2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Die Hard platinum batteries

[MKinner]

Just bought a set of die hard platinums (AGM). Group 65, 930 CCA with 135 RC. Made by EnerSys, same company that makes odysseys. Anyone else uses these batteries? I haven't installed them yet, but it looks like i may have to modify the battery boxes because the base of them have that standard flare i guess you could call it. Looks to be an excellent battery but only time will tell. 4 year free replacement which doesn't compare to the optimas and i've heard the optimas can be a real pain to change out if you need to warranty them. Bit pricey, $197 each with tax. The original ones work fine for now, but i'm tired of them seeping and corroding the terminals. #ad

 

[RRees]

Keep us posted on the install.



I need to get a new battery for my wife's Jeep GC. I was going to get an Optima, but will wait for your review on the Diehard Platinums.



Thanks.



Bob

 

[MKinner]

Just got the batteries installed. Instead of trying to cut up the battery boxes to get the base of the battery to fit, i just took my jig saw and trimmed up the flared edges of the bottom of the battery case and it fit perfectly. the factory hold downs fit perfect. so far, i'm happy with them. with a 4 year warranty, can't really go wrong, imo.

 

[wlowe]

I just purchased a set of the Diehard Platinums also. I got the group 34's because the 65's looked like they would be too wide for the battery tray (on a 2nd gen truck), which from the previous post is correct. The group 34's are 880 CCA and 135 minute reserve. Sears started selling the Platinums about a year ago. The specs are almost identical to the Odysseys, (AGM, military grade, dimensions, CCA, etc,), and they are even made by the same company, EnerSys. Except for the color the case is identical to an Odyssey. The 34's are about an inch smaller in length and height than the stockers and about a half inch narrower. I need to get some spacers so the factory hold downs fit tight. The smaller size makes it nice when working around the battery tray, not as cramped. The Diehards were a little cheaper than the Odysseys but the main reason I got the Platinums is availability and warranty (4 year replacement and 100 month pro-rated). After seven years my original batteries still started the truck but the little green eye on one was almost black so I figured it was time to replace them. Can't complain about seven years, hope these Platinums do as good.



DieHard Automotive Battery, Platinum P-1 - Group Size 34 - Model P-1 at Sears.com



EnerSys :: EnerSys Signs Multi-Year Contract to Provide Sears Holdings With Long-Life DieHard(R) Platinum Batteries

 

[JGK]

I put a set of these in the truck this fall. I, too, liked the longer warranty, more CCAs, and the price was better than the red top optimas they were replacing. Plus, if they do need to be replaced, Sears is pretty easy to find about anywhere.



I can't see what size I bought since the hold-down bracket covers that up. But mine are a bit shorter than the tray but about as wide. I put a 3/4 thick piece of pine under them to help clear the tray issues. Works great.



They crank right over on 10 degree mornings!



-Jay

 

[metal tech]

I just installed a set of the group 65's in my 01. A little trimming of the tray and all is well. If it wasn't for the battery sensor on the drivers side box the use of 3/8-1/2 wood spacer would probably work without trimming.

 

[FYarcho]

Wow wlowe, are you waxing in inside of the bed of your truck too. That just has to be the cleanest scratch free bed I have ever seen, except for new... Oh and let us know how the install goes I will need batteries soon and am seriously looking at these. Thanks for the info

 

[wlowe]

Wow wlowe, are you waxing in inside of the bed of your truck too. That just has to be the cleanest scratch free bed I have ever seen, except for new... Oh and let us know how the install goes I will need batteries soon and am seriously looking at these. Thanks for the info

I installed the batteries and the engine starts as soon as you hit the key, barely has time to even crank over. The grid heaters cycle a lot faster and the voltmeter doesn't drop as low on the wait to start. One strange thing, my truck had developed a slight lope at idle on cold starts which has all but disappeared since I installed the batteries.



I read some posts about the possibility of the hold down posts piercing a wire bundle under the battery tray if a shorter battery is used so I installed a couple of aluminum spacers. You can see them in the picture below.

 

[wlowe]

I just installed a set of the group 65's in my 01. A little trimming of the tray and all is well. If it wasn't for the battery sensor on the drivers side box the use of 3/8-1/2 wood spacer would probably work without trimming.

I probably would have went with group 65's also if I knew the tray trimming was minimal. The 65's have about 50 CCA's more than the group 34's. The problem was that I had to order the batteries online so I didn't have a chance to try the fit first. Other than that, so far I am happy with the group 34's.

 

[RACE427]

Sears Diehard Platinum

I am researching purchasing a pair of these batteries for our 01 Dodge Ram. It looks like the size 34 is the one which will fit without modifications. Would it be better to go with the Group 65 batteries?



I have used Optimas for many years and I did have a problem with their warranty, simply, there was none. The parts house which I use exclusively would not warranty a Blue top Optima which failed after about 2 yrs. in service. This did not make me happy one bit.



So, I am open to any and all suggestions on these Sears Platinum batteries.



Thanks for your help !!!! Tony G

 

[Regcabguy]

Platinums

On my '99 I replaced the factory batteries at four years w/Optima red tops which at the time were $99 at Costco. They started the truck instantly and the wipers worked normally for the first time on cold mornings. The truck would recover from the grid cycle sooner too. My stockers on the '07 will be replaced with Platinums due to Consumer Reports "two thumbs up" rating and the proximity of Sears everywhere.

 

[RACE427]

Optimas

After owning quite a few Optima Batteries I do not believe they are the absolute best. Their Yellow Tops are selling for $189. 00, at that price I will give the Diehard Platinums a try if not just for their warranty. One trip around the park with Optima was enough for me.

 

[PC12Driver]

I put a set of the group 65 Platinums in my truck last fall. I made a couple of spacers to set them on (relocating the battery temp sensor to the top of the spacer so it is still in contact with the battery) rather than break out the saw. So far so good. The torture test was a -17*F unassisted start. Three grid cycles with a whole lotta cranking, and the batteries never slowed down. They're pricey, but definitely worth the price of admission.



It doesn't take much to get the 65s to fit - if you're gonna spend the $, you might as well go big.

 

[RACE427]

Platinum Group 65

I just purchased two Platinum Group 65 Batteries from Sears. The sales kid tried to talk me out of them as he claims only Group 45 will fit. The 65s went right in after I took a small disc grinder and trimmed off the bottom hold down lip, there is plenty of room to do this and it even looks factory. The key is to get the width of the battery down to 6 3/4 inches and it will fit perfect. Many thanks to everyone for suggesting the Group 65 size batteries. The more CCA the better in any vehicle even if it is a wimpy gas engine !!! Even when I taught basic electrical class I always stressed the importance of having the most CCA you could fit under the hood in the battery tray!!!

Now to fully test these Platinum batteries and see if they are the best. I believe I will not be disappointed !!

Have any of you tried pricing the Odyssey Battery form an EnerSyn Dealer? You will be shocked how much these things sell for !!!!

 

[Nschroeder]

I installed the group 65's in my truck about half way through the winter. I can vouch for amazing reserve capacity after a morning of gelled fuel and -20 weather. These things just wont stop cranking

 

[PC12Driver]

Watch the hold-down bolts on the driver's side battery - there's a wire harness right below the battery tray that might get pierced when the bolts are run further down with the shorter batteries.