Actually the "blems" and the economy batteries are different. The blems er actually a bit more expensive. But yes, you have to go into the store and ask for either....
Batteries load tested ok but voltage dropping
- Thread starter Cubey
- Start date
Actually the "blems" and the economy batteries are different. The blems er actually a bit more expensive. But yes, you have to go into the store and ask for either....
The caps let you add water. I can't on the batteries I have now which could potentially be the problem. Or at least what caused the problem.
I will see about that as an option too I guess. But I'd hate to blow $100 on batteries and have them not last. At least Walmart ones are a year warranty, but subpar cca for an IDI.
I guess the Walmart Maxx batteries are the best choice still cost, warranty and ease of warranty replacement.
I have thought about 950cca truck type batteries but they cost $20 more each, only have a 1 year warranty, and they might have hood clearance issues.
https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/traveller-31p-heavy-duty-battery?cm_vc=-10009
Napa's are about $30 more, after 10% off, but have 18 months free replacement.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/NBE7237
But Walmart maxx 65s are still 36 month free replacement (twice as long) for a lot less money.
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I have honestly had several of these economy batteries. Like 7 or 8 and never had an issue with any of them. I would not recommend them if I hadn't personally had good service from them. I've had the Excursion for over 11 years. There was a new set in it when it bought it, a set of NAPA's that lasted 3 years, replaced them with a set of Economy's, they lasted at least 4 years, and I have another set of Economy's in it now that are still working well. The 3 others have been in 3 other cars and have worked well. Like I said, if one of the batteries quit in on of my vehicles today, I'd be headed to get an Economy to replace it.
I understand that Walmart is everywhere..... but I trust my wife and kids to the Economy batteries......
I understand that Walmart is everywhere..... but I trust my wife and kids to the Economy batteries......
79jasper
Chickenhawk
Ah, I see.
Imo, if you are having to add water, you have something wrong. You shouldn't be boiling it out....
Now if you said once in 5 years time, that would be different.
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After doing more reading, I bet vibration killed the batteries. Neither has hold downs. I noticed shiney metal on the trays from them rubbing/sliding around. I guess I should buy the hardware for that along with the new batteries, huh?
79jasper
Chickenhawk
I would...
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It will all boil down to what you are comfortable doing. Interstate and NAPA won't always be where you are at the time, but like sniklas said I trust the interstates with my wife and kids anytime any battery.
Walmart is almost everywhere or at least a short drive away. If that makes you warm and fuzzy, then that's the way to go.
FWIW, I have never had a battery die within the warranty period, usually 6 months after like every electronic POS I've owned, so warranty time isn't a big deal for me.
Batteries actually lose a lot of water by themselves even without harsh environments or issues. When I worked at Montgomery Ward's (wow, just dated myself) that was usually the first thing we checked on any battery service. 50% of the time that was the issue, unless it was a excide/Energizer, they were just crap right off the shelf....
79jasper
Chickenhawk
But.... how long ago was that?
You cant tell me technology hasn't changed since then.
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You cant tell me technology hasn't changed since then.
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Battery tech hasn't much at all as far as lead acid, actually. It's 100+ year old tech.
I have a interstate retailer near me I'm gonna go that route u have changed my mind I bought two brand new ones last year n had to replace them ugh but $80 compared to $300 plus is good in my book
79jasper
Chickenhawk
No wonder lead acid batteries are junk and dont last long...... lol
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20+ years... Nope nothing has changed, lead, acid and distilled water nothing more... Only change I can remember is the sealed battery, no ports, no way to check water and acid strength. Buy, use, throw away.
NAPA is probably better for locations than Walmart, to be honest. I have seen towns of a few hundred people with a NAPA but no Walmart... or any other stores much either. But their batteries are a lot more expensive.
It's probably a fluke but once my mom's car had a battery with a bad cell during free replacement warranty. I can't remember where it was from though. Either Walmart or O'Reilly, I'm thinking.
Warranty is kind of a big deal to me. I could have potentially had new batteries for nothing if I had the receipt for these 3 year batteries that seem to be bad after 2 years.
90 day batteries in a diesel, what with its vibrations; and sometimes being off road (RWD, so nothing excessive, but still bumpy at times) just rubs me wrong somehow.
I will be getting the hold downs before I get new batteries so that factor will be eliminated.
