Battery for a First Gen

[JJump]

I recently purchased my '93 D350 from a man in Alabama. I believe the battery that came with it is not correct-it's a Wal-Mart marine deep cycle battery listed as having 750 CCAs. I've read somewhere these machines require 1100 CCA's - guess that's why later models came with 2 batteries. Yesterday morning (27 deg F) I had no trouble starting because I had plugged in the block heater the night before(wanted to see if it worked). But after sitting all day at work with the temps around freezing, well, all I can say is that it's a good thing it caught immediately because I don't think it would have cranked it over twice.



Looking for advice on where to source a good batery for a reasonable price. Recommendations on capacity, type, manufacturer, etc. appreciated-thanks for your time!



Joe Jump

St Louis

 

[paccool]

I have an Interstate with 975 or there bouts CCA. Been in the truck about 4 years, never had a starting problem. They said it was the biggest they had in the group 27 and was the one they used for our application.

 

[The patriot]

My 1st gen has one group 31 in it. My dad put it in. I think he had to get the top post adapters for it.

I see these all the time in truck mags for $59. 00 on sale.

I think theyre arounf 1100 CCA's, it's never had any problems starting... even when my dad had in in upper NY state.

Eric

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Yes the original 1st Gens came with a 1075 CCA battery. The group 31 is the way to go for us guys to be sure...



Bob

 

[paccool]

Well, I must be wrong about the group. See what happens when you get old! The battery I have fits the holder so it must be a 31.



Stan

 

[BushWakr - RIP]

Stan, normally you in an entirely different group... . errrr... ... hmmm. . well you have your own group to be h0nest... . and yes I said group not grope... .



Pastor Bob.

 

[Greenleaf]

There is more than one battery that will fit..... pick up a Deka (East Penn Manufacturing) Very high quality.

The popular group 31 is available with top post as opposed to the threaded stud as used in the OTR trucks.



The 815 cca no. 31 costs me $68. 00 direct from East Penn through my distributor. I use three per bus. The 1125 cca is 77. 00 There are cheaper batteries to be had. Under my circumstances, they are worth every penny.



I installed a group 27 in my truck.



Look for a truck dealer or similar outfit where these batteries are sold. Or, drive to PA and pick one up at East Penn.



Scott

 

[bgilbert]

Deka group 31

Joe, you will appreciate how good a Deka group 31 1260cca at 32F works. Try to find a Deka battery dealer is the thing, I don't think they sell them at big outlet places. I've had one for about a year and a half, and my grid heaters don't work until below 15F and I havent had any problems starting without plugging in. As Bush said minimum is 1075cca. Just bout a 91 and it has a group 31 battery in it but its only 975cca, I will be buying another Deka come payday. Bill

 

[bgilbert]

Scott you beat me to it!!...

 

[JJump]

Thanks for all the help!!!

Appreciate all your great replies!!! I'm now on the lookout for a Deca distributor in town.



Best thing I ever did... Join the TDR!!!

 

[JLEONARD]

Hey, I still remember what battery I have. I bought an Optima red top last fall. It's a lot smaller in physical size than the battery tray!!

Try one Stan... it'll give you a little room for memory storage!!

Jay

 

[paccool]

He** J, Storage isn't the problem! It's trying to retreive it is when things get confusing.



Stan

 

[JLEONARD]

Retreive what?



Joe Jump... make sure the cables are all up to snuff and the connections are good... on BOTH ends. I'm sure you know that but wanted to say it now that I'm finally remembering it!





Jay

 

[Tim1]

Battery

I use Trojan batteries when I can get them, they are great. That said, you really can't beat a Cat brand battery. I also use Optima batteries with good success. Getting the most cold cranking amps is the key and in our case, the more the better. 1300 would be ideal, but is it available????? Stay clear of excides, we spent a fortune on excide batteries in our electric vehicles at work, before I convinced them to go to trojan. No kidding, at least a 75% drop in battery replacements. Good luck on your decision. Tim

 

[JLEONARD]

I agree that Trojan would be a good choice... I work with a couple of electric vehicle manufacturers (GEM, Club Car) and they use Trojan.

Jay

 

[Tim1]

Good news from optima

Was on the phone with optima today about their venture into the motorcycle market (Harleys) and was discussing the Dodge and was told that 9 months ago they made a yellow top group 31 battery for the dodges. They said that their have been no complaints at all. You might want to check this out! The darn thing weigh 60 lbs, tho. Tim

 

[rlyons]

Mine has 2 interstate 975's in it. You just turn them sideways and put the hold down between the two batteries. You can get the heavy duty connector cables from NAPA or any truck shop to connect them positive to positive and negative to negative. This setup gives you 1950 cranking amps. Mine has worked great like this for years.

 

[SClements]

I've been running a DieHard 27712. 1025cca. Works great and was around $70 at Sears.

 

[KeithTaylor]

I bought an Interstate group 31; it has 1190 cold crank amps. It cost me about $85. 00 wholesale, fits the tray & hold down perfectly. I don't have the exteme cold like you guys up north (permafrost country ) but this battery has worked out very well for me.



KD