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Question Crew.
Been working on a few extra projects and neglecting the "M". Went to back her out of the shop the other day and it would not start. I charged both batteries (one at a time with a 12 volt charger) and she fired right up. I'm almost positive without load-testing both the batteries are weak.
I'm thinking deep-cycle "Interstate" brand, and the biggest that will physically fit the box with no modifications.
A penny for your thoughts!
(still have not started my rewire project)

iv been running two red top Optima's (750cca) for ten years. a bit on the pricy side but well worth the money.
no leaks, no top up, no maintenance.

Deep cycle batteries aren't the best option for cranking-get a good car or truck battery pair with high "cold cranking amps". I use two Auto Zone Duralast batteries in mine with an isolator switch so they don't drain down over time.
Gary

I was battery shopping a few months back for one of my suburbans, and the best deal I could find was at Sams Club. They were at $85 with a 3 year full replacement warranty, and all the parts places were at $140. Plus Sam's battery had almost 200 more CCA.

I'll second what RMS says about optimas, they are great batteries. I have one in my other suburban that dated 01/07 and its still going strong. We also run them in a couple of pieces of equipment at work with serious vibrations that kill regular batteries quickly.

Most of the batteries I use at work are from a local battery dealer who private labels Deka. We've always had good luck with them too. But to be honest, I don't recall any batteries (any brand) that failed at less than 3 years old, where there wasn't something else at fault.

Brett

10-4 on all the intel Crew.
I'm leaving for work tomorrow and then heading out to pick-up a brand new trailer to haul the "M" the week after. (finally made the leap)
I'll be battery shopping in a couple of weeks. I'll keep all this in mind.
I've heard of the Deka. Not sure about the Optimas? The only reason I thought "deep cycle" is I run them in both boats. (they sit a lot)
I'll do some looking this week on the road. I get a small discount where I work, might help.

deep cycles aren't meant for starting at all and starting on them can actually ruin the batteries, just keep that in mind. They are meant for long slow discharges not instant full amperage.
I've had decent luck with Advance Auto's Autocraft gold, 3 year free replacement on them and the stores are everywhere. Their new Autocraft Platinum line are AGM batteries and look identical to the Sears brand which have great reviews. The ones from Sears are a bit more money but they have a 4yr vs 3yr free replacement.
Even for boats, the deep cycles are supposed to be for house batteries or battery powered trolling motors, not for starting batteries, but if they're sitting a lot, the battery tender JR's are pretty cheap and will at least float the charge for you while they're sitting around

A local friend of mine buys his batteries from Costco. Reasonably priced with a 3 year full replacement.
He takes the batteries back every 2years and 11 months and gets them replaced with new under warrenty.
And the warranty starts all over again.
Apparently Costco does not check the condition of the old batteries and replaces for new with a smile.
Personally I don't like taking advantage of Costco or any other retailer's good will but it works for him.

For my "M" I've been buying "reconditioned" batteries from the Interstate Battery Store. These are
basically "returns" from people that have other electrical problems and blame the battery. They
look new, perform well and I've been using them for years and years. VERY short warranty but Interstate
says if the battery is bad, it's bad and will replace with another. Interstate number 9047YOOECONO.
$40.00 each. So I have to assume that if I bought one of these batteries new, out of the box, they would
carry a 3 year warranty and the "return" would perform the same.
These batteries are the same height but a bit smaller in width and length so I've cut and
re-welded the hold down brackett to make it fit properly. See the setup on my gallery.

I would guess other battery retailers have the same problem with "returns." Might be worth asking about
returns/re-conditioned batteries if you're looking to save a buck.
JB

Hi Guys,

Just FYI on battery makes.......the vast majority of car batteries in the US are made by only 3 companies.......Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls.

Delphi makes some EverStart models sold in Walmart, and ACDelco.

Johnson Control Industries makes Duralast seen in Autozone stores, Diehard - sold in Sears, Kirkland - the Costco brand, Motorcraft - which Ford sells, Interstate, Optima, etc. Johnson Controls supplies Ford Motor company, Diamler Chrysler, Honda, Toyota, Nissan, and Isuzu with original equipment batteries. So next time you go and buy a battery, or a automobile chances are its a battery made by Johnson Controls

Exide makes Exide batteries, Champion, Napa and even a percentage of the EverStart batteries.

There's a long list of brands each manufactures, I didn't list them all....but you get the gist. I doubt you'll find many "bad" batteries out there today since there all coming from one of three places.

Just FYI.

regards,
bob

More good intel Crew!
Exide used to be the only battery I'd buy because they had a plant right here in town. Like so many other companies they moved away and left about 400 good Folks without a job. Exide is a bad word in Burlington.
Probably going to go with Interstate. My Cousin said she would sell me a set for cost!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!