Engine/Transmission (1998.5 - 2002) any comments on "The best battery"

[gtwitch]

I think this is the year that I will have to buy new batteries for my 99- 2500 and I would like some input as to what the readers think, about the best for cold starting and of course longevity. I live in Laramie, not the coldest spot in Wyoming but I can see it from here!!



gtwitch in wyoming

 

[travis97cummins]

Optima red top

 

[Grizzly]

I just read the November issue of Consumer Reports on Conventional batteries. They like Sears Die Hard and Costco's Kirtland brands

 

[MVenditti]

If you know Odyssey batteries, Sears has their battery as the Die Hard Platinum. Easier to buy and return if needed when you get from Sears.

 

[wlowe]

The Sears Diehard Platinum is a rebadged Odyssey battery for less money and greater availability. Many of us feel the Odyssey is one of the best quality batteries on the market so the Diehard Platinum is a good value.

 

[HBarlow]

The batteries mentioned above are probably better. I don't question that.

I buy Interstates from SAM's Club. Cheaper price, nationwide warranty service, and they work fine. Have never had a failure to warranty. I once had to start my '01 after a night in a western Nebraska motel at -20*F (that's 20 below) without being plugged in. My regular old SAM's Club batteries fired it right up. Good enough for me.

 

[Regcabguy]

Red Tops

After four years with the stock batteries in my '98. 5 I upgraded to Optima Red Tops. Much quicker recovery in the morning. After cycling the grid heater the wipers would hardly move with the Mopars. Cold morning starts wouldn't even phase the Red Tops. They were only $99. 00@ Costco back then. No risk of corrision either.

 

[hsmith]

I have the Odyssey's and am pleased with them. Am also pleased to know the Platinum is the same unit. Just have a hard time with the name "Sears".

 

[Mishkaya]

I installed the Die Hard Platinum's a couple of years ago now. Have been very happy with them to say the least. Never had a cranking issue, and not having to deal with corrosion on the battery terminals is an added benefit. Did not have very good success with the Optima's however... :{

 

[flyby night]

When I have to replace my batts in my 05. I am going to use Delco 1150's (group 31)with the threaded top posts. I like the threaded posts better as I feel I get better and more positive connections. The terminals are easier to clean and easier to add on additional wiring to them.

 

[EricBu12]

I have had the Odysseys and heres the thing with them. . if you have to charge them. . they go bad if you use a regular charger that puts out more than 14 volt. . I had a set, replaced one ,. . bought the charger, still had problems. . they go down more than a wet battery...

Finally fed up with it, bought the wal-mart "Ever-start" yellow batteries. . yes, they are wet and they worked great. ! I live in cold snow area. . gets to 0 or below sometimes. . had the wal-mart batteries for 3 years before my trade for the 09... . Will buy them again when my 09 batteries go bad

 

[Wyomingcowboy]

I have the wal mart maxx. I'm sure there are tons better out there but for the ease availability and 3 year FREE replacement they are hard to beat. In my old '94 chebby I had the wally worl righ tthere in Laramie replace them about 3 times one winter when I was going to school there. The truck had a short somewhere and drained the batt's quick but they kept givin me new ones!



btw - GO POKES!!!

 

[PC12Driver]

I have the Platinums (Odyssey) as well. Probably the most CCA and reserve of any battery that will fit in the stock locations. They have very low internal resistance, so they qualify as a starting battery (something like 2,000+ amps per battery in a dead short). But they can also handle deep cycling as well. They're durable as heck and have a long projected life span (and warranty to match - 4 year free replacement, 100 month prorate). These are literally the best batteries out there, but the price reflects that. It's about $400 to put a set in your truck.



The engine turns over noticeably quicker in normal ops, but their cold weather performance can't be beat. I had a -17*F (oil temp) start last year, and after several cycles of the grid and a bunch of cranking the truck lit off. The starter never slowed down. The batteries paid for themselves that night.

 

[ESorensen]

Having spent my fair share of time in Laramie as well, you would probably be better off with a group 31A battery. It is my understanding that it is a semi truck series. For whatever that is worth. They barely fit into the truck. they are significantly bigger than the stock size. Mine say Aug '05 on them and they are still going strong. Find somewhere with a good warranty and go with it. Don't skimp on synthetic fluids either. Laramie is hell on vehicles. GO POKES!

 

[WAYNE]

Optima red tops all the way , the pair I just replaced lasted me nine years (no lie) in south Florida heat . The autoparts guy did'nt believe me till I showed him the month/year stickers. Guess what I replaced those with