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Talk about customer service!

Canadian_Rainbi
Explorer
Explorer
In April this year I decided to replace the two group 31 marine/deep cycle batteries that our coach uses as starting batteries. One seemed to have a small leak at one post, it was always corroded. They were 5 years old.

Took the old ones in to Battery Direct, where I have been dealing for years (decades) to have them replaced. I noted that the two batteries that they loaded into the back of the van seemed smaller. The owner (a long time acquaintance whom I liked and respected) told me that they were a lot cheaper and should do the job just fine and had just about the same CCA.

Back home the tech arrived to do some other work so I had him put these new batteries in.

Move ahead to this Thursday, 5 months later. Getting the rig ready for the winter journey to Mexico I decided I should check the SG and electrolyte levels. The new chassis batteries were group 27 maintenance free batteries! :S

As said, we winter in Mexico; daytime temps are always 80 to 90 degrees F. I always have to add distilled water at least once, usually twice, while we are there, to the chassis batteries since the charging to these batteries is not temperature compensated.

Friday I dropped in to Battery Direct to have a chat. "Bring them in, we'll swap them out." So later that day I returned with the group 27s. Then I said that the originals were group 31 Marine/Deep Cycle, and since they ran the steps, slide and jacks hydraulic motor and who knows what else, I wouldn't mind putting those in if they had them in stock, and would be happy to pay the difference.

Two new group 31 Marine/Deep Cycles went into the back of the van--NO CHARGE! Happy Customer! ๐Ÿ™‚

Except that now I have to make up new cables since the ones for the 27s are two short and the old ones were corroded. I just found out what 2/0 cable is worth--even a foot at a time--and the solder on connectors. And I'm out of fluxcore solder (except for some really fine stuff). So that has to wait for Monday when rain is forecast. :S
3 REPLIES 3

SWD
Explorer
Explorer
RJsfishin wrote:
Well why not take them back and trade'm for 2 27 deep cycle, so the new cables will fit ? Surely you don't need 31s, and surely they won't mind exchanging them. And why 2/0 cable,......unless they are very long.


X2 Costco has great service too and I have found them to be cheaper than battery direct.

RJsfishin
Explorer
Explorer
Well why not take them back and trade'm for 2 27 deep cycle, so the new cables will fit ? Surely you don't need 31s, and surely they won't mind exchanging them. And why 2/0 cable,......unless they are very long.
Rich

'01 31' Rexall Vision, Generac 5.5k, 1000 watt Honda, PD 9245 conv, 300 watts Solar, 150 watt inv, 2 Cos 6v batts, ammeters, led voltmeters all over the place, KD/sat, 2 Oly Cat heaters w/ ox, and towing a 2012 Liberty, Lowe bass boat, or a Kawi Mule.

SCVJeff
Explorer
Explorer
Many auto parts stores sell cable by the foot, and those that do usually have the lugs and crimper to terminate them any length you need
Jeff - WA6EQU
'06 Itasca Meridian 34H, CAT C7/350