Couple ? before I buy new batteries?

Nickathome · Post by **Nickathome** » Fri May 01, 2009 2:21 pm

I'm going up tomorrow to buy a couple batteries for my truck. I removed the old ones just now, and I noticed right off they are of differing cranking amps etc. One is a cheap Wal-Mart Everstart that is rated at 650 CA, and 525 CCA, while the other is some REAL cheap ass battery that just says ECONOMY on the side, and is rated at 525CA, and 425 CCA.

When I buy new batteries tomorrow, should I make sure the cranking amps for both are identical, or is there some magic number that both together cannot exceed, hence the two differing batteries? Or did Jethro at some point just Jerry rig whatever he had under his hay bails in his barn and used whatever? Any info appreciated....

poor rich · Post by **poor rich** » Fri May 01, 2009 4:38 pm

I don't know what the "correct" size battery is but, the two should be the same size and age if possible (which your doing).
if mismatched the week battery will draw down the strong one. Just the same in a flashlight or any other device.
As for capacity, I'm an american, bigger is better, that said, its only a small engine, and unless you have added extras such as an electric winch, off road lights, a thumpin radio,or a blender to make margaritas at the end of the trail, I see no reason to spend more than needed, after all there's always truck parts to buy.

Rich

HingsingM37 · Post by **HingsingM37** » Sat May 02, 2009 3:59 am

Nick,

It would be proper to have the batteries match in CCA capacity and be identical brands. I used two Interstate MT51's at 500 CCA each. They were $69 each. Very rugged case and very heavy. I had to blow my restoration budget for the month but worth it. The 2HN Mil-spec batteries are still available from Deka battery.
Stay away from the box store battery if you can. The cheaper the battery, the less lead is used in plate construction, this lessens the batteries power, lifespan, as well as durabilty because the plastic case is also of lesser construction. These batteries will also be lighter in weight compared to a name brand counterpart. Even though the battery is new, don't forget to give them a little on the charger before installing, you dont know how long they may have sat.

MSeriesRebuild · Post by **MSeriesRebuild** » Sat May 02, 2009 5:29 am

David's advice concerning specs is right on. After reading what you had in there, I'm not surprised you were having cranking issues. I would add that my personal preference is to install the highest CCA rated batteries that we can fit into the box. These are needed for cold climate cranking.

I have personally come to like gel batteries. They make a very nice, clean & neat installation, require 0 maintenance, & do not have the tendancy to corrode around the post like wet cell batteries eventually do. I've also found the cost to be right in line with the best quality wet cell batteries also. We are using Optima's exclusively in our rebuilt trucks. Our customers have been pleased.

peter e mark · Post by **peter e mark** » Sun May 03, 2009 1:56 pm

Helo NICKATHOME. You sure are honest in the description of your old batteries ! I like gel batteries, as they have a high cranking capacity and are less messy than the lead acid ones, and I remember being told they retain full capacity in the cold, too ( is that true Charles ) ? . certainly two of the same batteries are the best choice.

Nickathome · Post by **Nickathome** » Sun May 03, 2009 5:32 pm

Guys;

Thanks for the advice.

I went out and bought a couple batteries yesterday. I only had about $125 freed up to spend on batteries. I'd have had more, however we just dropped over $500 into my wife's car to get it to pass inspection(the thing eats brake rotors it seems). With that I was limited in what I could afford. I admit I did go to Walmart to buy the new batteries, and purchased two identical Everstarts, each putting out 630 CA, and 525 CCA. They were $50.00 each with core turn in, $59.00 without. I know they're not the best, but they're new, and are identical in output, and anything is better than what I had in there at this point. I checked the charge on each when I got home and they were both spot on. One had a February manufacturere's tag, the other was April 09. I installed them this afternoon and ran the truck for a few minutes after installation. I immediately noticed a difference in how quickly the truck started with these new batteries.

Lifer · Post by **Lifer** » Mon May 04, 2009 2:44 am

poor rich · Post by **poor rich** » Mon May 04, 2009 4:20 pm

If you want to do it right, charles's advice is always right. That said let the group therapy begin...Hi my name is Rich and I have a Wal-mart battery to.

Rich

peter e mark · Post by **peter e mark** » Mon May 04, 2009 7:12 pm

Hello NICKATHOME, well good luck with your new power source and I hope to meet you at Aberdeen, ....what table do you have?

Nickathome · Post by **Nickathome** » Tue May 05, 2009 2:47 am

Peter;

I don't have a table at Aberdeen, although I may be bringing some parts to sell. If I have time to go through my junk, anythin gI bring I'll have at Carter Davidson's area. My schedule hasn't allowed me any time to go through the shelves out in the garage so I may just be coming down to the show to peruse other's tables as I normally do. I'll see how things go in the coming weeks. I plan to be there all three days though.

Couple ? before I buy new batteries?

Couple ? before I buy new batteries?

Batteries.

Aberdeen