Batteries

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Do any members have experience or other information about replacement batteries? My '95 needed batteries a couple of years ago and I installed a pair of Optima deep-cycle (yellow top) batteries. They were VERY expensive, but I thought they would handle the high load of the intake heater better than other brands and types. As it turns out, they don't seem to produce as much current to the heater as the factory batteries did, although I hope they will last much longer.

Since the installation, I have been told that the standard Optima (red top) would work just as well and save quite a bit of money. Are there some other good batteries out there for reasonable prices? How can I indentify them? Are the Sam's Club and Walmart cheapies any worse than the ones that cost twice as much from the local auto parts store?

 

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Loren, there was a post on here a week or so back about batteries and most thought the Optima was the cats meow, went and talked to the distributor about them and he said there ok BUT not that great of a warranty and that he thought the heavy duty Interstate would do a far better job over the long run with my diesel. Regards Pete

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99'3500,quad cab,4X4,a/t
3:54,all the right packages!

 

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I put dual batteries in my 92 last year, 2 1100 cca Exide batteries. The power is great but one of them is leaking alittle. I think it is caused by the vibs from the engine. One good thing about the Optima Batteries is there completly seeled no chance of leakage. You can even mount them upside down and they were designed to handle abuse like vibrating powerhouses like the Cummins.

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92 Dodge LE, Cummins, reg cab,4X4,3:54 gears, Auto, Black/w Maroon Int.

 

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I have an Optima Red in my boat and have been very happy with it for the past 5 years. Other batteries that I would consider are those manufactured by Johnson Controls or Interstate. JMHO


On second thought as I looked at the Johnson Controls web site to fresh the aging mind - Johnson says "Our aftermarket battery customers include AutoZone, Interstate Battery, Sears, Wal-Mart and Costco. We also make original equipment batteries for automakers including DaimlerChrysler, Ford, Honda, Nissan and Toyota"
John Controls
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1999 2500, QC, SLT, 4x4 ISB, 5sp, 3. 55lsd, Infiniti am/fm/cd, HDTcase, Tow mirrors, Tow Pack, Camper pack, NW Running Boards and Mud flaps, Front Mount Receiver, Tekonsha Brake Control and Husky Liners, 10,800 miles or 26,200 mile tell BOMB.



[This message has been edited by BV (edited 01-07-2000). ]

 

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Loren, Click on this post: http://www.webwhims.com/ubb/Forum3/HTML/000125.html

 

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We've put Optima's in several diesels, and even in the shop truck. They seem to put out more than the rated amperage, and the ones I've used for several years seem to hold up very well. I had one in a Chrysler wagon that cranked a mildly modified 440. After a tangle with a tree on an icy day, it sat for 2. 5 years, starting the car every few months. My kids played in the car, and left an interal light on, draining it. I discovered it when the weather was about 0 degrees, and it had frozen solid. I brought it inside and thawed it out. Dang, if it didn't work again - and good as ever. After moving the car, it again sat until next winter, when I tried to start the engine it didn't start due to electrical problems created in the wreck. I cranked it dead again, and left it. This time, I didn't touch the car again until spring. But, woudln't you know, it regained enough snap that it started the car after I fixed the broken wire. I still have that battery, even though it's like 8 or 9 years old. Last summer, I used it as a portable jump starter. Even after being unused for more than a year, it was still full of life.

To say the least, I am impressed with thier performance and durability.


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I don't own one, but wish I did. However, I do work on them, and the company I work for offers some of the best solutions to your performance needs. Have technical questions regarding performance issues? Ask me!

 

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2 cents.
DEEP CYCLE BATTERYS AS DESIGNED FOR JUST THAT
YOU PUT A DRAW ON THEM THIM AFTER TIME AND WHEN THEY RUN DOWN THEY AR E RECHARGED.
EXAMPLE: FENCE CHARGERS,TROWING MOTOR'S SIGNS
AND SUCH. THEIR USE IN AUTOMOTIVE SYSTEMS WILL SHORTEN THERE LIFE . NOT BUILT FOR THE VIB'S ALSO.
RUN THEM DOWN --THEN RE-CHARGE.

 

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Thanks to all for your help. I was wondering whether to swap the Optima batteries from my '95 into my 2000 truck before I sell the '95. I didn't know if it would be better to keep the new factory batteries in the new truck or to sell them with the '95 and keep the Optimas.

From all the comments at the old forum site, I'll probably keep the Optimas, but I probably should have bought the standard ones (red top). Oh, well. With any luck, I won't have to do this research again for a number of years.

Thanks again for the benefits from your experiences and knowledge.

Loren

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2000 Quad Cab, 4x4, short bed, six-speed.
1995 Standard Cab, 4x4, long bed, automatic. (soon to be sold)