Crap Batteries

I think what especially kills batteries is the frequent use of an inverter. I purchased Duracells that are a modified deep discharge battery. I use four of them that are rated at 700 CCA but they tested out at 950 CCA.

 

Around 12 years ago I dropped $1800 on a new LG Tromm front load washer and dryer set. Worst investment i ever made. I did eventually get real handy at fixing them though as there wasn't much I didn't end up replacing on them. After 7 years of headaches out to the curb they went. Replaced them with set of Speed Queens and no troubles to mention. Very simple units with no electronic garbage

 

I have a hybrid battery, half deep cycle, half starting battery. I also have a xantrex inverter/charger that does the float/battery maintenance. I always plug it in when I'm home and leave some sort of draw on, small light in the bunk, refrigerator and in the winter the bunk heater on low. Batteries do not like to be unused, better to keep them on a good smart charger and a draw of some sort.
Batteries are 4.5 years old now and still work great. Almost 10 hrs with bunk heater going and fridge before getting anywhere close to the low voltage cut.

 

I put a xantrex inverter charger in my camper with 2 6v batteries, the inverter works great, quick recharge of the batteries with generator, not to happy with the walmart 6v batteries though. I was toying with your setup for my truck as well because I like to leave my bunk heater on over the weekend and I think I'm draining the batteries down to low

 

You are the 4th or 5th person I've read that made the switch. My latest round of dealership SLA's are crap after less than 6 months. I'll be buying AGM dual purpose batteries next. Probably sooner than I'd like to. How many batteries does your rig use?

 

Late reply but NAPA has Commercial rated AGMs for a good price. Plus if you sign up for their text alerts they give $25 off your order.

 

I just replaced 4 that had 117,000 miles. Brand new truck oem batteries. I put in interstate dual purpose. We’ll see how well they do.

 

I couldn't get Interstate AGMs. Local Interstate guy (an actual Insterstate store in a town near me) said they can't get em either. I went with AGM 31's from O'reilley. They look to be East Penn/Deka's but I can't tell for sure. They certainly didn't know.

I tried to get Duracells from Batteries plus first, which have a better warranty (30 months vs. 18) but they only had the post and stud type that would not work with my bus bars.

I'm anxious to get out on the road this week with the AGMs and see if they do better.

 

What did your setup from O'Reilly cost?
I've got a ProStar with the electric APU, so I've got two battery banks of four each. No idea how old they are, I just bought this truck 32k miles ago. I've had one dealership say that I have to use AGM, and they recommended Northstar at about $3200 for the full set.

Anyone have any experience with the OTR brand from Fleetpride? I can get those AGMs for about $180ea.