Battery Information (1 Viewer)

[KrOswalt]

Just thought I’d revive this thread by saying thanks for all the info, hope my bump helps another user. I’ll be putting this info to use tomorrow!

 

[Ramacher]

I bought my 150 9 months and it came with an interstate battery. Battery is dated 9/17 and it's failing already and the Interstate store won't give me a warranty exchange because I'm not the original purchaser.

I was going to go with the Orielly's Super Start Platinum AGM because it seemed to be a rebranded Deka Intimidator but now I'm not sure. The Sear's Die Hard and the Sam's Club Duracell look exactly like the Deka while the Orielly's super start is a little off. I found 3 differences in the shell. 1) The 'band' around the sides by the top isn't the same, 2) it doesn't have the ridge on the bottom sides, and 3) it doesn't have that channel on the bottom middle. What do you guys think? Is the Orielly's a rebranded deka with a different shell?
Edit: I just read on a review on Sam's Club that the Duracell now says Made in Mexico, not USA. Definity not an Eastpenn/Deka if that's the case right?

 

[laufer]

I bought my 150 9 months and it came with an interstate battery. Battery is dated 9/17 and it's failing already and the Interstate store won't give me a warranty exchange because I'm not the original purchaser.

I was going to go with the Orielly's Super Start Platinum AGM because it seemed to be a rebranded Deka Intimidator but now I'm not sure. The Sear's Die Hard and the Sam's Club Duracell look exactly like the Deka while the Orielly's super start is a little off. I found 3 differences in the shell. 1) The 'band' around the sides by the top isn't the same, 2) it doesn't have the ridge on the bottom sides, and 3) it doesn't have that channel on the bottom middle. What do you guys think? Is the Orielly's a rebranded deka with a different shell?
Edit: I just read on a review on Sam's Club that the Duracell now says Made in Mexico, not USA. Definity not an Eastpenn/Deka if that's the case right?

Sorry to hear about your battery warranty troubles, and thanks a lot for this helpful research. (I updated my notes accordingly.)

With Sears in trouble, NAPA might be a good remaining source for a Deka Intimidator:

https://www.napaonline.com/p/NBP9834R $174 775 CCA 9l volume
https://www.napaonline.com/p/NBP9824F $190 710 CCA 10.8l volume

18mo + pro-rated warranty: https://media.napaonline.com/is/content/GenuinePartsCompany/957385pdf

What continues to puzzle me is that the smaller of the two has higher CCA, but I'm leaning toward a 24F because of higher volume and total capacity.

 

[jatree]

Yeesh that seems expensive. I've been thinking about replacing with the Interstate from Costco

Item Number 1131909
Group Size 27F
Cold Cranking Amps 710
Cranking Amps 890
Voltage 12
(RC) Min @ 25 Amp 165

All for $89 (+$15 core charge)

My Toyota Truestart was installed by the previous owner 2.5 years ago and may be acting up. Does anyone how or if Toyota honors the 84-month warranty on the sticker? Good thread.

 

[sunrk]

My pair of Northstar AGM-27F's are performing well in the engine bay of my 80 and so far are handling the high heat situation (diesel motor, 80 series, Aussie summer) without any issues. They're about a year old now.

 

[sunrk]

My pair of Northstar AGM-27F's are performing well in the engine bay of my 80 and so far are handling the high heat situation (diesel motor, 80 series, Aussie summer) without any issues. They're about a year old now.

 

[jatree]

It would seem to make sense including Batteries Plus into the comparison with Napa and Oreilly's...good warranty and a lot of stores. Although the Duracell Ultra Platinum AGM I see from them is only in Group 34/87 or 34R.

 

[landcruiserjoe]

Yeesh that seems expensive. I've been thinking about replacing with the Interstate from Costco

Item Number 1131909
Group Size 27F
Cold Cranking Amps 710
Cranking Amps 890
Voltage 12
(RC) Min @ 25 Amp 165

All for $89 (+$15 core charge)

My Toyota Truestart was installed by the previous owner 2.5 years ago and may be acting up. Does anyone how or if Toyota honors the 84-month warranty on the sticker? Good thread.

My Trustart didn’t last theFull 5yr and the dealer did prorate. I recall it being fairly decent.

Yeesh that seems expensive. I've been thinking about replacing with the Interstate from Costco

Item Number 1131909
Group Size 27F
Cold Cranking Amps 710
Cranking Amps 890
Voltage 12
(RC) Min @ 25 Amp 165

All for $89 (+$15 core charge)

My Toyota Truestart was installed by the previous owner 2.5 years ago and may be acting up. Does anyone how or if Toyota honors the 84-month warranty on the sticker? Good thread.

 

[jatree]

My Trustart didn’t last theFull 5yr and the dealer did prorate. I recall it being fairly decent.

Thanks - I elected to go with a Napa 8424F battery due to a good deal, warranty, and not having to deal with my local dealer. Been fine for a couple months now no complaints. Will update/complain if it acts up at all in less than two and a half years

 

[DirtyPepper]

So it is getting time for me to replace the battery in my truck and as part of that, I have been doing some research about batteries. When I say some, I should clarify it as the type of research you do when you are in a foot cast and it is a pain to get around anywhere, so you lay on your back and read a bunch. Rather than let it go to waste, I figured, why not put my lost time to use. So here it goes.

What battery size comes in our trucks?

Group 24F or 27F depending on the year. Both fit. Group 35 is a common aftermarket replacement that is smaller than both the 24f and 27f.

What other batteries fit in our trucks?

Group 34R with a spacer plate underneath, Group 65 (wrong terminal orientation and requires moving the wires and a better hold down clamp), Group 34M (terminal reversed), Group 31M (tight fit but fits with minor work).

What brand of battery is the best?

That is like asking what the best dinner is. There are three major manufactures of batteries in the U.S., Johnson Controls, Exide, and Eastern-Penn (Deka), which are then labeled by different distributors/retailers. (Note that Johnson Controls has moved most of their production to Mexico). There are also several small manufactures, the best known one of which is Enersys, the manufacture of the Odyssey brand Absorbed Gas Mat (AGM) batteries. A newer manufacture of AGM Batteries is Northstar, which are becoming more available. Some models of Odyssey are also relabeled as the Sears Die Hard Platinum. If is is a Die Hard Platinum, it is an Odyssey.

Who makes my battery:

• 
  Sears- Diehard: Lead Acid- Johnson Controls, Platinum AGM- Odyssey, Gold Advanced AGM- Eastern- Penn.
  Interstate- Johnson Controls.
  Walmart Everstart- Johnson Controls (Exide Contract Cancelled).
  Autozone Duralast- Lead Acid- Johnson Controls, AGM- East-Penn.
  Pep Boys (including Bosch)- As of Aug 2012 Exide
  Napa- Lead Acid- Johnson Controls; AGM- East-Penn.
  Optima- Johnson Controls.
  Varta AGM- Fall 2012- Johnson Controls in a new US plant.
  Costco-Johnson Controls.
  Northstar- Northstar and also distributed by Batteries Plus as the X2Power and Exide under the Northstar label.
  Duracell- East Penn (Deka)
  Rayovac (Batteries Plus)- Lead Acid- Johnson Controls; AGM- East Penn (Deka)
  Deka- East Penn

What is the difference between a lead acid and AGM battery?

A lead acid battery (traditional) uses liquid mix of acid and water that submerges the battery plates. An AGM (Absorbed Gas Mat) battery uses a membrane that suspends the acid mixture. The advantages of an AGM battery are they produce no gasses unless overcharged, are totally sealed so they don't evaporate, and the big one is they can handle more deep discharges. Typically an AGM battery can handle twice as many discharges to 50% of capacity as a standard lead acid battery. Additionally, AGM batteries have lower internal resistance so they can provide more instant current.

For those that want a better understanding of AGM batteries, here are a few links that provide excellent technical explanations of Lead Acid v. AGM:

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/files/US-ODY-TM-001_0411_000.pdf

http://www.showmetheparts.com/BIN/documents/DEKA/Valve Regulated Batteries (VRLA).pdf

http://www.lifelinebatteries.com/manual.pdf

Should I pay extra for an AGM Battery?

It depends. If you are going to be winching, camping where you draw down the battery a lot, or have other special needs, then the extra cost is potentially worth it. For regular starting, they don't serve much purpose in these trucks.

It is worth noting that AGM's are being used more and more in new cars which put much higher draws on batteries while sitting and before starting. As a result many new cars will draw down the battery deeper than older cars and the extra cycle life of an AGM helps.

Who makes AGM batteries?

There are three large AGM manufactures- Odyssey, East-Penn- Deka Intimidator, and Optima (Johnson Controls). It is worth noting that the first two are U.S. manufactured, Optimas are now manufactured in Mexico and there have been many complaints of quality since production for the Optimas was moved.

The market is changing rapidly for AGM's with demand increasing new products are being released. Northstar, a Swedish company is pushing distribution in the U.S. (batteries are manufactured in the U.S.), distributing batteries directly as Northstar, through Exide as Nothstar, and (Shh) through batteries plus as the X2Power. Johnson Controls announced in July 2012 that they will start producing flat plate AGM batteries (as opposed to the Exide Orbirtal) in the U.S.. The new batteries will be produced in a new U.S. plant capable of producing 6 million AGM batteries a year. It is unclear if they will be under the Varta name or another brand.

Do I need to take special care of an AGM battery?

No. The only caution that needs to be exercised is if you use a battery charger. In that case, you must use one that has a specific AGM charge mode to prevent overcharging. AGM batteries are very sensitive to being overcharged. Also, unlike lead acid batteries, a deeply discharged AGM battery may need a larger charger to get the charge process started.

Does an AGM Battery have a different voltage than a lead acid battery?

Slightly. The resting voltage of a fully charged lead acid battery is approximately 12.7 volts. A fully charged AGM battery will have a resting voltage of 12.8-12.9 volts.

Is my current alternator/voltage regulator compatible with an AGM battery?

Yes. As set forth in the Deka whitepaper on AGM batteries, this maximum voltage is between 13.9 volts for temps over 120f and 15.4 volts for temperatures under 40f. These voltage limits are very close to typical lead acid batteries. Unless there is something wrong with your alternator, it will not harm an AGM battery, in which case it would almost certainly have also damaged a traditional lead acid battery.

It is worth noting that some newer cars (specifically BMW's in the last 10 years) actually have a programmable alternator. When you replace the battery in these cars, you set the type of battery (lead acid or AGM) and reserve capacity. The charging system then tracks the age and type of battery and its charging of it to maximize battery life. This combined with the fact that BMW places batteries under the seat or in the trunk lead to regular reports of batteries lasting about 6 years.

What specs should I look for in a battery?

Three- Warranty, Cold Cranking Amps (CCA), and Reserve Capacity.

Cold Cranking Amps tell you the current a battery will put out for 30 seconds at 0F without dropping below 7.2 volts. Don't get too hung up on this number for the 80, the factory batteries were in the 450-625CCA range depending on the market.

Reserve Capacity- This tells you the number of minutes at 80F the battery can put out 25 amps before it is drawn down to 10.5 volts. The higher the number, the longer you can run accessories and still expect your vehicle to start. Personally, I put much more importance on this number than CCA.

How long should my battery last?

It depends. Heat kills batteries. For every 22F above 77F you can expect your battery to last half as long. Many people are mistaken that cold kills batteries. This incorrect. What will often happen is the heat will cause a decrease in capacity which then shows up when it gets cold and extra demand is put on the battery. If your battery has removable caps, check it once in a while to make sure there is sufficient water, especially if you live in a hot climate.

Sears has some great charts in their faq that give an estimate of how long batteries last in different parts of the U.S. I have attached the photos from the chart at the end of this.

How often should I replace my battery:

I agree with Sears on this which says: "Even if your battery appears fine, you should replace it before the 4th winter season of use. Cold temperatures can reduce your battery's ability to perform at its peak." Modern batteries don't slowly die, they just fail to work one day leaving you stranded. A failing battery also puts more stress on an alternator which can cause premature failure. I replace my batteries every four years, trying to stretch an extra year to save $20-40 on the life of the battery isn't worth it to me.

Environmental/Nationalistic/Religious Comments (I have put these here in the interest of full disclosure because some of the below information is important to people in their purchase decisions)

Note that the majority, if not all of Johnson Controls lead acid batteries (which include Interstate, Die Hard, Duralast, etc.) are now made in Mexico. While I personally don't have an issue with foreign products, I do have concerns that there have been articles concerning lead pollution (and the resulting harm to workers and their families) from improper recycling near these plants.

Exide only has plants in the U.S., so all of their batteries are U.S. made. They also state that they do not export used batteries to Mexico and perform all recycling in the U.S.

If it says East-Penn, it is made in the U.S.

For those that wish to support a Christian focused distributor (I am Jewish so I have no stake in the game), Interstate is privately owned fundamental Christian company that supports Christian organizations.


What battery do you recommend?

For standard use, the Autozone Gold 27F for $109. It provides 710CCA and 165min of reserve capacity. The identical battery is also available as the Sears Diehard Gold 27F southern for $125, or the Interstate MTP-27F for a street price of about $125. Personally, I have used the Costco Group 35 batteries for more than 8 years without a problem. If you want a reliable inexpensive battery and aren't worried about having a large battery, the Costco Group 35 is a great value.

If purchasing a U.S. made battery is important, try to find a local Deka dealer and purchase a 24F or 27F battery from them. Exide batteries are also made in the U.S. I personally ended up with a rebadged Deka 24F (labeled Duracell) for $127 that has 800CCA, 115RC and a three year warranty.

If you want a big battery for not a lot of money and are willing to do a little work, get a Group 65. You will need to trim the battery box to allow the cables to be pulled through to reach the terminals and you will need to install a new clamp to properly secure the battery (a search on this forum will bring up what one member did for about $10). You can get a group 65 from Costco for $70 which offers 850CCA and 150 min of reserve capacity for $70. Sears and Autozone offer the same battery for about $135, and you can get the Group 65 AGM from Autozone for about $160.

If you camp a lot, have a fridge or other accessories that draw your battery down and then recharge it, I would suggest getting the Deka Intimidator Group 34R (750CCA and 120min reserve capacity), which is available under the Autozone Duralast Platinum AGM label for $144 or the Sears Diehard Advanced Gold for $154. Note that Sears often has sales with their batteries 10% off. Also, the Deka is available under other labels, but I have named two easily available national companies that have them.

If you are winching and need the ultimate in both current capability and deep discharge capacity, you now have a few choices:

1) The Odyssey 31M, or better yet the Sears Diehard Platinum 31M which is the same battery for less money ($279 but frequently on sale). The Odyssey is rated at 1150CCA with a 205 min reserve capacity. (3 year warranty because it is a marine battery)

2) Northstar 27F from Batteries Plus as the X2Power. How about a big battery that drops in without any cable or hold down mods and has a 5 year replacement warranty!!!! 930CCA and a 190 min reserve capacity for $275.

3) Northstar 31 from Batteries Plus as the X2Power. 1150CCA with a 220 min reserve capacity for $325.


Happy cranking and I hope this helps.
View attachment 666356View attachment 666357

I'm replacing my battery this weekend and this helped me so much! I was wondering what the difference between a 24/27 (both F) was and this and another article helped!


Thanks!

 

[DirtyPepper]

Just thought I'd throw in about interstate batteries, if you're lucky enough to be near a distributor call them and ask for a "blem" which is short for blemish. My buddy just picked up a group 31 950CCA with 190 minute reserve for $35. Some will have rub marks, crooked stickers, and what not. They come with a 90 day warranty. Picking up a pair tomorrow for the dual battery install, never knew anything about blems until I read it in another thread.

WAY LATE tp this, but...

After reading this comment I checked and I have an Interstate Distributor about 5 miles from my place...

So, I called...they don't call them "Blems" anymore, but instead, "Econs"

24F Interstate Battery with a 90 day warranty for a straight swap, 99% guaranteed to get three years out of it...most are drained batteries from Costco customer returns. They add fluids if necessary and test the HELL out of them.

$45

I've been wanting to set up a dual battery so I now know where I'll go to get the dual batteries.



Thanks for the tip!

 

[jatree]

Thanks - I elected to go with a Napa 8424F battery due to a good deal, warranty, and not having to deal with my local dealer. Been fine for a couple months now no complaints. Will update/complain if it acts up at all in less than two and a half years

Well coming up on five years and so far this one has served me well (knock on wood). Just thought I'd update the thread for more information.

I'm going to replace in the next few weeks but need to read up on if there's anything new to consider. You guys do anything besides fusible links during a battery swap?

 

[Outsane]

Replace the fuseable links with midi fuses..

Fusible Link upgrade kit

The fusible link delete kit from QC Motorsports, a great solution to the fusible links across the spread of old Toyota models, and a great way to simultaneously declutter your positive battery terminal and modernize your wiring. MIDI fuses were chosen over Z-cube, AMG and other style of slow...

solvefunction.com

I have a couple of sets, the rest sold by @deltavs.com

A LIPO battery would be cool, somewhat experimental if you winch.

 

[jatree]

In case this helps anyone, here are some 24F specs/prices since I need to buy a battery this week. C = Costco, W = Walmart

I can't seem to find prices for Napa this time around. For reference, I bought a Napa Premium 24F for $120 in 2019. Since then the warranty has decreased to 36 months and I'm also reading the Costco warranty is weaker. Walmart options are largely out of stock in my area but I can drive a little and find the EverStart AGM.

 

[OffRoadScott]

In case this helps anyone, here are some 24F specs/prices since I need to buy a battery this week. C = Costco, W = Walmart

View attachment 3596735
I can't seem to find prices for Napa this time around. For reference, I bought a Napa Premium 24F for $120 in 2019. Since then the warranty has decreased to 36 months and I'm also reading the Costco warranty is weaker. Walmart options are largely out of stock in my area but I can drive a little and find the EverStart AGM.

I would really reconsider your options. Costco has recently changed their warranty and I am not up to date on Napa.

Personally I would go with Interstate Batteries, their warranty is good anywhere there is a Interstate dealer. Costco even though distributed via Interstate you can only warranty the battery at a Costco. Both you need proof of purchase.

 

[Hornd]

I would really reconsider your options. Costco has recently changed their warranty and I am not up to date on Napa.

Personally I would go with Interstate Batteries, their warranty is good anywhere there is a Interstate dealer. Costco even though distributed via Interstate you can only warranty the battery at a Costco. Both you need proof of purchase.

I have 4 Toyotas and they all get Costco Batteries.

**Costco has every Purchase on your Card you made there at the Customer Service Desk, so you will need Luck Returning one you did not buy there.

I live in Ohio and my DD Corolla has a Costco/Interstate/Johnson Controls from 2016 in 2024 - Have a Noco, so we running it to Failure. 8 Years is Impressive.

My Cruiser has Dual Batteries (Bluesea ACR). Deep Cell for the Secondary - China*Mart whatever.

Have Noco in each Glovebox - GB40s on Amazon Day. I consider them a Necessity - handy to charge Phone or Headlamp (Streamlight or Princeton).
I usually let Strangers Borrow them to Jump their cars.

I top the Batteries off when I think of it with a Bottled Water.
If your a Perfection Nazi then Write on Piece of Tape the Top off Date.
Fill to 1/4" over the Lead Plates.

Usefull Battery Info. attached.

I replaced my Neighbors Stealership Toyota Battery and it was Identical (Minus Decal) to the Costco I put in.
Johnson Controls makes Both - unsure the Stealership Warranty?

 

[sunrk]

It's wierd that in the USA you can buy light vehicle (car, ute, 4wd, suv) batteries are places like Costco, etc. The Bunnings hardware stores here in Australia do carry a small range of vehicle batteries. Auto parts stores are the most common places people get new batteries from, plus Battery World, etc. stores.

 

[OffRoadScott]

I have 4 Toyotas and they all get Costco Batteries.

**Costco has every Purchase on your Card you made there at the Customer Service Desk, so you will need Luck Returning one you did not buy there.

I live in Ohio and my DD Corolla has a Costco/Interstate/Johnson Controls from 2016 in 2024 - Have a Noco, so we running it to Failure. 8 Years is Impressive.

My Cruiser has Dual Batteries (Bluesea ACR). Deep Cell for the Secondary - China*Mart whatever.

Have Noco in each Glovebox - GB40s on Amazon Day. I consider them a Necessity - handy to charge Phone or Headlamp (Streamlight or Princeton).
I usually let Strangers Borrow them to Jump their cars.

I top the Batteries off when I think of it with a Bottled Water.
If your a Perfection Nazi then Write on Piece of Tape the Top off Date.
Fill to 1/4" over the Lead Plates.

Usefull Battery Info. attached.

I replaced my Neighbors Stealership Toyota Battery and it was Identical (Minus Decal) to the Costco I put in.
Johnson Controls makes Both - unsure the Stealership Warranty?

Heat is a battery killer. Here in AZ you are lucky if you get 3 or more years out of a battery.

When we lived in San Diego batteries would last well past the warranty period. When I was growing up in Oregon I can not recall my dad ever replacing batteries in the cars.

Those NOCO jump boxes are a life saver, I carry one too in my LC but no need since I can jump the LC off the second battery. But have been able to help others with the NOCO jump box.