Hi all,

Here is a battery install to a Sears Group 31 Plutinum Series AGM.

I ordered and paid for it online...sand picked it up at the local store about an hour later.....very seamless and simple. At the time it was going for $217....so it was a nice savings, and I'm sure it'll be back there again.

Here's the linky..

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more

First I disconnected and removed the old battery..


Next I cut an 1/8" thick pc. of aluminum the size of the battery, I trimmed the corners on a 45 degree angle for a nicer fit.

I predrilled holes and countersunk them, fit the tray with self tapping #10 x3/4" flat head screws.


Then I added some rubber, self adherring flashing that I had, to provide some cushion, and help prevent slipping.

I then re-installed the terminals...they were a bit short, so I bent them stright, and cocked the terminals a bit to side...all things fit and work...don't ask me how in the hell that happened.

Upside to this battery is that it has some nice wing nut posts, for adding extra wiring for goodies down the road...in the last picture you can see the Blue Sea 6 circut ST blade Fuse Box. I went to Autozone, bought a pair of 6#
jumper cables for $21, cut off the ends, and used that to the Fuse Box from the battery...piece of cake.

I did run a 10# wire to rear for fridge plug, so it's nice to have an "always on" socket in the truck. I'm a big boy now...I can manage my own power,,

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Looks real professional. Tomorrow you are going to heat-shrink the bits with electrical tape right?

Thanks man!

Naw....I was in a hurry and out of beer....priorities baby...

Oh dont mind me, I am having separation anxiety because I bought my 4runner and only got to play with it a week or so before I had to travel for work, I may not see if for a month or so, so I am hanging out on this site buggin everyone else.

Sucks to be you Lad...sorry to hear that

Maybe get a notepad and calculator and oh...the checkbook or favorite charge card...and get to it!!

Hope its safe work and good luck...you'll be home before you know it

Thanks man, Actually, I am from this area, I just bought a house in florida, had just moved my stuff in when I had to travel. My notepad is my signature. I already have most of the stuff.
This is just a temporary job for my company while we wait for the next big project. Normally I work on microwave sites. Now I am testing cell networks here in DC baltimore. Good thing is, my truck will probably be paid off the next time I see it!!! 2011 has been very good to me.

BTW, what made you decide on the Platinum over say one of those funky looking Optima batteries?

Nice Install!

Word of Caution to all online battery buyers. Please pick them up at the store like Titanpat57. On my last truck, I ordered a DieHard battery online from Sears, and had it shipped to my house. (No store within 100 miles) Very bad idea. The battery was damaged beyond belief. Not trying to thread hijack, but just giving my experience so someone else does not make the same mistake as I once did.

Optimas been having tons and tons of troubles...plus there made in Mexico

These are maunufactured by Odyssey at huge discount, same battery, inside and out, just a different color, and same great warranty.

These little treasures are made in the good ol' US of A...just rebranded for Sears


ODYSSEY Batteries - 31M-PC2150T-M

Great job on the battery install Pat
Thanks for telling us AFTER the big sale was over! Just kidding as I saw those great prices last week too and almost pulled the trigger on the exact same one you bought.

Agreed about Optimas going down hill since moving from Co to Mexico. My Optima Blue Top ,that I'm using for my Aux. battery,in all this heat wave we're having had been dropping max voltage and acting wierd like a cell is going bad. It's only charging to 12 volts where it was 12.75 . My Odyssey has been rock solid and holds a constant charge of 12.8.

FYI.....Odyssey doesn't make the Platinum's though or even their own batteries for that matter. Enersys,the largest battery manufacture in the world, makes them for Odyssey and the Diehard Platinums are supposedly made to the same standards as the Odysseys now. Both ,IMO are the best you can buy here in the states.News Release--- EnerSys Home

As always Mr H. is a wellspring of knowledge!!

I stand corrected, appreciate the help,and I'll be sure to drop you a line when the go on sale...



Cheers my friend!!

Hi,


1. You have been using this setup (tailor made battery tray by yourself)? Since you did not use any aftermarket battery tray. Is that secured to have this heavy monster under the hood during this period of time?


2. Have you drive any off-road or bumpy roads, did the battery lose out of its original position?


It would be great to share your experience by tailor made battery tray by yourself!


Thank You

Good luck..it's one of the best mods you can do!

Thank you very much !

You certainly drill holes on this aluminium plate. Did you need to drill 4 holes on the body of the 4runner as well so that you can mount this tray

how did you mount that bluesea fuse box? do you mind sending some pictures?

What does 200min reserve capacity means?

I am a newbie, so please excuse my ignorant question. How do you guys monitor/continue to use your battery when your engine is not running but still be able to ensure that you have enough juice to crank/start your vehicle?

Also, with the current Sears price, why shouldnt we just buy the true Odessey branded PC2150 (around the same price) and get 4yrs warranty?