Batteries.

[Wayne M.]

Time for a battery query.
It’s been since 2013 since I needed a battery, and I see that the supply stream, and the quality of batteries has changed.
At the time, I was confident in Die Hard batteries and especially the Platinum AGM’s I got at the time with help from this forum. What a great sale we all got at that time but now Sears is gone!
Well, now I fear one or both of them are running down, and it’s that time again. Add that I also need a H7 AGM for my Durango.
So, who’s been buying lately, and what are we happy with? Unless my mind gets changed, I’m going for my lungs with Interstate.

 

[seafish]

Other then the Diehard Platinum P2 that I am still using in my 2005, I HIGHLY recommend Deka batteries manufactured by East Penn Battery here in the USA. I have used them for many years in both my heavy equipment and vehicles. They REALLY do last longer then other brands. NOT just my personal experience, but also by the opinions of professionals that I have known working the parts supply chain for decades...they always told me they had way less warranty returns on Deka batteries then any other manufacturer. Furthermore, they are STILL oem battery supplier for CAT equipment and you just know that CAT does not want to be called out on a warranty call just cause a battery dies. East Penn also make the "Fleet" batteries for Oreillys and also more recently the Duracell branded batteries for cars. I am using the Fleet battery in my dozer right now for over 5 years with NO issues and recently started running the Duracell line in my ranch truck and my daughters car. FYI--I had a pair of Dekas that lasted FIFTEEN years in an old JD diesel loader backhoe that only saw summer and fall use and was NEVER plugged into a charger for the entire winter. It always started right up first time every season!!!!

 

[Deleted member 995608]

I recently replaced my Ram batteries with Napa Premium (AKA Deka)

 

[seafish]

I recently replaced my Ram batteries with Napa Premium (AKA Deka)

"AKA Deka"... IMO that IS the important part!!! LOL

 

[NIsaacs]

https://www.turbodieselregister.com/threads/oem-batteries-are-junk.265441/

 

[JR]

My grandfather ran Interstates in his tractors for many years and had good service out of them. I don't know if I've just had bad luck or Johnson Controls quality has tanked, but I've been through 2 in 4 years in my wife's TDI. And its due again as it won't start without being plugged in below 15*
I had them in my 98 as well and didn't last two years. They were pro rated well enough to try them again and when I sold it roughly 2-1/2 years later they were going soft yet again.
There is a local battery house here, Kenray battery, all they do is sell batteries. I stopped in and chatted with him for a few minutes. He now only carries the Deka/East Penn brands. He primarily sells to Ag, construction and HD trucks so he had to order the battery for my TDI as it is a bit of an odd ball - smallish yet 950cca rated.
Should be in by Monday.

 

[brods]

If those "top of the line" AGM batteries only lasted 5 years, then they were a waste of money. My oem batteries went eight years in the truck before they were changed out due to an over abundance of caution. The oem batteries then went into my plow truck until this year, so that is roughly 12 years out of the oems. I didn't want to buy new batteries for the plow truck so I bought new batteries for the Dodge this year and put the 5 year old Costco Kirklands from the Dodge into the plow truck. I did buy AGMs from Sams this time because they were on sale, but after your experience with the AGMs I'm second guessing spending more for them. Good luck with your choice.

 

[Wayne M.]

Brods, I’m thinking the same. What’s the purpose on AGM?
It’s my assumption that they have less acid in them and are less prone to leakage. This is a big thing for me is exactly that. With my APPS under one batt, and the other near grid sols, etc.
the Durango has a AGM from the factory, and it’s under the seat.
Still pondering. Looking at NAPA, they’re running rebates.

 

[jgillott]

I have Interstates in my '07. They have had heavy terminal post corrosion from the day I put them in. No other issues with them, but I never had any corrosion with the OEM batteries. For that reason, I would probably not buy them again.

 

[TFucili]

Deka for me.

 

[Jim W]

I had to replace my factory batteries on my truck in Dec of 2012, they were 5 years old at that time. I replaced them with a set of batteries from NAPA, their top of the line 75 month pro rated warranty. The part number is 7565. Will they are still in the truck and working still after 6 years. I will probably replace them this year before we leave on a trip to Florida this March. Cost right now is $142.99+taxes for one battery, there is a rebate available.

 

[Wayne M.]

Thanks Jim. I think that’s the way.
I have a Costco Interstate in my old Durango, and that’s been a good one too.

 

[KATOOM]

Costco Interstate is what I tend to use. Not only are they very fair priced but Costco has terrific customer service.

 

[mwilson]

My CAT / Dekas are not as sharp as they were last year, build Date 11/15...

BUT I may have a drain from the new Air Compressor or they ran down too low and now the reserve is not there..
I plan to pull them next week and take them to work. My battery geek will test them and get the reserve back in with a long slow charge..if we find any issues other it just plain setting around too much I will post the results..

 

[Wayne M.]

Thanks mike, and yes, special care charging AGM’s.

 

[JMarhofke]

I have had good look with Odyssey AGM batteries, but will be looking at the NAPA AGM ( Deka) the next time around due to the lower cost. The main thing I like about the AGM batteries is NO corrosion. Good luck with choice.

 

[RVTRKN]

Costco Interstate is what I tend to use. Not only are they very fair priced but Costco has terrific customer service.

Thats all I buy for my vehicles when its time, and bought two for my C&C. Had an issue in 2017 when my AC clutch failed and I parked the C&C for awhile, batteries completely discharged with only a year on them, Costco replaced them no questions asked.

 

[TFucili]

Just put a fresh Deka(O'Reilly Platinum) AGM in my wife's Acura. Close to four years old and I don't like to wait 'til the last gasp on her car. The one I took out was a Deka Mtc Free, as they did not make a 51R AGM at that time. Still pulled like a champ on the load tester.

 

[GrantP]

Just put a fresh Deka(O'Reilly Platinum) AGM in my wife's Acura. Close to four years old and I don't like to wait 'til the last gasp on her car. The one I took out was a Deka Mtc Free, as they did not make a 51R AGM at that time. Still pulled like a champ on the load tester.

Yes! Don't let the battery die on the wife's car...ever...unless you have a real nice doghouse.

AGM batteries have always treated me well, I won't buy anything else. I'm not a fan of cleaning battery acid if I don't need to.

 

[AH64ID]

I ran the P2's for a while and was NOT impressed. They were awesome for about 24 months and they quickly went downhill and then they were gone. Lots of reports of them not lasting very long towards the end.

Now I run Costco Interstates. 42 month free replacement, a good price, and decent batteries for under $90. Their warranty is very easy, they rarely do more than just replace them at your word.

I'll be sticking to Costco batteries for the foreseeable future.