I'll say it again , 25 yrs. in the auto repair business , more than half of those selling Interstate batteries in my shops .
Go to a shop that sells them , ask to look at there catalog , read the 1st 10 pages or so , they spell out all the info you would need , how to find the true details of batteries , who makes what , only a few manufactures of batteries .
And the best service in the auto battery bis.

 

I'm using two NAPA series 65, so I need to know what size of battery everyone is using as well. I've been parking my truck outside lately, and the grid heater seem to go forever. Once they are done, my lift pump doesn't kick in, and I get a few cranks then that lovely click-click-click sound. Drive me crazy, as I have to go grab my charger and let to charge for 1/2hr, just so I have enough juice to start. I will be living on the road for the next few months, so I need a reliable truck. Nothing like having a stone dead, ice cold diesel truck at -20 or -30 deg's. I might have to look into adding extra batteries down the road, anybody tried this as well.

 

Mike - get 2 of those Group 31's that Luke posted...they will be the next ones I get. I looked high and low for a sealed Group 31 and could never find any. You may have to trim one side of your battery trays and get some longer hold downs but no big deal (I just used some 4 mm ready rod).

They could only be better if they were dual post. You cant go wrong for $90.

Ive had my Optima Redtops in my 12V for almost a year and a half and they havent missed a beat. Had all kinds of battery trouble before I got them though.

 

Mines been good till now as well, but I hardly drive anymore, so they could been bad for awhile. I'll check into those batteries and see what happens.

 

here is a link to a pic of the batteries in my truck showing the ratings:

http://s946.photobucket.com/albums/a...IMG_2595-1.jpg

they are Pow-R-Surge batteries. they are drop-in replacements and still have the side and top posts, no modifications necessary. they have 930 CCA (70 less than Luke's group 31's). I have had zero issues with them. although they have died on me a couple times - but it was due to leaving the fan on 2 or 3 with the espar heater running. i also attribute it to my alternator getting weak.

i can't remember how much i paid for them (it was 3-4 years ago), but i got them from this place:

B&F Auto Electric
5-5301 21A Ave SE
Calgary, AB
T2B 2E9
403.272.1550

the customer service has been EXCELLENT from these guys. i replaced my batteries and my GF's battery in there parking lot at separate times and they were more than willing to lend me odd tools and a helping hand both times.

i had them tested a couple weeks ago, and indeed the alternator is shot, but the batteries tested just fine.

on a side note - since the alternator is shot - i just ordered this replacement:

http://storesense1.mysuperpageshosti...ail.bok?no=849

 

Actually, those are the ones I had (except mine were Group 31 Commercials)- and they were junk. (for me at least) They are Deka brand from East Penn Manufacturing.

 

been good for me so far. what were the issues you had Dr? when did the issues start happening?

 

They had over 1100 Cranking amps and 210 minute reserve - they wernt good from the get go. With those kind of specs they should have turned the truck overin January like it was July.

Also, I had converted my battery cables over to 2/0 welding cable. So they should have been plenty of juice.

 

Running the Espar with the fan on the highest setting shouldn't be killing your batteries like that. Theres something up with that. Whats the reserve capacity on them? My batteries are just like what Shane talked about (except mine haven't been junk) and will run the espar all day. Only issues I've had is the water getting low in them, but they aren't sealed, it is to be expected.

 

i think the batts were poorly charged because the alternator is shot. if i leave the trickle charger on overnight then they are great for a while, but slowly start to get weak because the alternator is not putting out like it should be. the new HO alternator should be here in a few days, hopefully i'll have time to swap it out soon after.

i am unsure of the reserve capacity

 

I have the pow-r-surge batteries as well. Been 2 years and they sill work fine. Were about $135 each if I remember right.

 

Here in Edmonton I saw a sign advertizing group 31 batterys for 90-95$ over around 178 and 118ave, on one of the big truck lots could bave been MACK it was on the north side of the avenue while heading west on 118

 

I can buy the 31's here in Airdrie Par, for $100. They have top/side posts and the stud mount. Hopefully they fit in under the hood. My Napa 65, have worked good for the last 2 1/2 years, but these diesels are hard on batteries in the winter. I could try the warranty route.

 

I'm a "Costco" believer because you can take almost anything back but I have yet to take back a Costco battery. My truck has had them for 3 years now and no problems. One vehicle has had one for around 7-8 years is parked outside all the time not plugged in and used very little but it has synthetic oils, it's a gas job but starts every time. I even use Costco batteries in my RV. I'm wondering how many with battery problems are running synthetic oils? It makes a tremendous difference.

 

I was noticing something crazy today, in my garage. My grid heater go on/off based on the engine rpm's. After 1200 rpm, going from idle to 1200+rpm, my grids go on. Drop rpm from above 1200rpm to idle, they drop out. I never noticed that before, usually, I driving, so I don't notice. I still get the normal on/off of the grids.

Also, If the voltage drops to much, my check guage light comes on. Is my alternator on its last leg out? I just put a rebuilt one in six months ago. I even disconnected my stereo to see if I was dragging down the voltage with it. I'm sure that my weak batteries aren't helping either.