2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission D31 Batteries

[480RUGER]

I just bought a set of interstate D31 batteries and wanted to know the best or easiest way to mount them in the stock location. I have threaded rod for any height problems and a set of Olee Poole's battery clamps that fit perfectly. Should I cut some of the tray down flush or build up the bottom of the box with wood or something like it and trim a little off the front facing side of the tray? Any other ways that might be better? I liked the price and at 950 CCA should be fine for the winch and other had-to-have toys.



Thanks

Gregg

 

[480RUGER]

anybody? suggestions?

 

[Rman]

Do a search, I think the common thing is the wood base, then with your threaded rod extend the mounts to accomodate the taller battery. How tight is the fit? I'm looking for batteries myself, where did you find these?

 

[n7gxz]

Well if the Interstate D31's are the same as the Optima D31's, I didn't find anything on the Interstate website for a D31.



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Then I would not add anything under the batteries as the clearance under the hood is very little. I was able to put the Optima D31M's (they look the same as the one in the picture except it has both automotive and screw terminals) in my truck by just cocking them a little in the battery tray. I was also able to use the stock bolts and tie downs.



Kevin

 

[480RUGER]

I had to do a little hunting while it was nice out, but got back and ended up cutting the front side of the battery trays and used Olee's mounts. They are about 3/4" longer and 1/2" taller but the same width as the 27s I removed. Nice fit, if you look hard enough you can see where I cut the trays down but if you didn't know better you couldn't tell. Oh and the motor about flipped out of the truck when I started it up. Got to love the hot to cold days that play havoc on charging systems.



Thanks for the input.

 

[Softe]

By putting wood between the battery tray and the battery..... won't this affect the battery temperature sensor that is mounted in the bottom of the driver's side tray?

 

[JRihani]

See my reader's rigs pics. The only mod to the tray was on the driver's side. I used the little ball-nose attachement on my Dremel to cut one of the tiny gussets off and the battery sat flat in the tray.



Hope this helps,

John

 

[monkfarm]

Blue tops

I have two bluetops (optima) group 31s in my 1 ton. I had very little problems installing them and they fit right in there. I was able to use the stock tiedowns. (Just like Mr. JRihani! !) The blue tops are nice because they have the bolt down studs where you can add your accessory wires, and not have to screw around with putting that sort of thing on the battery lugs. . . The optimas are great for our trucks: zero problems: always plenty of juice. (I do have a 140 amp Neece Deville Alternater in the truck also. . . )

 

[CLamb]

Wow you guys don't trust the ole cummins to fire up huh? lol I work for Interstate and considered the D31s but WOW they are pricey even at employee cost I opted for the good ole group 27s.



Last week it got down into the single digits... I sold the hell out of Group 65(ford diesel mainly) Batteries and saw barely any increase in group 27 sales. Thats because a cummins lights right off.

 

[480RUGER]

Thanks monkfarm, I have a set of blue tops for my boat but they just cost so much to be bouncing around in the truck. I got the D31s for less then $100 each at the interstate warehouse in Columbia, SC.

 

[EDembowski]

Less than $100 each????? I may have been having a bad dream, but I thought they were @ $120. Maybe I should get them after all.

 

[CLamb]

They must have been old ones they wanted to get rid of... I think wholesale cost on them is $160ish if I am not mistaken. A regular group 34 Blue Top is $141. 95 wholesale.

 

[Jeff Knight]

Does anyone have the dimensions for the D31 batteries? What is the weight of them? Thanks Jeff

 

[jmolnar]

Got D31's for $71 + tax ea. right off the Interstate Battery truck. :-laf

 

[n7gxz]

Here is a like to the PDF file for the Optima D31A yellow top.



Kevin