Engine Batteries!

[rocmoc]

I had to replace the Exide 31 batteries in my Cat powered Diesel Pusher. The Exide had 925 CCA and died one month beyond the end of the warranty. After looking at local suppliers, Costco, Sam's Club and online I settled on purchasing CAT batteries at the local CAT Dealer/Rental Yard. The CAT battery I purchased was the , https://commerce.cat.com/en/catcorp/batteries/premium-high-output/175-4390 which has 1000 CCA and screw caps allowing easier checking of the water. Cost was $136 plus tax per battery. The Sam's Club group 31 was $112, Tractor Supply (same Exide being replaced) was $99 and Interstate group 31 was aprox $150 but all had less CCA. IMHO, the CAT battery is built better as they are built to take the construction environment. Warranty is 12 month free replacement and 36 month pro-rated. A bonus is the Core Charge at CAT is $5 where as everyone else was $25-$35. I exchanged and paid no core charge as my batteries were shot. After charging twice and going dead in a couple below freezing nights they were not worth keeping around. New batteries installed and started in a flash. Watch your batteries in this cold weather, easier to change at your choice than broke down in a park.

rocmoc n AZ/Mexico

[time2roll]

Sears platinum gives 1150 CCA from the group 31. $300

http://www.sears.com/diehard-marine-battery-platinum-pm-1-group-size-31m/p-02850131000P

[crasster]

Also be sure to look at desulphation for a nice long battery life.

[Passin_Thru]

I looked at Northern tool. They are a lot higher than Costco. $319 for a 225 CCA battery?

[cbr46]

I've been using the boost switch . . . My 12 yo original gas engined battery is ok for maybe a week or two using the disconnect switch. There's about a 40ma constant drain from the coach systems monitor (water,LP,grey,black), Scan Gauge and something else. It works perfectly for a weekend once it's charged.

Sadly, I'm in denial . . . . .

So far Northern Tool has the best price for a decent battery.

Best,
- bob

[Ivylog]

I'll probably go back with Interstates as I'm still on the original engine batteries. Yes, they are 10+ years old and all I've done is add a little water every couple of years after finding the caps under the hard plastic top. When I have to use the boost switch to start the engine I'll replace them but until then I'm curious as to how long they will last.

[Sully2]

Why is the battery in my DP an 8D size at 1140 CCA..?????