I've got a 96 Cummins Dodge thats in need of 2 new batteries. This truck spends a lot of time in Maine in sub-zero temps and doesnt get started for days on end and doesnt get plugged in either. Does anyone have suggestions on some good batteries? Thanks

 

Howdy,
There is probably little response to your post, because there are already a couple of other open threads on this subject.
Do a quick search for "batteries", and you'll probably get all the info you need.

 

Optima Redtops. Only way to go.

 

I had Optima Batteries in mind but when I went to there website they didnt have a listing for my truck. They actually do make them for it?

 

I bought the recomended ones from napa there an 84 month job. I bought a new starter also because the one in it was original and sometimes the bushings get sloppy and drag off kilter. this will cause your truck to turn over slower.

now my truck turns over like we the people!




everything stock

 

Are the napa batteries sealed? And whats the CCA? Does anyone make a high CCA battery with a big reserve? The cold weather conditions torture my batteries.

 

What type of terminals ends does NAPA sell, are they crimp on? Do the sell the crimping tool? I have 2/0 welding cable but just need the ends.

 

10-4 on the tourture.

heres a link

http://www.napaonline.com/cgi-bin/nc...grpid=52070732


i dont know why that didnt underline?

seriously think about the starter too! like $145 from napa.

I have mine setup on a timer so it plugs in from like 4am to 6:30am when i plug it in.








stock 96

 

Deka makes a group 31 that is over 1000 cca and 190 minutes reserve. Youll have to do some battery tray modification and exxtend a couple of cables...but its definitly worth the effort.

The down side is that they arent sealed.

http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/product...l_service.html

 

I usually just buy the premade cable with the ends all crimped and molded.

 

I had the starter completely gone through last winter so I think thats all set.

 

Is there a group 34/78 sealed battery with post terminals and 1000 CCA?

 

Never seen one.

If memory serves, Optimas are 800 cca, with only 120 minute reserve.

 

I tried a pair of Exide 34/78 which I believe is 900 CCA
Biggest waste of my money. They have no reserve capacity (RC) to run an Espar.

I deal with heavy duty systems that run either four (4) group 31 or two (2) 8D batteries for 12/24 volt systems.

Delco makes a great low maintenance group 31 battery. Trojan & Interstate are a couple other national brands.

Doc
I hate to mention this, but the Deka batteries are the worst I have seen. Our warranty claims against them is the highest of any brand.
We just starting installing them when you went battery shopping so no experience. If you ask me today, I would reply "Run Forest Run!".

 

If you do change the starter, do yourself a favor and change the 3 crazy (12 point) bolts that hold the starter in with a set of standard grade 8 bolts with lock washers.









stock 96