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Topic: Parts Store Shows Mercy (Read 616 times) previous topic - next topic

Parts Store Shows Mercy

Our starting batteries were toast.  One checked OK, the others showed 13 volts(!), but dramatically failed a load test.  Analyzer showed the good one with 100 percent remaining life, one with .2 percent, and one with 0 percent.  Time to replace all three.  No indication of when they were manufactured or installed.  They came to us with the coach.

I was interested in AGM batteries because they don't ooze acid.  I drove around today looking for batteries.  Costco, O'Reilly's, Auto Zone...  At Advance Auto Parts, the counter guy actually asked if I needed help!  I told him my desire, and he said he had them for $254.99.  I told him "I have some other places to try - I am hoping for $200 each."  He replied "I can do that."

So, three 740 CCA AGMs (925 CA) for $652.00

I am pleased.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #1 –
Cash is still king!
1993 U225 Build #: 4285
500 Watts Solar
Honda CRV AWD
Former 1981 Foretravel Travco
Retired, Full Time Off Grid Snowbird

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #2 –
Good Job! I try never to pay list price and if I do, it ruins the whole day.

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

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #3 –
It was gratifying to calmly install the batteries and then turn the ignition key.

I like it when the projects turn out well.  I thank the wrench gods when I can do the job in my driveway!
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #4 –
Being from the freight transportation business I'm accustomed to negotiating. To settle on a price for services in that world it is similar to buying a leather wallet in old Mexico. I'm stuck on that. Some vendors will negotiate and some will not but it never hurts to inquire. In my experience a funeral director will negotiate.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #5 –
My wife likes the results I get from negotiating, she just doesn't like to watch it happening!  :))
But in my travels around the world, loads of places expect you to bargain, (and feel strange if you don't) and after a while it just became a habit. Now I enjoy it.

OldMattB, great job on the batteries and the install.
1998 U295 36'
Build# 5358

SMILE!....it makes people wonder what you have been doing.

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Kiwitex –

OldMattB, great job on the batteries and the install.

Aside from hands and knees, it is a pretty simple job.  One just opens the rear bay door and there they are.  I realize some coaches are not that way.

Years ago we had a little Safari Trek motorhome.  Our house batteries died on a trip, and I replaced them in a Sam's Club parking lot.  Golf car batteries jammed under the steps.  I remember jacks, pry bars, chains, flashlights, and cutting the plastic handle slots off the sides so the new batteries would fit into the space.  It was TIGHT!

Twice I have had car batteries die literally in a Walmart parking lot.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #7 –
AAA discount at NAPA
Speaking of parts store mercy. Today when I bought 134 at NAPA I kinda went off about the cost. He ask if I had AAA and I did.  He said I'm about to save you a ton of money.  Well he didn't because the 134 didn't qualify.

  BUT he told of a customer who purchased a 700.00 part and got 300.00 off.  Wow. By mentioning she had AAA card.

  So, just sayin.  maybe give a shot next time at NAPA.
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: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #8 –
Mark up can be unreal on parts. Identical sensor can be had for $77.00 on Amazon, $140.00 ORiely's and tops out at $600.00 at Dodge dealership. Dealerships are not likely to negotiate and they are the biggest bandit out there.
Dub McBride 1996 270

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #9 –
Quote from: oldmattb –
Aside from hands and knees, it is a pretty simple job.  One just opens the rear bay door and there they are.  I realize some coaches are not that way.
My biggest problem is my back/neck injuries make lifting heavy objects difficult, lifting then twisting while bending is a special form of torture. Even worse for the House batteries, which is why I generally pay the young guys at O'Reilly's or Autozone to install them for me, saves me a bunch of time and pain.  8)
1998 U295 36'
Build# 5358

SMILE!....it makes people wonder what you have been doing.

Re: Parts Store Shows Mercy

Reply #10 –
Matt, stopped at a nearby Advanced Auto supply in Baytown TX and learned they have no AGM batts and can not get any.  Very suprised you had no problem and this store is totally lost.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas