Because of cost..........I am now thinking that maybe spending the $$ to get an Optima is not a half bad idea. I looked up Optima red top batteries online. The best I could find was 1000 cca @ 32*F. This Optima is a 34 series battery. I strolled down to my local Napa Auto Parts and asked about this battery. Whoah!!! "Just shy of $300. sir" Yikes! Can I find them cheaper? I saw one online for $157., but what about the shipping costs? Must be really high? I am really trying to do my homework and get the best bang for my buck. If anything, I want 1000 cca's or more.

 

My take on batteries is somewhat different than most people's. I like to buy cheap batteries and replace them before they give trouble. They go two winters and then I buy another one.

 

Sears Diehard is another good name.

 

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/...lbiUw#redspecs
$165 with shipping here. Optima batteries can be shipped in the regular old mail truck too, no hazardous fees.


I have been happy with my optima. The truck has been starting every time for the past three weeks of real cold weather. One morning was -21* ran the grids too and it still cranked over fast. The old girl doesn't get plugged in and I only drive short distances but she keeps her charge.

Keep in mind the vibration resistance of the optima with its absorbent glass mat between layers of high purity lead, there is no worry of active paste and plates breaking down and shorting out. Not that these old trucks have any vibrations especially while plowing.

Also having top and side terminals is nice for accessories and new leads off the battery, I have my grids and head light relays tabbed to the side posts, works well. Plus there are never any leaks or spills and theres no fuzz growing on the terminals or rotting the battery tray any more than it already is.

And in case you can't tell I did a sales presentation on these batteries 7 years ago in high school for FFA. Back then they were $120 which wasn't bad compared to the competition. But now with the price at $165 I think the commercial batteries at half price are a good option as well, they are big and cheap, great for a budget.

 

I'm with wanna, I have a local battery place that deals in mostly "re-manufactured" batteries. Just about any battery is like 24.99, golf carts are like 32.99. He also has new batteries, but I just get his reman'd ones. For my cherokee I came out of there with an interstate batter for 24.99. He also gives a 2 year pro-rate warranty.

Even if the battery only lasts 2 years, you still can't beat it for $30! But I have a couple that are older than that and still working. Last year I put a couple of the golf cart batteries, they're trojans, in my trailer and they still seem to be doing well. I expect them to last a long time!

Aaron

 

interstate but stay away from optima

 

I did the dual battery conversion and used 2 Exide NASCAR 78DT104s. They were the best fit for a sideways mount and the company I was working for sold them. They have a 40 month unconditional and a 64 month prorated warranty. The dual setup does a nice job of spinning the starter.

Bob

 

DieHard Marine Battery, Platinum PM-1 - Group Size 31M

Same battery as the oddesy PC2150: BCI group size 31. SAE or stud terminals

about same price but can find locally.

 

PC2150 Group 31
Specifications

Home | Batteries | Applications | Accessories | Charging | Documentation
PC310 - PC535 - PC545 - PC625 - PC680 - PC925 - PC1200 - PC1230 - PC1400 - PC1500
PC1700 - PC1750 - PC2150 - PC2250 - ER15 - ER30 - ER40 - SBSJ 16


PC 2150 Design:

* Absorbent glass mat (AGM) technology
* 12V battery pure VRLA
* SAE group 31 footprint
* Rugged construction
* Brass SAE terminal with 3/8 in. (9.5mm) corrosion-free stud terminal underneath
* Can be mounted in any orientation
* Suitcase lifting handle
* US DOT and IATA certified non-spillable
* Shipped fully charged - just install and go
* Container and cover made from oil resistant plastic



Performance Features:

* PHCA: 2,150A at 80°F (27°C); for 5 seconds
* PCCA: 1,500A at 0°F (-18°C); for 5 seconds
* CCA: 1,090A at 0°F (-18°C)
* CA/MCA: 1,370A at 32° (0°C)
* HCA: 1,545 at 80°F (27°C)
* Reserve capacity: 205 minutes on 25amps
* Short circuit current: 5,000A
* Deep cycling capability: 400 at 80% DOD
* Design life: 12 years
* Typical service life: 6 to 8 years

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/battery/pc2150.htm

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...rine+Batteries

 

If you want the ultimate in batteries, modify for the group 31 truck battery and put two Odyssey batteries in. They double the start amperage. They are really strong batteries. I have four of them in the Freightliner with a 2000 watt inverter and run them down in the 11.5 volt range regularly watching tv and cooking in the truck.