

Reply #7 –
The Qwik-fill is a great idea except they do not design one for my 8Ds.  I just had to replace the wet cell 8D starting battery - it was 6 years old!  Replacement cost $149, which included tax. 
John Cooper
'91 GV 36'
Oshkosh chassis
Cat 3208T 300HP