2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission New Batteries

[MRiley]

I had to finally replaced the original '01 batteries. Not because they died, but because I dropped one and cracked the case #@$%!. I can't believe they were still working. Both were factory original and both still had the green light showing! I decided to just replace the other as well i figured it was time. I sure hope the new ones last half as long...

 

[PVanderlugt]

Pretty amazing huh, just did mine a couple of months ago, an 02, and it had the eyes show as well, mine had a pretty rough life here in the snow belt for 8 winters. were still cranking ok but I was getting some weird electrical gremlins, new batteries fixed that. I went with group 31 Interstates, should have gone with group 27 drop in's. the 31 were a PIA to install.
good luck on your batteries, hopefully you will be ready to go for another 10 years
Pete

 

[rluft]

Replaced my original batteries a couple of years ago. Not because they were not starting the truck but they were leaking acid around the posts and making a mess.

 

[Threewolves]

Yep, I replaced mine in DEC on my 01. I just felt the need. I wanted to replace them on my terms, not when they decided to go out. Since then I have replace the contacts in my starter in jan with 187,000. I just replaced my water pump tonight. I am going to go ahead and clean out my radiator and intercooler tomarrow since I am in the zone.

 

[PatrickHansen]

Replaced mine last week with a pair from Wally World. 3 year replacement warranty.

 

[JLandry]

My originals are still going strong at 10 years.



I do keep a Battery Tender hooked up when I don't drive it for more than a week. There are lots of low-current drains always on in that truck (computers, alarm system, cell phone charges left plugged in, etc. ).



John L.

 

[JMetzger]

I suppose I should think about mine also in my 02. They have never given me any problem as of yet. Just keep them clean & use distilled water. They some times sit for a month at a time & have never had any battery tender or charger on them. When needed they start right up, but starting to get nervous. Last time I had the load tested at Carson Dodge about three months ago they were amazed that they showed real good.

 

[Tractorat]

I replaced my original batteries a month or 2 ago. Nothing wrong with the old ones. Green light was still on on both, batteries always seemed strong. But, after 10 years, I was getting nervous. I probably should have waited until fall or early winter. But, if I did wait, I probably would have put it off again. P put in interstates.

 

[MRiley]

I was looking forward to seeing just how long the factory batteries would last. Would have love to keep running them but no such luck. I've never had a battery last more than 5 years. The fact that I got 10 out of these blew me away.

 

[ceastmen]

Still Going!

I too am amazed that my original batteries are going strong!

I hope I get a little warning before they decide to go.

Is there a record for how long a pair of batteries have lasted?

Chuck

 

[BHolland]

I replaced one of mine in November due to leaking around the post. A load test showed it up to snuff but the leaking was a concern. I replaced it with a Sears Platinum. I was encouraged to replace the other one at the same time but I will take my chances and get it tested regularly. Amazing durability!!

 

[jeepit]

I'm replacing mine this week. No green light on either battery and 10 years of service is good by me.

Is there a replacement sequence of which to pull out first? By looking at the truck I am going to pull the passenger side first then the drivers side.

 

[Missouri Mule]

jeepit, It doesn't matter which battery you take out first But it does matter that you take off both ground(negative) cables first then the Power (positive) cable(s) and last the battery hold down bracket.



My orginals lasted three years they were just plain wore out but I put a lot of mileage (hours) on them the first three years. I'm on my third set of Optimas with 246,000 on the Mule (1rst Optimas 5 1/2 yrs, 2nd 6 + yrs, 3rd ?)

 

[jeepit]

jeepit, It doesn't matter which battery you take out first But it does matter that you take off both ground(negative) cables first then the Power (positive) cable(s) and last the battery hold down bracket.



My orginals lasted three years they were just plain wore out but I put a lot of mileage (hours) on them the first three years. I'm on my third set of Optimas with 246,000 on the Mule (1rst Optimas 5 1/2 yrs, 2nd 6 + yrs, 3rd ?)

How do I do this w/o losing all my preset channels on my radio?

 

[1tuffram]

How do I do this w/o losing all my preset channels on my radio?

Wal-Mart has a device in the auto battery section made by NOCO callled settings keeper. It runs on a 9 volt batt and plugs into your cigarette lighter and will retain your radio settings.

 

[AABEN]

I replaced one of mine in November due to leaking around the post. A load test showed it up to snuff but the leaking was a concern. I replaced it with a Sears Platinum. I was encouraged to replace the other one at the same time but I will take my chances and get it tested regularly. Amazing durability!!

Down the road you will have some trouble!

 

[rluft]

I was reading on an RV forum that in a multi battery set up it was best to change all batteries at the same time. Appearantly as batteries age they become resistant to taking a charge and the new battery will get worked harder charging and also releasing it's energy and will not last as long. This might be a bigger deal for deep cycle batteries. I had one bad battey on my coach but replaced both of them.