Battery suggestions

[Bumbo]

I really like those Panasonic cells, but those are an anomaly in the traditional world of batteries. Generally speaking…

There are different schools of thought when it comes to these things for starting applications.

1. Buy high end and hope to get as much life / value as you can out of a battery and push service life till it dies on you.
2. Change it on a regular basis and just buy a regular battery.

Personally I subscribe to #2. I hate issues, and I much prefer to change before I even start to see problems. Often times I change BEFORE the warranty of the battery is up as well. Why? Because there is a pro-rated warranty value to these batteries and you can get more money back than just the core fee, and because I want the piece-of-mind on a truck that does go off-road.

#1 is fine if you just don’t care, it’s a city truck, you like calling AAA roadside, or you just can’t wait to try out that jump-start pack you bought off Amazon.

 

[Sporin]

Get a regular battery. It's a battery.

Specialty batteries means specialty stores with specialty hours and specialty prices.

When your battery fails, and it will, you'll be glad you bought from a national retailer that has locations every where that's open all the time and has a great warranty at reasonable prices.

Yup, I'll quote myself from another thread...

So it turns out the Panasonic battery in my 2005 4runner, is the original. :wow: Rated for 550 CCA and it’s only testing out at 267 CCA. No wonder it’s having trouble in minus double digit mornings.

Replaced with a fat, gold 700 CCA battery from Advanced Auto Parts. The guy was super helpful and did the install and everything. He complimented my clean and un-crusty engine bay as it made his job quick and easy.

Most of these batteries are made by the same 2 or 3 companies. Find a fair price on a size that fits with a good warranty from a national chain, that's my advice.

 

[Forty6and2Ahead]

I researched batteries for months. Looked at all the manufacturers. AGM batteries standard batteries and I couldn't decide. Then one day after 10 years of faithful service my factory Panasonic died on me so I went to AutoZone and bought a Duralast Gold. So far so good. The warranty is great and there's AutoZone's nearly everywhere. I decided I don't do enough excursions or running up the equipment that I would ever need an AGM battery so I saved myself a lot of money.

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Yup...bought a Duralast Gold as well two years ago!!!


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[ElectroBoy]

The majority of US car batteries are created by 3 manufacturers - Delphi, Exide and Johnson Controls Industries. Delphi makes some EverStart models sold in Walmart and ACDelco. Johnson Control Industries makes Duralast seen in Autozone stores, Diehard - sold in Sears, Kirkland - the Costco brand, Motorcraft - which Ford sells, some of the EverStarts, and Interstate. Exide makes Exide batteries, Champion, Napa and even a % of the EverStart batteries.

I use Interstate from Costco. 60 month warranty. About $75.
With good care and topping off with distilled water as needed I get 5 years out of my batteries. YMMV but in cold climates trade them in earlier for a pro-rated credit on a new one. No stress.

If you're really interested in research, look here:
Car and Deep Cycle Battery FAQ 2018, Battery Manufacturers and Brand Names List 2018, Battery Information Links List 2018 and Battery Reference Links List 2018

 

[Macallan]

Happy with Odyssey and Northstar batteries in my vehicles

ODYSSEY battery - Official Manufacturer's Site

https://www.northstarbattery.com/products

 

[radlynx]

i replaced mine with exide agm battery. im satisfied so far.

I wanted to get a optima red top, but heard the quality has gone down. So what are the v6 runners running or can someone testify to owning a red top? Thanks


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[hstexan]

I used to buy Duralast Golds, but most recently decided to try out an Interstate Megatron and I'm converted. I've had to get warranty replacements for two Duralasts due to them only lasting 2-3 years, but my most recent Interstate has been going 5 years strong now.

 

[Drunner97]

Definitely buyer beware with optima. I just had my 1 year 5 month old battery replaced under warranty. Dude at the counter said they've been seeing a lot of optima batteries come back with failures.

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[TowMeOut]

I'm looking for a deep cycle AGM as my "house" battery to use with the fridge. Since it's gonna be in the cab mounted right behind the fridge I want to stay AGM to reduce any outgassing or leaking issues.

So far it looks like my top two contenders are a duracell AGM from Batteries plus (about $170 after discount/rebate/tax) with a 4 year replacement warranty. For me, the runner up is the Super Start marine AGM from O'Reilly. Cheaper (about $130) but only a single year limited warranty.

As far as I can tell these are both Deka (East Penn) products but I haven't found much in the way of apples-to-apples comparisons online. I've been searching the local craigslist and FB marketplace for deal on a slightly used yellow-top Optima but folks seem to think those are made of gold or something.

 

[kingofthehill]

When I changed my battery out in December I went with the X2Power Premium AGM Battery. So far I am very happy with it. It is a bit pricey but it also has a 5 year warranty. They have 2 versions for the 4runner at Batteries Plus, a 27 series and 24 series. I went with the smaller 24 series only because it was the only one instock at all the local stores I bought it from. I figured if I needed a warranty swap in the future that would be the best way.

 

[alia176]

I didn't read every single post up above but I agree with the gents, batteries are consumable items. For all of my vehicles, I get blems for $45 from the local Interstate battery outlet. They last for few years, then I get another one.

The trouble with the high end AGM batts are that some of them require a higher charging rate than our charging systems can put out. So, you're suppose to stick them on a trickle charger that has AGM charging mode. Otherwise, they die a slow death due to insufficient charging and/or sulphatization.

Just my .02 cents worth!

 

[sport2004]

Any more insight floating around on a battery replacement? Mine seems fine, but with Winter on the way, don't trust it. Was thinking switch it out and get a decent warranty.

Not interested in spending the $$ for an AGM, when I don't really understand the advantages or application of that technology, or how it would make my life better...??

Meanwhile I'll check out premium batteries at Belle Tire or another big company, for obvioius reasons.

 

[Bumbo]

Don't over complicate it...

Costco Interstate or Walmart Everstart Maxx which is a 5 year Johnson Controls battery.

The Walmart has a better battery, but Costco has a better price and is a better vendor with excellent replacement pro-rated policy. I got $35 back + core fee from changing early since it was still within warranty before a big trip.

Bottom line, a new battery changed regularly 3-5 years is better than spending premium money on something and hoping it will last even longer.

Before the winter or a long trip is an ideal time to change a battery especially if it's already overdue... assuming you want the piece of mind.

 

[riceandpho]

you can also check out batteriesplus

do online order and store pick up, since when you order online, you can use coupon code. then pick it up at the store, you save a few bucks doing that.

 

[kingofthehill]

Any more insight floating around on a battery replacement? Mine seems fine, but with Winter on the way, don't trust it. Was thinking switch it out and get a decent warranty.

Not interested in spending the $$ for an AGM, when I don't really understand the advantages or application of that technology, or how it would make my life better...??

Meanwhile I'll check out premium batteries at Belle Tire or another big company, for obvioius reasons.

Any of the mid grade batteries at an autoparts are good. Most batteries in the US are made in the same factories. AutoZone batteries are Johnson Controls and Oreillys are East Penn. Those are the 2 largest battery manufacturers if I remember correctly.

One advantage of an AGM is they are a closed system so they are not likely to leak acid.

 

[rwh963]

i can also recommend toyota branded battery. i'm in the northeast, and the first lasted about 8 years.

 

[sport2004]

batteriesplus

Thanks, the ones in my area aren't all that close, but will check it out. If the price is right, one from the dealer would work. They may even have a decent warranty, which is typical of a dealer.

 

[Bumbo]

i can also recommend toyota branded battery. i'm in the northeast, and the first lasted about 8 years.

If you are referring to the OEM Panasonic made battery that came from the factory then yes, those were amazing. But that's not always what the dealer is pushing... just be aware before shelling out dealer pricing for what might be just a regular battery.

 

[Runn4est]

I just ordered a group 27f Northstar battery and used the eBay coupon code to get 15% off. It will run my fridge and any extra lighting I have.

 

[ChrisJHarney]

Yes, batteries are consumable, and yes, IMO it is better to replace them before they die on you, especially if you go out a lot and don't want to find yourself stranded.

But, there is absolutely no reason to not buy a top quality battery, maintain it well, and utilize it's full life. For an under $300 investment that can be useful for 6+ years, I can't think of a downside.

The same is true in every aspect of any vehicle, or appliance, or piece of clothing.

The opposite of this way of thinking is why we live in a disposable world, where things are built to be thrown away and replaced instead of maintained and repaired over time.

I find it satisfying when I pop the hood every month and hook up my battery tender overnight, knowing that my investment is being fully realized.

I used to run Diehard, and I have absolutely nothing but great things to say about them. Never had a problem. I switched to Interstate about 13 years ago and again, have never had a problem with them lasting 6-7 years without problems.

I currently have an AGM "hybrid" starter/deep cycle Interstate MT-7, and as stated, I use my 3amp battery tender ($35 at Costco) on it about once a month. Usually only takes about an hour to "top off". We use the vehicle as a DD as well as a week long hauler on campouts, charging phones, tablets, lighting in the evening. Warranty is FULL replacement for 48 months, pro rated to 72 months. The advantages of an AGM battery are seen more in motorsport or off-road applications where there is a chance of bumps, rattles, and shock situations that could lead a less quality battery to leak acid. I only started running an AGM this last year when I got serious into tackling tougher trails and hitting 50+ miles of rough washboard. Never had a problem with a traditional lead acid battery.

Oh, and stop by almost any mechanic shop and they'll be happy to test your battery and charging system, give you a load test readout, so that you'll be knowledgeable about the health of your battery and alternator. Takes about 10 minutes.