Homebrew Single Group 31 Battery Install

[lx200inAR]

Would this be likely to work as a terminal clamp extender for 31 battery?

View attachment 3253255

This one doesn't look any longer than the Toyota variant. Also, the cable end terminals are not flat, so you need something that works with OEM vehicle side terminals. That's why the ends of the SLEE extenders are milled to the smaller shape.

I should add that I'm at the point where I feel like I've wasted enough time looking for alternatives that I should have just sucked it up and bought the SLEE terminals. I haven't yet, but that's the way I'm leaning.

 

[highfructose]

Does anyone think this might be a direct No diy necessary “extension” to allow a group 31 to fit?

Ampper Top Post Battery Disconnect Switch, Battery Master Switch Isolator for Power Disconnect Cut Off https://a.co/d/bInfDUt

 

[doru]

I did this job the other weekend with all Slee kit.

Did you have to use the foam provided by Slee?

Can you install the battery using only the slee terminals and @TeCKis300 tray solution? I do not like the fact that slee want's you to drill a hole under the tray to secure their tray.

 

[2014 LEX 570 GA]

Did you have to use the foam provided by Slee?

Can you install the battery using only the slee terminals and @TeCKis300 tray solution? I do not like the fact that slee want's you to drill a hole under the tray to secure their tray.

I didn’t really need the foam, the battery fit snugly in the tray without any play. I am not sure how @TeCKis300 secured his tray but in my view you definitely need to secure the tray properly - the battery is very heavy (like 50lbs I think) and the OEM tray fasteners will not support it. IIRC, you end up using three existing holes in the fender and have to drill one new one. Pretty simple job and does not require extensive drilling/hacking of the fender or any other part of the vehicle. Slee provides a fastener to button up the top of the wheel well liner when done. Very much an OEM+ mod.

 

[TeCKis300]

I didn’t really need the foam, the battery fit snugly in the tray without any play. I am not sure how @TeCKis300 secured his tray but in my view you definitely need to secure the tray properly - the battery is very heavy (like 50lbs I think) and the OEM tray fasteners will not support it. IIRC, you end up using three existing holes in the fender and have to drill one new one. Pretty simple job and does not require extensive drilling/hacking of the fender or any other part of the vehicle. Slee provides a fastener to button up the top of the wheel well liner when done. Very much an OEM+ mod.

Many years later and thousands of off-road miles...

IMO, the tray is only there for protection against potential corrosion from battery acides. It does little to locate and secure the battery. It is the upper battery clamp that secures the battery.

 

[doru]

@TeCKis300 and @2014 LEX 570 GA is the engine cover still fitting after battery upgrade?

 

[TeCKis300]

@TeCKis300 and @2014 LEX 570 GA is the engine cover still fitting after battery upgrade?

Yessir. It's been a long time and I don't recall having to modify the cover? Maybe I did but it would have been minor.

 

[Markuson]

I didn’t really need the foam, the battery fit snugly in the tray without any play. I am not sure how @TeCKis300 secured his tray but in my view you definitely need to secure the tray properly - the battery is very heavy (like 50lbs I think) and the OEM tray fasteners will not support it. IIRC, you end up using three existing holes in the fender and have to drill one new one. Pretty simple job and does not require extensive drilling/hacking of the fender or any other part of the vehicle. Slee provides a fastener to button up the top of the wheel well liner when done. Very much an OEM+ mod.

The bottom screw really isn’t necessary IMHO. In support of this assertion… have a look at what 200’s came with:
-A thin, plastic, completely UNATTACHED “tray” with nothing securing it at all.

The top bar over the battery assures its not going anywhere. So… If you feel compelled to used tge bottom screw? Fine and zero reason not to except that its kind tricky ti secure underneath.

I ran my Slee tray without it for a few years of VERY rough wheeling…zero issues. Later on my truck was at Slee and they went ahead and screwed the bottom down.
Meh… No change.

So… Up to the owner.
But again… Check out OEM methods. ZERO connections other than the too bar.
That tells me this is much concern about very little.

Love my slee trays and terminal connectors though—especially their newer machined connectors.

 

[2014 LEX 570 GA]

Engine covers fit no issue.

Can’t really speak to the need for the tray but sounds like others have been just fine without it. Was more speaking to the battery being properly secured given its heft, but looked under the hood today after not having been in there for a while and agree the top brace is what does all the work.

 

[highfructose]

Thanks teckis300 for figuring this group 31 modification out. Since I don’t really trust myself to crimp wires without over or under doing it, I am trying the following method:

I added a deep cycle group 31 for a 225 reserve (vs 200 for a group 31 starting battery and 120 for my stock group 27)…for, I think, an increase of just shy of 90% of reserve capacity…almost like adding a second battery.

Supposedly the deep cycle group 31 (non starting) still had a cold cranking amp of 885 (vs 710 on the group 27 I had and 1000 for the group 31 starting battery) so I think that will be fine.

Both the deep cycle and starting group 31 only had 2 year warranties (vs 5 offered for the battery usa group 27). Realistically the battery guy said the group 27 should only last 2-3 years with the remaining years of the “warranty” basically just being a pro rated discount they offer on your next battery.

The deep cycle group 31 w 2 year warranty ended up costing around $150 out the door (group 27 was around $95 when I bought it 3.5 years ago.

One downside to the deep cycle is the posts are even further from where the oem ones or normal starting batter group 31 posts are.

For anyone seeking to do this “in the parking lot” of the auto parts/battery store, it can be done using the attached battery disconnects (which function as terminal extensions-$14 or so for a pair)…plus the addition of a battery terminal shim-$6 at an auto parts store (the positive battery disconnect had a negative sized post…so I had to tap the terminal down over the shim/sleeve to get it nice and tight…if you find a better quality set of battery disconnects, you may not need the shim for the positive one)

Adjusting the angle of the battery strap/bracket can be done with a hitch mounted Vice and 2-3 mild whacks with a sledge hammer…you just have to bend it down a little bit.

The modification to the plastic battery tray can be done with a utility knife in like 5 minutes.

 

[doru]

Question for you guys ... I got a Deka 1131PMF from Lowe's but it come with the wrong terminals - 3/8" stainless steel threaded posts, not with automotive posts.
I called Deka and they confirmed the battery is mislabeled (it is in fact a Deka 1131MF - notice the P is missing).

I have two options:
1. return the battery and order a new one
2. get a post adapter like this one made of brass.
Amazon product ASIN B0BXT329JZ
Which one is the best from technical point of view?

I'm using it with Slee tray and billet terminals.

 

[RET2]

Question for you guys ... I got a Deka 1131PMF from Lowe's but it come with the wrong terminals - 3/8" stainless steel threaded posts, not with automotive posts.
I called Deka and they confirmed the battery is mislabeled (it is in fact a Deka 1131MF - notice the P

Question for you guys ... I got a Deka 1131PMF from Lowe's but it come with the wrong terminals - 3/8" stainless steel threaded posts, not with automotive posts.
I called Deka and they confirmed the battery is mislabeled (it is in fact a Deka 1131MF - notice the P is missing).

I have two options:
1. return the battery and order a new one
2. get a post adapter like this one made of brass.
Amazon product ASIN B0BXT329JZ
Which one is the best from technical point of view?

I'm using it with Slee tray and billet terminals.

IMHO adapters.

 

[highfructose]

Question for you guys ... I got a Deka 1131PMF from Lowe's but it come with the wrong terminals - 3/8" stainless steel threaded posts, not with automotive posts.
I called Deka and they confirmed the battery is mislabeled (it is in fact a Deka 1131MF - notice the P is missing).

I have two options:
1. return the battery and order a new one
2. get a post adapter like this one made of brass.
Amazon product ASIN B0BXT329JZ
Which one is the best from technical point of view?

I'm using it with Slee tray and billet terminals.

Wish I knew these existed! l these combined w my disconnects I purchased would, I think, simplify my group 31 deep cycle install..:converting the screw in posts to normal battery posts…giving me a direct shot to merely extend my wires via the disconnects across the battery, rather than having to slightly cock/angle my disconnects around the marine battery posts.

 

[hoser]

Question for you guys ... I got a Deka 1131PMF from Lowe's but it come with the wrong terminals - 3/8" stainless steel threaded posts, not with automotive posts.
I called Deka and they confirmed the battery is mislabeled (it is in fact a Deka 1131MF - notice the P is missing).

I have two options:
1. return the battery and order a new one
2. get a post adapter like this one made of brass.
Amazon product ASIN B0BXT329JZ
Which one is the best from technical point of view?

I'm using it with Slee tray and billet terminals.

Either will work but sourcing the correct battery will be slightly better due to fewer connections and no chance of an adapter getting loose.

 

[xeuxaz]

These forums are a bad influence on my wallet.

 

[xeuxaz]

Nothing but good things to say about the slee kit. They thought of everything and it’s near oem fitment etc.

 

[lx200inAR]

Impromptu Grp 31P upgrade today. Was planning the upgrade, but waiting out my current battery. I noticed a weak start earlier this week and then a no start after it sat in the airport parking deck for a few days and another no start this morning. My Gooloo jump pack saved the day.

Only thing to add is that I picked up the O’Rileys fleet battery with the same specs as the Deka 1131pmf. It has a sticker that says it’s made by East Penn, so I’m reasonably sure it’s the same battery. The Deka may not be too hard to get, but every OReilleys around me had them in stock.

I bought the old Slee terminal extensions before I knew you weren’t supposed to use them, so they had to go on for now.

 

[GOLIGHTLY]

Am I missing anything here? This Duracell (available near me on a faster timeline than Lowes right now) appears to be the same exact spec (eve design factor) as the Deka.

Duracell Ultra Flooded 950CCA BCI Group 31P Heavy Duty Battery - SLI31PA

Duracell Ultra Flooded Group 31P replacement commercial truck battery with powerful 950 cold cranking amps to get your vehicle started quickly and efficiently!

www.batteriesplus.com

 

[gasman4u]

Looks similar to me. Only negative would be having to buy from batteries plus.

 

[GOLIGHTLY]

Looks similar to me. Only negative would be having to buy from batteries plus.

Preach. Only really entertaining the idea because its available right now, before I drive across the country for the next month. Lowes I'd have to wait until I was back. Might guinea pig myself