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Start Batteries

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
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #2 –

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

Amazon.com: Optima Batteries 8003-151 34R RedTop Starting Battery: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Carol & Scott –
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. 
Agree with you, jor will probably be good with only one on the 8.3 engine. 1450 cca is pretty healthy.
Jim C.
coachfree, previous 1997, 1999, 2000, and 2003 Foretravels.

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #4 –
 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.
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: Start Batteries

Reply #5 –
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.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Lon and Cheryl –
I went to Costco and bought 3- 900ah batteries for less than  $300. With there (Costco) warranty I will never pay for batteries again.
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:
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #7 –
Quote
I went to Costco and bought 3- 900ah batteries for less than  $300.
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
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #8 –
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.
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #9 –
Next time, hopefully not soon, I'll look into a single 8D AGM. 
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #10 –
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
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #11 –
Quote from: Carol & Scott –
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. 
This is worth a look when I have to shop for house batteries.  Have they done better than the "maintenance free" alternatives?
2000 U320 mid entry  #5688
2006 Jeep Liberty


USMCR retired
SDFD retired
FEMA US&R TF8

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #12 –
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
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)
 

Re: Start Batteries

Reply #13 –
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
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My advice and experiences are Free, you decide if they are worth anything .

John - driving Old Faithful
1994 U280 GV
C8.3, Banks, Pacbrake, 900 watts, Resonator, XLHD tow dolly
Retired Army Warrant Officer

Life is what you make of it - if it is lemons, make lemonade!
Former Coaches:
1988 GV 40' ORED 300HP CAT - 9 years
1990 Winnebago LeSharo - 3 years
2000 Newmar London Aire - 3 years (#18 of 23 produced)