Semi truck Battery

If you're with OOIDA I think I remember getting some ma from them about discounts at batteries plus recently.

Last time I replaced mine I just checked the batteries that were already installed and got sole with the same specs.

 

In my experience, you get better longevity with lower CCA - 850 is fine. The lead plates are spaced a little further apart and not as prone to warping and shorting out from temperature extremes than a more densely packed, higher CCA battery.

I use Interstate, they recently warrantied a set at 13 months of use - on an 18 month warranty. Not pro-rated - full replacement.

Prior to Interstate, I used Freightliner as they would warranty at ANY dealer, vs. Kenworth and others that would require you to return them to the point of sale - no good if you're 1,000 miles away.

 

Dealers usually the best source. I just bought 3 from Batteries Plus. Duracell Brand. Made by Deka. Alliance brand at Freightliners the same battery. Last set from Peterbilt was the best price. TRP brand. Don’t know who makes them. They didn’t last as long as the Alliance’s. Running only 3, I have to get the 950-975’s. The dual purpose Alliance 750’s or 780’s? have a combined longer reserve amp rating than the 3 larger ones. Total CCA’s and Amp hrs. can be compared. The dual purpose type are supposed to have performance similar to deep cells, being able to drain and recharge more often, having a slightly higher reserve and recharging at a much quicker rate.

 

I don't remember what the cranking amps of mine are but I want to say they are 950 I think from the Freightliner dealer. I'm not sure if there's any with more cca's but if you have 4 batteries that's plenty to start your truck. You don't need four actually but the fourth one gives you more reserve.

A few thoughts on batteries:

- if your starter and solenoid has never been replaced or you have no idea when it has been replaced, for dependability it's a good idea to replace it. It is also a good idea to replace it for the batteries because a worn starter that cranks slowly is going to require more energy and will make more heat. A good gear reduction starter will spin quickly and start the fastest, using the least amount of battery power.

- speaking of cranking the engine, for myself the goal is to crank the engine the very least possible. That stops premature wear on the starter and the solenoid and it's the best way to help your batteries to last. Excessive cranking is not good on anything.

- I have a way that when I change filters my system stays completely Primed so it starts just like it starts at any other time. I also have a way that I can prime the entire engine through the head out the return line so that when I actually change injectors or whatever I'm not cranking the engine to try to get fuel where it needs to be. It's already there, so even after I've had the system dry I can prime it in such a way it will start like it always starts with just the regular spin it always uses.

- if the weather is cold make sure your truck is plugged in. I have my generator setup that I can plug in my block heater so even if it's 0° out my truck will just spin a small amount like it always does and will quickly start. Trying to crank an ice cold engine is hard on everything.

- as you service the truck check to make sure your batteries can't move around, that your connections are tight, and your cables are good. Even though your alternator keeps your batteries up, every so often put the battery charger on it and make sure that they have a deep, full, complete charge.

 

Go get a maxwell starting module.

 

Best answer.