2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission batteries

[Tractorat]

Does anyone know if the so called OEM batteries that Chrysler sells at the dealerships are brand new mfg, or if they are "rebuilt" ?



I have a price from the local dealership for about $86/ea. From Interstate, they are about $124/ea. I know the Interstate batteries are brand new and not reman. (of course, the Interstates are 850 amps as opposed to 750 OEM)



TRat

 

[kenny61]

I never heard of a rebuilt battery. I am pretty sure that 90% or so of the lead in most batteries is recycled. Sears advertises the platinum batteries as having 99. 99% virgin lead

 

[Grizzly]

Forget OEM and Interstate batteries, just go to your nearest Costco and get two great batteries for far less money and the best warranty in the business. They sure have worked for me.



george

 

[Tractorat]

Well, I tried Costco. I have their batteries in my car. But, the ones they say will fit my truck are too big. I was looking at OEM and Interstate because they fit correctly without having to change anything.



I meant reman, not rebuilt (sorry, brain fart). The Interstates were recommended because they do not use recycled anything. Supposedly that is why they last longer, and are not prone to getting oxidation around the terminals.

 

[DSeamans]

Interstate

I now buy only interstate. They are good batteries, but the real reason I buy them is their business. Go to their website and read a little and you should understand why.



Dave

 

[budnate]

Interstate!

 

[JohnBoy5]

optima batteries, i have 2 of the yellow tops. I love them. i just cant kill or drain them down. headlights left on for a hrs still cranks. i had 2 interstates and the dome light killed them over night but not the optima. o and the best part is the warranty. near as i can tell its unlimited 7 yrs and prorated life time... i might be wrong about that but i am sure its on their site. i was also told if you do drain them all the way a 2amp charge for a few days will bring them back to 100% for me they have been a great investment!

 

[rrl989]

I just replaced my Interstate's after 8 years in the truck, Great battery but I find them a bit $$$. I just went to Walmart and bought two EverStart Maxx batteries for $77 each, 3 yr free replacement! unlike the Interstate's, the EverStarts fill the whole battery try just like the original OEM's.

 

[Jeff Knight]

Just replaced mine with Deka batteries... Jeff

 

[The patriot]

I got a pair of group 31's from interstate in my truck.

It's a TIGHT fit, but they will fit.

 

[SHobbs]

I have about 6 1/2 years on my Optima Red Tops and still going strong.

 

[budnate]

Old Optimas are good, something changed in the last year with them it appears, lots of guys complaining on the net about them dying for no reason, google it.



I agree for some reason Intersates have taken a jump in price lately and are spendy, but for me I have had good luck with them.



peace, B

 

[SLangone]

I bought DieHard Platinum's which carry a 100 month warranty. Consumer reports rates these at 91 out of 100 next one is Optima RedTop 76 out of 100 and 3rd DEKA Intimidator 75 out 100. Interstate Mega 63 rating. I know they are pricey but you also get what you pay for.

Hope this helps

 

[JMcCoy]

Optima or odessey are the way to go. I have 8 yrs on one of my optima red tops and about 6 on the other. If you run a lot of accessories, go with the yellow tops. Reds last the longer than yellows under normal condisions. Yellows ar better for deep cycle. Both are AGM in design. Any AGM battery should last longer than a standard lead battery. Stick with a name brand. Brand X with a 100 year warranty doesn't help you on the side of the road or give you your vacation days back. Good luck

 

[Midnite]

Absolutely go for the AGM batteries. I have NAPA's version in my truck. One nice thing about AGM batteries is that they make far less corrosion than conventional batteries. They also seem to be less affected by temperature extremes, at least from what I've seen.

Mike

 

[SLangone]

Just found this on Long Island Cummins-Ram classified.

classifieds

Brand new Deka Batteries for 100 bucks each.

 

[SRath]

I have owned both yellow and red top Optimas and I am not impressed at all. Certainly not for the money they cost. I had the yellow top in my RV and it dead-shorted internally somehow and caused an explosion in my battery compartment. Just the fumes, (from a supposedly 'sealed' battery?), the battery itself did not blow up. The battery case remained intact, but that battery was dead, dead, dead. And the store I bought them from had gone out of business, so I have a dead yellow top just sitting around waiting to be traded in as a core.

After sitting for months, my Champion 4x4 batteries that were in this '96 when I bought it in 1999 finally gave up the ghost a month ago. I have no idea how old they already were when I got the truck, but I put heavy drain on my batteries when snowplowing and they worked great for 11 years for me.

Unfortunately, when these finally did go, I needed batteries "right now" (at night) and had to settle for whatever those are that Walmart sells.

 

[Grizzly]

I have owned both yellow and red top Optimas and I am not impressed at all. Certainly not for the money they cost. I had the yellow top in my RV and it dead-shorted internally somehow and caused an explosion in my battery compartment. Just the fumes, (from a supposedly 'sealed' battery?), the battery itself did not blow up. The battery case remained intact, but that battery was dead, dead, dead. And the store I bought them from had gone out of business, so I have a dead yellow top just sitting around waiting to be traded in as a core.



After sitting for months, my Champion 4x4 batteries that were in this '96 when I bought it in 1999 finally gave up the ghost a month ago. I have no idea how old they already were when I got the truck, but I put heavy drain on my batteries when snowplowing and they worked great for 11 years for me.



Unfortunately, when these finally did go, I needed batteries "right now" (at night) and had to settle for whatever those are that Walmart sells.

Wal-Mart sell good batteries.



Here's a good battery "Battery Reviews and Buying Guide".



george

 

[SLangone]

Seems like an ok web site but I would much prefer consumer reports which is a non-profit and independent. Has a great track record and over a million subscribers on-line.

 

[Grizzly]

Seems like an ok web site but I would much prefer consumer reports which is a non-profit and independent. Has a great track record and over a million subscribers on-line.

... and here it is.



george