I have a 97 2500 CTD with the original Chrysler batteries in there and a Thiele 1200lb lift gate on the back (electric/hydraulic.) Truck sat for 4 days and had a really hard time starting - very slow. Driver side positive battery terminal has a lot of corrosion - first time I noticed since I looked about a month ago. Starter was replaced 2 months ago. I have never had any trouble with the gate or the truck as far as the batteries go (until now), I am wondering if I should consider the Optima Yellow (D34/78) verus the 34/78 red?

The truck lived in VA as a construction service truck before I owned it and was very well maintained. I suspect the gate was used daily then, but my use is weekly with moderate to light loads. The truck is my daily driver also - i.e. a lot of starts. Those OEM batteries did surprisingly well considering what this truck was used for.

Don't want to pay the difference for yellow unless I need it. I'll be replacing both batteries.

Need to replace them today before the others die. Please respond quickly.

thanks,
bausman

 

- before you spend the big $$, check out Costco - their batteries had more cranking amps, and a WAY better warranty than I fcould find anywhere else.....AND they were the cheapest!

 

Thats where I planned on going...to get the Optima's. Are you talking about Costco's brand?

Also, Consumerreports rated NAPA's battery the best which is an Exide lead/acid battery - very good from what I hear and about the same price as a Red Top Optima at Costo. I am debating the NAPA vs. Optima thing now.

 

I purchased the Costco brand; I wonder if they are Exide-made?

Does Costco have a warranty advantage over the NAPA batts?

 

From the yahoo consumer reports website on auto batteries:

"Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts."

As far as warranty, according to ConsumerReports.org, Napa is 24/84. Not sure about Costco battery.

I personally would lean towards a Napa (Exide) battery myself, if I didn't go with the Optimas. Consumerreports did not rate the Costco (Kirkland?) batteries.