Best batteries?

IMHO--since many/most of the name brand batteries made in this country are made in the same plant and just labeled differently--the only question really is price(although same dealer do offer better warranties but they are all pro-rated)
having said this--I buy all mine at the outlet store@Deka batteries(East Penn MFG)in Eastern Pa--Blems run around $50 for 1000CCA--of course I have 3 different colors--LOL--but who see's them anyway?
There is another long post on here--about this very subject--with a few other outlet type places with info--I'll try to find and post a link---
http://www.dekabatteries.com/
Not all that hard to get to and is big truck accessable

 

http://www.thetruckersreport.com/truckingindustryforum/trucks-eighteen-wheelers/121204-batteries.htm

 

also most interstate distributors (not retail outlets) have blems also about $45-$50

 

There are really only 3 major battery makers anymore.... Exide, Johnson Controls, and Deka. Interstate batteries are made my JC. CAT batteries are made by Deka. Just to name a couple.

Many have suggested, and I can attest to it, that using a battery with a CCA of 650-750 is better than using a higher CCA rating. They tend to hold up better and they are usually 10-15% cheaper than something like a 950 or higher CCA. And I have never noticed any real problem using a battery with a lower CCA in extreme cold weather. After all, most trucks have 4 of them.

 

Agreed Cowpie--if you are paying retail--BUT--IMHO there is no reason to pay retail and at Deka@Least--almost all full sized batteries (blems)are the same $$$--and as for holding up better--I have heard this also--but coming from down south--and running up north all winter--the constant and severe(sometime)temp changes have always worried me--so I haven't tried it--but good point
Course being old and raised old school--I still tend to go overboard on certain maintence items--that probably cost me money at this point--LOL
Oh and BTW--Deka makes interstate also(although I think they keep it quiet?)have an IS blem from them in my reefer now.

 

EnerSys manufactures the best. Read why at their ODDYSSEY Battery website.

My personal ride from 1991 until I sold it at the beginning of 2008 was a GMC Syclone, the 4.3 second 0-60mph, full-time AWD, 4.3L turbocharged factory hotrod pickup. Fun little ride. The turbo produced tons of heat under the hood and the factory battery lasted less than one year, dying suddenly while leaving an acid etched battery box.

I replaced it with a $160 Optima AGM battery, the best I knew of at the time. The first lasted 3 years, as did the second. I ended up installing 6 of the Optimas. Two years before selling the truck, I became aware of, studied the technology and construction of and switched to the EnerSys ODDYSSEY AGM battery. The same group size battery weighed 30% more due to the design allowing for far more of the 99.99% pure virgin lead EnerSys uses, spun the engine noticeably better, and when running lights and accessories for extended periods with engine off, didn't soon loose charge as did the Optima. I was convinced.

I sold the Syclone in 2008, with a new $190 Optima, and replaced the POS stock battery in my new ride with that same 2 year old ODDYSSEY.... which continues to perform as new nearly 5 years from the purchase date.

As for best Price.... ODDYSSEY battery dealers are VERY proud of their products and ask stupid expensive prices... usually in the $350 range. While doing my research, I learned and confirmed that the latest Sears Platinum AGM batteries are re-badged ODDYSSEY's, and so bought mine there for $206, tax in, out the door. Still pricey... AND for such a superior product worth it in my mind.

Best Battery-ODDYSSEY. Best Price that I know of so far-Sears... I last saw their Group 31M Platinum AGM for ~$260, but a month before that they were on sale for just over $200.

If "Best" means cheapest.... Nevermind.

 

Deka does not make interstate. I drive for them. been there for 10 years

 

Obviously I'm biased but CAT batteries are hard to beat I feel....pick one up versus a "cheap" battery and you can feel the difference. I also think their internals are better made to offset vibration, jolting, etc.