2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Best Batteries for the money?

[litespeed]

Well... ...



My batteries are finally croaking after 5 years.



Does anyone have any good advice on replacements?



I've been looking at Interstates and Exides?



I don't want Optimas (junk). I have had bad experiences with those in the past.



What is a good reasonable replacement.



The factory batteries did pretty good.



Thanks,



AJ

 

[jdross440]

I've had good luck with the yellow Wal-Mart batteries and if one does go bad, they are good to honor the warranty.

 

[GAmes]

I like my Orbitals from NAPA. No more acid spraying on my fenders and very good service so far.

 

[GeneA]

I've used Sam's Club specials in the past with good results. They do honor the warranty if you get a bad one. Just bought two last March for $61 each. Just recently the case fractured on one and after considerable angst in figuring out what went wrong, they replaced it at no charge. There is a three year full replacement on the higher end ones. ( By higher end I mean over $50)

 

[Joe Mc]

I did the WallMart ones also - over a year an not problems - keep the receipt in with your repair records just in case.

 

[Fireman Dave]

I was very happy with my factory batteries. I got 5 1/2 good years out of them before they started to fade (probably could have gone a little longer), so I bought 2 new Mopar ones from the dealer for $138. 00 last summer. I think they're Exide - and they aren't maintenance-free like the stockers were.

 

[pwerwagn]

I also use the yellow everstarts by wal mart. I have them in every vehicle. The 74 power wagon has a winch on it that gets used real regularly and the batterey seems to hold up well. It lasts about 2. 5-3 years, just inside the warranty period.



The durango had one in it when we sold it that like 5 years old, no probs at all.



decent batteries for the price. I've also used orbitals as well, like them too.



--Jeff

 

[Rams-n-Hogs]

I just replaced the ones in my '96, for the second time. Bought the first set at Wal-mart in Dec 2000. Never an issue with them, until about 2 weeks ago. I'd say I got my money's worth. Just replaced them with the yellow ones from Wal-mart. 3 year replacement/9 year prorated warranty. $62 a piece.

 

[WDixon27]

when mine went about a year ago i headed to sams wholesale club and got two big (group 24 or 27 i can't remember which) batterys for $78 out the door for the pair

 

[Bill Lins]

The current Consumer Reports rates Wal-Mart's EverStart & Auto Zone's Dura Last best of all tested.

 

[ANG012]

Replaced the factory batteries this spring on my 97 with yellow ones from Walmart, so far so good

 

[Cooker]

Here is another vote for the yellow Wally World specials.

 

[litespeed]

Thanks for the advice!!!





It looks like I am going to make the Walton family a little richer tomorrow. Sams or Wal Mart? Havent decided yet... ... ...



3 years is good enough for me...





AJ

 

[WDixon27]

not sure how fast wally world sells them but the sams batterys i got were under a month old according to the date stickers

Thanks for the advice!!!





It looks like I am going to make the Walton family a little richer tomorrow. Sams or Wal Mart? Havent decided yet... ... ...



3 years is good enough for me...





AJ

 

[Turbo Thom]

What does it really matter if anybody replaces a a battery, if one goes bad, both should be replaced.



And the Optima batteries I run now have been in for 5 years. I don't know what the bad experence could have been but for $89 per and free frt, how could I go wrong. I even ran out of fuel once and cranked the starter till it got so hot, it quit. That was 2 years ago. Been good one's for me.



My wife's truck has the WallyWorld yellow batteries. They're ok too.



. . Preston. .

 

[TowPro]

Wally world user here also. Last I checked, they were made by Johnson Controls, who also makes Optima batteries.

 

[litespeed]

Thanks to all for all the input and help!



I went with the Wally Yellow Maxx batteries. They are a little smaller than the originals. But man... ... It really lights off quick now!!



I guess they have been dead for a long time.



AJ

 

[Rockcrusher]

I've been using Interstate for years and am very pleased. Used them in my'90 CTD and my '02. The better one will lasst 5 yrs easy.

Also use the "deep cycle" interstate in my Fithwheeler.

 

[PRout]

Delco Voyager Marine Batts.

Maintenance free, built in red/blk/green hydrometer, built in spark arrester, have extra posts for accessories, heavier plates because they are a compromise between a deep cycle and a starting battery, and take lots of charge/discharges due to being made to run trolling motors.

Optimas are good batteries until you run heavy loads/charges through them. They dont seem to be able to handle the internal heat like lead-acid batts do.