Wal-Mart Batteries

[WTP-GC]

While this post is related to my boat batteries, they are the same batteries used for RV applications.

Yesterday, I pulled the 4 batteries out of my flats boat to replace them.
2 each dual purpose group 24 (house batteries) - dated 2/11
2 each deep cycle group 24 (trolling motor) - dated 3/12

I have added water to these batteries one time in my recollection during my entire ownership. It's been a couple of months since I used the boat, but the last time I did, all batteries worked flawlessly. I always put a trickle charger on them before using, and they would reach a full charge state in less than 6 hours. I never ran them dead. The only reason I'm replacing them is because I figure 7 years is long enough to rely on a $65 battery for a saltwater boat.

The point of this post is just to share information about a good experience I've had with batteries that many people would not even consider. And since this is a flat bottom boat, it has a rough ride and those batteries have been very well beaten. I'll be headed back to Wal-Mart today to get new ones...hopefully these batteries weren't a fluke 😉

[WTP-GC]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
I don't know why he's using starting batteries for the house though, instead of deep discharge there too.

The Wal-Mart starting batteries actually have a higher AMP-HOUR rating than my previous dual-purpose battery. Regardless, other than starting, my primary electrical needs are for a sonar/chartplotter, VHF radio and live well pump. Yes, the bilge and nav lights are also connected with the house batteries, but they're never used. The bilge is actually smaller than the live well pump, which I've left running all night before. It will drain the battery down to about 10 volts. But the boat is a small inshore vessel, so I could literally run almost any kind of battery for the house.

[WTP-GC]

wa8yxm wrote:
24 volt trolling???? Your RV is a 12 volt system.

Dang...that must be why I keep going through inverters 😉

[Dutch_12078]

wa8yxm wrote:
24 volt trolling???? Your RV is a 12 volt system.

I don't think he's trolling with his RV, John. Two 12's in series for the 24V trolling motor. I don't know why he's using starting batteries for the house though, instead of deep discharge there too.

[DustyR]

Another satisfied customer here.

[wa8yxm]

24 volt trolling???? Your RV is a 12 volt system.

[WTP-GC]

As a follow up post...
Fortunately, Wal-Mart did have 4 batteries on the shelf. They appear to have abandoned the dual-purpose line, which was a little disappointing, so I ended up with 2 each starting batteries (house) and 2 each deep cycle batteries (24V trolling). I can easily get by with one house battery but since I have room and weight allowance, I still prefer having 2.

Starting battery: $70 each
Deep cycle: $75 each

The deep cycle batteries I returned as a core had no price labels on them, but the dual purpose batteries did. They were $65 each when I bought them in 2011...so a very minimal price change.

[theoldwizard1]

SidecarFlip wrote:
I read somewhere that East Penn is the only battery manufacturer that has their own lead smelter. Not sure if it's true, just what I read somewhere.

Recycling lead acid batteries is a very controversial subject. The EPA would like to stop it completely but close to 100% of the lead used in new lead acid battery comes from recycled batteries.

Mining lead is also very toxic to the workers. I am not sure which is worse.

[wa8yxm]

SidecarFlip wrote:
I read somewhere that East Penn is the only battery manufacturer that has their own lead smelter. Not sure if it's true, just what I read somewhere.

Most likely one of my posts.. My Source (Sadly) is East Penn

But yes. that's one of the reasons my main batteries are DEKA (East PEnn) both the chassis and the GC-2's (G-20's in their catalog)

I might add. I put the G-20's in in 2014 as I recall. Spring of.
Last month, for the first time in 4 years.. I had to add distilled water.

Now I will admit I have only 80 amp converter and over 500 Amp Hours Total (A slower recharge uses less water) but 4 years between waterings!!!!!.

My original Interstate 2200's (Same class) did not have the additional 300 amp hours hooked up so they took water every mother's day when new. more often as they aged. But even after I expanded the battery banks they needed annual wattering or more frequent.

FOUR YEARS the Deka's went without a "Drink"

Them's some good batteries.

Bought them from a DEKA store in Anderson, SC. These are a tad heavier than the older INterstates (10 more amp hours) so though I was able to lift the Interstates OUT by mayself. I had to have help lifting the new ones in. Very pleased. these suckers may outlast me.

[Dave5143]

Only problem I've had with batteries at Walmart is the fact that the Group 24 Deep Cycles batteries are always out of stock since they never seem to stock enough of them to meet the demand. 😞

[seaeagle2]

Batteries are like Car Tires ( not so much ST Tires) there's only a few major manufacturers they just put different labels one them.

[SidecarFlip]

I read somewhere that East Penn is the only battery manufacturer that has their own lead smelter. Not sure if it's true, just what I read somewhere.

[MDKMDK]

Dutch_12078 wrote:
Just about all Walmart lead-acid batteries are made by either Johnson Controls or East Penn. The same two companies that make Die Hard, Interstate, Deka, NAPA, and numerous other branded batteries. They both make quality products.

The Duracells at Sam's Club are also East Penn. I've bought 3 of them for various applications over the last 4 years, and all are still going strong.

EDIT: Dang it, oldwizard, you beat me by 11 minutes. :S

[theoldwizard1]

Sam's Club sell Duracell lead acid batteries which are made by East Penn. East Penn sells under a lot of different brands, but the main one is Deka.

[Sandia_Man]

Convenient and great pricing, all our vehicles and those that our kids drive all use Walmart batteries. None have failed in less than five years, for our RV we go to Samsclub for their 6volt golfcart batteries. Again great pricing and last set lasted 7 years, plenty of juice left in them, just wanted a fresh pair since they were only $80 a piece.