It is a group 31 but they carry them in many different sizes. My research showed Deka to be a very good brand.
Replacement Battery (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter mike552
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It is a group 31 but they carry them in many different sizes. My research showed Deka to be a very good brand.
- Thread starter
- #23
Good to know, thanks. I used to swear by the Gold batteries that Advance Auto used to carry, they were fantastic. Now they replaced them with the Diehard brands and I wasn’t sure about them. Thanks for letting me know!
FWIW, since Advanced Auto purchased the Die Hard name, I believe the new batteries are relabeled Autocrafts, which have been solid for me. They are probably all made by Johnson Controls, but I can't confirm.
I should note I’m not necessarily referring to all DieHard batteries, just the AGM Platinum. For various applications I have purchased 13 of them over the years and every one either failed and needed warranty replacement of sulphated up and became unusable. I finally realized it’s a sign of intelligence to not do the same thing over an over again expecting a different result, so no more DHP for me.
Curious what the application was?
Autocraft AGM Platinum batteries are now called Die Hard. Physically, the casing still looks pretty similar to my Autocraft. I believe they are rebranded Autocrafts.
I've been running an Autocraft AGM (they are now Die Hard AGM Platinum post buy-out). I'm going on two years with no issue. Also have the NAPA AGM in my FJ40, and it has been fine, but also only for two years. I don't have diodes in any of my vehicles, and they all have AGMs. I do drive four cars, and tend to drive them all for a few weeks at time. When I rotate, I have a quick disconnect on each truck that I will put on a trickle charger. I have the Autocraft/DieHard in my 84 pickup. Fewer CCAs needed to start the small 4 cylinder, but it takes a lot of cracking when it is cool to cold, so that battery gets put on the charger more often. I just realized I hadn't put the battery in my 200 series (Northstar) on the charger all Summer. Put in on the NOCO charger and it was fully charged in less than five minutes, so the 200 alternator seems to be keeping up ok.
One thing I've noticed on my 200 with an AGM, is how much faster the starter cranks that with a traditional lead acid flooded battery.
In my expirience and agreeing with the info above there are only 3 major battery manufacturers in US and The best AGM battery without going the expensive and hit or miss Optima route is this:
Have them in our 2 Plow trucks - daily winter abuse and 3 out of 5 of my personal vehicles (the last 2 haven't needed the replacement yet)
Have them in our 2 Plow trucks - daily winter abuse and 3 out of 5 of my personal vehicles (the last 2 haven't needed the replacement yet)
I think you are correct. I bought one yesterday and the guy at Advanced Auto told me all the Diehard batteries are made by Johnson controls now. I ended up with a Diehard Silver, only one in stock in 27F Only a 2 year warranty on the 27F, all other sizes are 3 year.
How long have your stock Panasonic batteries lasted in your 200's?
MrCWineMan
SILVER Star
Mine went 65k
How many years did that take?
MrCWineMan
SILVER Star
3ish?
I’ve seen them last 15 years in moderate/cool climates. Literally the best battery you can get.
Great. Thanks for your replies. I'm picking up a 2018 with the original Panasonic battery in a few days. Was just curious if I should proactively replace it.
As far as I can tell, the battery was probably produced around the build date 12/2017 so be prob about 45 months old with approx 75,000 miles on it.
Guess I'll just pick it up and see how it goes.
- Thread starter
- #36
OP here. My battery started to go at 5.5 years / 75000 miles. I replaced it with a Deka Group 31 and it has been great since. I ended up buying a 28 foot camper and have mostly used it dry camping at national parks. The Group 31 sure came in handy after 10 days or so of self-sustainment in solar power and power packs. It was nice knowing that if all else went dead that my rig would start right up and I had emergency power for cell phones and radios. Well worth the small hassle of fitting the Deka.
Another vote for Costco.
Uhhhhhh
I went to Lexus for a LX470 replacement battery and they wanted 1700 bucks!
There seemingly is an extra zero here.
RET2
SILVER Star
Or maybe a misplaced decimal point.
