I have an 01 Dodge diesel and the batteries need replacing. What kind of batteries, heavy duty or RV Deep cycle? Thanks for any info.

 

I am using the sears platinum group 65
http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinu...&sName=&mv=cmp

They are expensive however they do go on good sale occassionally. I picked mine up online with in store pickup for 159.00 each just a few months ago. They were on sale last month for 179.00 So if you can wait and watch for the online sale you can get them for somewhat reasonable.

So far they have been great but it has also only been 2 or 3 months. Other members here and on other sites have high praise for them except for their normal cost.

I have been using one of their other ones in my trailer for a couple years and so far have also been pleased with it as well.

 

You don't want "Deep Cycle" batteries for starting batteries.

 

I love my AGM batteries, and I'll never go back to conventional ones if I can help it. They're a little pricey, but they've lasted far longer than even the best conventional batteries I can find, and they're also far more reliable.

Mike

 

Les Schwab in mine.

Good price, good warranty, good starts.....

 

Though I bought the Sears Diehard platinum group 65 (rebranded Oddyssey AGM) earlier this year when they went on sale for $153.99, Oreillys Auto sells a rebranded Deka AGM battery, they call it the Extreme Start.I also run Deka in alot of my equipment. A couple of them are over 8 years old and still start fine (knock wood). They are VERY good batteries, made in the US. I owuldn't hesitate to put one in my truck, just got the Platinums for even less!!!

 

I put in a set of Optimas in 2006 ($160 each back then) and haven't looked back. The terminals are still clean like when I had put the batteries in, no acid corrosion, and starts strong in the winter. I don't think I'll ever go back to flooded cell convential batteries again.

 

Just get a set from Walmart or Sam's club and be done. Best price, convient for warranty. Plenty strong.

 

I agree with the walmart battries. i have a set in my 01 for 1 yr so far best price and a good waranty. and walmart is everywhere. i also pull a 5th wheel and have had no problems.

 

Another Walmart vote. About $85 each.
The Optima, I was told, require special charging if they run down. A friend ruined his. They seem to have more issues/less flexible than standard flooded batteries. Consumer Report also gives fairly good marks to Walmart batteries.

 

I opted for the autozone duralast gold. 8 yr warranty w/5 yr free replacement. So far so good. If not from here I'd have to say...Wallymart.

 

Not sure where you heard that about the Optimas (which are an AGM type), but it's flat wrong. A normal charger works fine with them.

Also, if anything they have FEWER issues than standard flooded batteries, not more. Issues like corrosion on the terminals, shock/impact, and poor performance at temperature extremes are just three off the top of my head that standard flooded batteries have which AGMs don't have, or are far better at.

I'm not knocking the Walmart specials--if you want to go the el cheapo route and rely on their warranty to replace them every couple of years, that's certainly one route to go.

Mike