Best options for cold weather cranking (1 Viewer)

[smwmustang]

With my 100 now in Bozeman, MT with my son the colder weather has finally killed the battery. I knew we would need to replace it soon as it is around 3 years old. Any recommendations from those in super cold areas of the country on what battery to use or that you would recommend. Since he is new to the area I assume Auto Zone or a parts store will be his quickest way to get her back on the road.

Thanks!

 

[Mike NXP]

With my 100 now in Bozeman, MT with my son the colder weather has finally killed the battery. I knew we would need to replace it soon as it is around 3 years old. Any recommendations from those in super cold areas of the country on what battery to use or that you would recommend. Since he is new to the area I assume Auto Zone or a parts store will be his quickest way to get her back on the road.

Thanks!

Any brand name battery will be fine. Go for something with a good warranty and high cold cranking amps. Make sure terminals are clean and tight and you'll be good to go.

Costco member? Interstate batteries are at a good price there. Shoot even a quick trip to Toyota would solve this problem with one of their batteries , they may be able to swap it in the quick lube bay but call ahead because IDK

I have a battery wrap / warmer on my truck. I rarely use it but sometimes I plug that in to keep battery warm. I also use a larger AGM battery which isn't necessary if you have a stock vehicle

 

[riffman12]

Napa is doing 20% off for the holidays which puts their Napa gold batter 27F around $135 before tax.

 

[smwmustang]

Any brand name battery will be fine. Go for something with a good warranty and high cold cranking amps. Make sure terminals are clean and tight and you'll be good to go.

Costco member? Interstate batteries are at a good price there. Shoot even a quick trip to Toyota would solve this problem with one of their batteries , they may be able to swap it in the quick lube bay but call ahead because IDK

I have a battery wrap / warmer on my truck. I rarely use it but sometimes I plug that in to keep battery warm. I also use a larger AGM battery which isn't necessary if you have a stock vehicle

Thanks for the info. Just does not get that cold around here to really ever worry about it.

 

[smwmustang]

Napa is doing 20% off for the holidays which puts their Napa gold batter 27F around $135 before tax.

Good to know. I will see if there is one near my son if we need additional options.

 

[Mike NXP]

Thanks for the info. Just does not get that cold around here to really ever worry about it.

Bozeman definitely gets cold but until you consistent sub zero temps it's not too much of a concern. Keep a jumper pack handy / charged up and pair that with a fresh new battery and he'll be alright.. Go easy on the truck when warming up and driving in extreme cold too

If he has access to power overnight, you could consider things like battery tenders or other warming devices for those brutal cold days

 

[Trapper50cal]

I like my Deka and it gets pretty cold here in the Winter (Durango, CO)

It was sub $200 - Like maybe $150-$160.

 

[diego355]

I have an Interstate 27F, no issues ever but make a habit of using a block heater if available.
Calgary, AB here.

 

[Mike NXP]

also make an into in the MT406 group if he hasn't already
>>MT- 406 Cruisers - https://forum.ih8mud.com/forums/mt-406-cruisers.88/

 

[baltistyle]

My preference on buying batteries for any vehicle is to find the one with the best warranty and the biggest battery that will fit. Often times you can go up one size in many vehicles that have stock sized batteries still in them. Group 27 is the largest without mod for this vehicle.

 

[3_puppies]

With my 100 now in Bozeman, MT with my son the colder weather has finally killed the battery. I knew we would need to replace it soon as it is around 3 years old. Any recommendations

3 year old battery shouldn't have died, that's about half life, it easily should last 5+ years

it was close to -40 last winter for a few nights,
oil weight can affect cranking
you hear different sounds when engines start at those temps

X2 on Costco, Interstate battery, they just don't like you walking around the store with the core in a cart.

 

[Hokie LX]

I lived in Buffalo (very cold also) and have had this battery in my truck for years now and it was always great. 975CCA and never had an issue starting in well below 0 temps.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BAT9849

 

[excessive]

I have this battery and it is a beast. it fits, but just barely. You will have to modify your terminals a bit.

Interstate Group 31 Commercial Battery 31-MHD 950 CCA

Interstate commercial batteries provide dependable power for your heavy-duty applications. This battery works overtime–providing power and endurance to get you where you need to get the job done. Require installation for your truck or heavy equipment? Our expert technicians are trained on...

batteryroadie.com

 

[Mark W]

I swear by Interstate batteries. I have found that they seem to handle multiple cold winters better than anything else I have used. But even with multiple rigs it is hard to really get a large sampling. I have had decent results with using the Orielly's brand batteries too and currently those are in all 4 of my regularly operated rigs.

FWIW, the interstate batteries that you get at Costco are made by Interstate... but they are made specifically for Costco to Costco's specs... which are not up to the same standards as the Interstate batteries that you can buy at the Interstate battery dealers. When you see an Interstate battery in a rig, if it has a white case, it is a full bore Interstate. If it has a black body, it is a Costco variant. The Costco version is still good enough that Interstate puts their name on it. But it is not quite the same as the best of the best Interstate.

The Interstate battery dealer/franchise in Anchorage is the battery recycling center for the area and I learned this in conversation with their techs a few years back when I was dropping off a load of dead batteries during a spring cleanup at the shop.

Mark...

 

[3_puppies]

I swear by Interstate batteries. I have found that they seem to handle multiple cold winters better than anything else I have used. But even with multiple rigs it is hard to really get a large sampling. I have had decent results with using the Orielly's brand batteries too and currently those are in all 4 of my regularly operated rigs.

FWIW, the interstate batteries that you get at Costco are made by Interstate... but they are made specifically for Costco to Costco's specs... which are not up to the same standards as the Interstate batteries that you can buy at the Interstate battery dealers. When you see an Interstate battery in a rig, if it has a white case, it is a full bore Interstate. If it has a black body, it is a Costco variant. The Costco version is still good enough that Interstate puts their name on it. But it is not quite the same as the best of the best Interstate.

The Interstate battery dealer/franchise in Anchorage is the battery recycling center for the area and I learned this in conversation with their techs a few years back when I was dropping off a load of dead batteries during a spring cleanup at the shop.

Mark...

we have a stock of Interstate batteries at work and they are all black case, non are white. Even when going to the local warehouse/distributor, 85%? are black case on all the pallets.
not sure how you would tell the difference between Costco version and "true" interstate.

 

[Mark W]

we have a stock of Interstate batteries at work and they are all black case, non are white. Even when going to the local warehouse/distributor, 85%? are black case on all the pallets.
not sure how you would tell the difference between Costco version and "true" interstate.

Perhaps something has changed since I had that chat with the Interstate guy. It was about ten years ago, so...


Mark...