I walked out to the truck the other day and found that the battery was dead. It jumped reasonably well, and I need to get it tested, but I'm guessing it may have run it's course.That said, I have no idea how to choose a battery for this application. I'm assuming that I don't want just any old battery, but something that will hold up to the added strain of being used as a TV. That said, with the relative cost of batteries, I don't want to spend money unnecessarily.So, how do I choose a battery? In case it matters, I'm driving a 2006 Suburban 2500 with the 8.1.

Before living in FL I was in AZ. Both very hot and heat takes more out of a battery than cold, unless the battery discharges and freezes. I love Duralast Gold batteries sold at Auto Zone. I get 5 years out of them which is pretty darn good.

Funny, battery brand is one thing I've never been that choosy on; what I've always done is buy the recommended group & size, and if there happens to be a slightly more powerful one available (better reserve or higher CCA) that fits then I'll buy that. I just accept that I'm going to buy a battery every few years so I don't get too caught up in it. Others swear by Sears, Optima, etc. and will probably weigh in with their experiences and reasons for choosing what they choose.If I were in your shoes, I'd simply hit the closest AutoZone, NAPA, or similar, buy the best they have that fits, and be done with it.

Walley world batterys are madeby Johnson batt corp in Wisclike many other good brandsplus wally is every where incase of trouble been using themfor yrs great results :)

I would have your TV checked just to be sure your not having other issues. Most auto parts stores can do a simple test to determine if it is in fact the battery. It's no fun buying a battery then find out its the alternator or regulator.Personally I buy mine from Walmart. I've had good luck with their EverStart.

Get the largest cranking amps for your battery group. Should be around 750-800. Many with longer warranty last longer.Both cold weather and hot weather can put a strain on a battery.Walmart, Costco, Sam's club, o'reilly's all have a good selection.

How to choose a battery? | Good Sam Community

12thgenusa
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
The original battery in my truck was on its last legs, so I replaced it a month ago. Lasted 6+ years. After shopping around I bought the exact replacement (made by Exide for Toyota) from the Toyota dealer for $99. Cheaper than anything AutoZone, Walmart or anyone else had. I figure if OEM gets 6 years, why change? Don't overlook your GM dealer.
Glacier_D
Explorer II
Dec 11, 2013
I don't think the brand matters much anymore since Johnson Controls manufactures batteries for most of the brand names including Interstate, Kirkland and so on. Buy based on price and size.
Tankcar
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
Hi.

Make it simple. A vehicle batterie is designed to last 4 to 5 life cycle (years), there maybe some sell at a higher price maybe have a 5 or 6 life cycle (years). Batteris manufactures warrantee them for just so long. And you go back, and get a new one its the timing. The batteris will fail at the most inopportune time. I change mine out wien it starts acting uo or 3 to 6 months before warrantee runs out.
Shadow_Catcher
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
There are only a few battery manufacturers and a whole lot of names. http://www.batteryfaq.org/ with frequent updates tells you who makes what. One factor not often considered is "reserve capacity" which is as important as CCA in my seldom humble opinion. The battery in our TV a Subaru Outback powers the WAECO 12V refrigerator when we are parked and while the solar panel on the teardrop will back feed the TV I don't like to leave it plugged in (afraid of driving off with out unplugging, haven't done it yet).
APT
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
Costco/Sams club. Both offer good options at reasonable pricing.
Mickeyfan0805
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
So I don't need something more than that? I notice Autozone has some batteries (Optima) that sell for $200+, while the Duralast sell for $125 or so.
enblethen
Nomad
Dec 11, 2013
Get the largest cranking amps for your battery group. Should be around 750-800. Many with longer warranty last longer.
Both cold weather and hot weather can put a strain on a battery.
Walmart, Costco, Sam's club, o'reilly's all have a good selection.
TNRIVERSIDE
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
I would have your TV checked just to be sure your not having other issues. Most auto parts stores can do a simple test to determine if it is in fact the battery. It's no fun buying a battery then find out its the alternator or regulator.
Personally I buy mine from Walmart. I've had good luck with their EverStart.
bedrocker
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
Walley world batterys are made
by Johnson batt corp in Wisc
like many other good brands
plus wally is every where in
case of trouble been using them
for yrs great results :)
bmanning
Explorer
Dec 11, 2013
Funny, battery brand is one thing I've never been that choosy on; what I've always done is buy the recommended group & size, and if there happens to be a slightly more powerful one available (better reserve or higher CCA) that fits then I'll buy that.

I just accept that I'm going to buy a battery every few years so I don't get too caught up in it.

Others swear by Sears, Optima, etc. and will probably weigh in with their experiences and reasons for choosing what they choose.

If I were in your shoes, I'd simply hit the closest AutoZone, NAPA, or similar, buy the best they have that fits, and be done with it.