Stuck in NJ, need survival tips

Discussion in 'Truck Stops' started by hatlesstrukr, Nov 2, 2012.

  1. aiwiron

    aiwiron Road Train Member

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    Wallmarts here sell truck batteries.
     
  2. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Napa is usually my first call, but they will likely be closed tomorrow (Sunday)...however Auto Zone has also come through for me in a pinch with a roadside delivery. Auto Zone has 2 stores in Trenton...Autozone.com has a "store locator" you can use to look them up.

    O'Reillys, Bumper to Bumper, Carquest, Advanced Auto, etc...any auto parts store that has a pickup truck that makes deliveries to local garages is worth giving a call to. Worst they can say is "we only deliver to our business accounts". You'll have to know what you need and pay with a credit card for the purchase, though.

    If I remember correctly, a group size 31 battery is what you'll need for a commercial truck, and I'm not seeing those on walmart.com. That doesn't mean they don't have them, just that I'm not finding them on the website. Autozone.com wants vehicle info before they tell you what battery will fit, and they don't have class 8 truck info...so you'll have to make a phone call. Sears around here also carries the right size batteries...had great luck with the diehard brand in my pickups, but they aren't the cheapest batteries in the world and so I haven't ever put 'em in a semi.

    Let your fingers do the walking and make some phone calls. See if you can get what you need delivered to you BEFORE you pay for a cab to run you all over town....might just get lucky & save a few bucks.
     
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  3. 48Packard

    48Packard Ol' Two-stop Shag!

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    If WMs truck batteries are anything like their car batteries, stay away from them. Both my daughter and me have had very poor results from batteries purchased from WM for two different cars. I know you may be in a pinch, but if you can avoid this particular avenue, I would do so.

    Just my opinion. But I also know you're at the end of your proverbial rope. Just be careful and thoughtful in your decision-making process, and good luck!
     
  4. hatlesstrukr

    hatlesstrukr Light Load Member

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    Some good news finally!

    Getting a taxi to take me to the napa parts in Wrightstown for 4 new batteries. Tomorrow I'm putting the truck in the shop to fix the water pump leak.

    So happy!
    ImageUploadedByTapatalk1352051460.786286.jpg
     
    aiwiron and 48Packard Thank this.
  5. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Hopefully Napa is open on Sunday up there...'round here they are not. You DID call ahead, didn't you?
     
  6. hatlesstrukr

    hatlesstrukr Light Load Member

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    They were open and waiting for me to arrive. The truck is now running but strangely it is no longer leaking at the same rate it was on Friday. At least I am ready to leave tomorrow and go back home.

    Next time I will be ready....

    :D
     
  7. Pedigreed Bulldog

    Pedigreed Bulldog Road Train Member

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    Good deal. I'd also look into having the charging system checked out, too...make sure that the alternator is charging properly and not overcharging the batteries. Otherwise, it won't be long before you'll be battery shopping again.
     
  8. hatlesstrukr

    hatlesstrukr Light Load Member

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    The old batteries were built on February 2011 and looked a little bloated. Ever since the truck was purchased the voltage never rose past 13.5(needle gauge). Now with the new set, the needle is near 13.7-13.8 volts. Just happy I have warmth in my cab for a change.
     
  9. fisher guy

    fisher guy Road Train Member

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    good to hear bud hopefully it worked out for ya still havent seen ya though me and a couple of other drivers been pretty busy cleaning out the chrome shop if u need a hand with them batteries let me know i'll help u out hopefully i'll be outa here by noon but havent heard from dispatch
     
  10. Cranky Yankee

    Cranky Yankee Cranky old ######

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    a spouse and a couple rug rats will take care of chrome shopping