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Topic: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using? (Read 538 times) previous topic - next topic

Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

My two 4YO yellow tops are on their last leg. It's frustrating that Optima's don't last as long as they used to given their price point. It may partially be my fault as I always have the coach on shore power and thought they were being charged. Nope. I went out yesterday to check and both were  around 6V, quite dead. Tried to resurrect them with a desulfator/charger but that didn't help. I need a way to have the start batteries charge while on shore, but I will create a new thread for that.

All that said, I need 2 group 34s. My requirements/preferences are below
- Ideally 850CCA but 750CCA will suffice since I have the gear reduction starter
- I would like a good warranty and somewhere that is national should I need to swap them out for said warranty
- I am not interested in Optimas

As we all know, batteries have really shot up in price in the last since the pandemic. I see the usual big box store ones, but am interested in a few below.

Diehard - EP CQ DieHard Auto / LTV Battery, 12 Volts, Group size 34, 800 CCA, 985 CA...

Duralast https://www.autozone.com/batteries-starting-and-charging/battery/p/duralast-gold-battery-bci-group-size-34-800-cca-34-dlg/561276_0_0

Duracell https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/SLI34M?source=bing&medium=shopping&campaign=ecommpla&msclkid=c5f41b3b686615a54db27fa12c751d67

And then there is this pricey monster- https://www.batteriesplus.com/productdetails/battery/sli/bci-group-34/sli34agmdp

TSC one, great reviews https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/traveller-t-34dt-automotive-battery

Couple of questions
1- Are AGMs worth it? I have had both over the years and the flooded type seem to last longer from my experience, and I hardly ever need to add water
2- What are people using?  Do you have another option that may be better?
3- I know Duracell from the small bits but how are they for auto/truck/rv?

Thanks all.
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #1 –
I've had good luck with my NAPA Gold AGM's.  4 Years old and still seem to be holding strong.  I do keep a tender on them whenever it's parked in the garage.
Mark & Bev
2001 U295 36' Slide
Cummins ISC 8.3 350HP
Build #5802
Jeep Wrangler Toad

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #2 –
I just replaced my engine battery's with 3 from Costco, $99 each, Interstate. The last ones I just replaced have been in there since 2014 and still started the engine with ease (Kirkland brand).
I see no point in AGM battery's in this application, the battery compartment is very open for battery fumes to escape and any maintenance is easy to do.
The battery's are always on a charger when stored.
If I had difficult access, poor ventilation, and had to leave the battery's without a charger for a length of time, I would go with AGM.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #3 –
Not my fav place to shop.  BUT they are everywhere, have a good warranty and let you park there to install them if need be.

 So, we use Walmart batteries and Walmart oil. ( I don't install the oil there)
Robert and Susan
 1995 36' 280 WTBI 8.3 3060r
 1200 watts on the roof, 720 Ah of lithium's
 Build # 4637. Motorcade # 17599
        FMCA  # 451505
        18  Wrangler JLUR

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #4 –
Advance Auto carries Die Hards,ask for military discount.
96 U270 BUILD 4810
85 380SL
Drummonds TN.

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I just replaced my engine battery's with 3 from Costco, $99 each, Interstate. The last ones I just replaced have been in there since 2014 and still started the engine with ease (Kirkland brand).
I see no point in AGM battery's in this application, the battery compartment is very open for battery fumes to escape and any maintenance is easy to do.
The battery's are always on a charger when stored.
If I had difficult access, poor ventilation, and had to leave the battery's without a charger for a length of time, I would go with AGM.


HMM!  That is the the winner, $99 and I can put a battery tender on them. Great warranty too. I did not see the group 34 when  searched, but found it if you enter a Jeep Liberty. Will go today and get a pair. Thanks all!
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #6 –
Duracell at Sams is manufactured by East Penn/Deka. Great batteries good price.
1992 Foretravel 36' Grand Villa ORED - VC22RD Chassis - 8.3 Cummins

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #7 –
Odyssey pc2150 is what I used x2. 4 years ago they were $400 a piece I'm not sure what they go for now. I did have to modify the battery compartment a little bit but they have been going strong since then in there excellent AGM batteries. I'm pretty happy with them so far.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #8 –
My Red Top Optima  have worked well,

Replaced in 2012 and still going strong, However I full time so they don't sit much.

Good Luck
Andrew Buras
Full Timing Since July 2007
1995 U-300 Lived in it for 14 years and now back in it.
Build #4627
Towing 2015 Ford Flex
Still on the road

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #9 –
To report back, wife picked up the last 2 group 34s at Costco, got them installed along with the Batter Tender 1.5 trickle charger/maintainer.

For the charger, I have this plugged into the plugs on the water manifold. I did read someone plugged them in to their block heater? Where is this? I really don't pay attention to these being in TX. Or do people run these up through the bedroom and plug them inside the coach?
Jason
2000 U295 36' Non-slide  ISC350

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #10 –
Jason, the switch for the engine block heater is on the end of your bed. When switch is "on" the switch is red. Open up your bed and look on drivers side of bed where the transfer switch is and you'll see an elect outlet.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #11 –
Make sure you unplug the block heater from the electrical outlet. I keep mine unplugged
all the time unless I want to use the block heater.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport
 

Re: Time to replace starter batteries, what are people using?

Reply #12 –
We have used conventional maintenance free Autozone Duralast batteries for the engine during the time we have owned the coach. Our U300 OEM was 34 series but I modified the rack for 31 series. The 34 series batteries have lasted about 7 or 8 years in the past on all of our vehicles. I ask for a discount for three and the average cost has been $100/ea for both the 34 and 31 series.

Our house batteries are 6 Genesis AGM batteries I bought when we purchased the coach back in 2008. They are still working OK with the voltage dropping a little faster than when new.

Coach use is a big factor. Battery age reduces the CCAs available plus cold weather also requires longer cranking time. High altitude and even cool weather also adds to cranking time so batteries, terminals, cable connections have to be in excellent shape. What works in summer may not in winter.

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