Way back when I purchased a Slee type 31M battery tray kit and a Sears Die Hard Platinum AGM type 31M battery to go with it. As with many folks, the Sears PDH type 31M battery died after about 2 years, and my mechanic "did me a favor" by replacing it with an stock Interstate 27F. I really can't complain, as that 27F has lasted me six years, but I'd like to replace it before taking any long road trips over the summer. I know the LC comes with a type 27F battery, but I figured since I got the Slee tray for a type 31 battery let me see what I could find. I wanted to avoid AGM technology after the bad experience with the Sears 31M, and I would prefer something which I could just drop in without extending any wires. After a bit of research on the Interstate webpage I found this:
An Interstate type 31A commercial vehicle battery, 950 CCA, 195 Reserve, MSRP $169
by comparison, the X2 Power Premium AGM type 31M seen below:
will perform somewhat better with 1150 CCA and a reserve capacity of 220 minutes, but will cost 2.5x as much with a MSPR of $429
The Interstate 31M AGM seen here:
is somewhat cheaper with a MSRP of $353, and other than the AGM technology offers the same specs with a 925 CCA and a reserve of 200 minutes.
Finally compared to the Optima Blue:
with a MSRP of $330 we get a CCA of 900 and a reserve of 155.
So basically if you have the Slee type 31M tray and kit, but don't want to spend the extra money for an AGM battery, an Interstate Type 31A Commerical Lead Acid battery seems to be the way to go.
Interstate Batteries | 31P-MHD
Interstate's Heavy Duty Commercial batteries provide the dependable power and endurance you need for your agriculture, industrial or heavy truck applications.
www.interstatebatteries.com
An Interstate type 31A commercial vehicle battery, 950 CCA, 195 Reserve, MSRP $169
by comparison, the X2 Power Premium AGM type 31M seen below:
X2Power BCI Group 31M 12V 100AH 1150CCA AGM Deep Cycle Marine & RV Battery - SLI31AGMDPM
Group 31 12 volt AGM replacement deep cycle battery with 100 AH capacity for marine, boat and RV use. Dual Purpose technology offers both incredible starting power and deep capacity
www.batteriesplus.com
will perform somewhat better with 1150 CCA and a reserve capacity of 220 minutes, but will cost 2.5x as much with a MSPR of $429
The Interstate 31M AGM seen here:
Interstate Batteries | 31M-AGM
Interstate's Pure MatrixTM Power AGM packs the staying power of our best deep cycle house battery with the high-cranking performance you engine needs to get on the road.
www.interstatebatteries.com
is somewhat cheaper with a MSRP of $353, and other than the AGM technology offers the same specs with a 925 CCA and a reserve of 200 minutes.
Finally compared to the Optima Blue:
BLUETOP® D31M
The BLUETOP® D31M is a high performance AGM battery. It's proven to deliver high-power and be resistant to common causes of battery failure. Learn more about the BLUETOP.
www.optimabatteries.com
with a MSRP of $330 we get a CCA of 900 and a reserve of 155.
So basically if you have the Slee type 31M tray and kit, but don't want to spend the extra money for an AGM battery, an Interstate Type 31A Commerical Lead Acid battery seems to be the way to go.