Sears Die Hard Platinum Group 31

joneseyyy

joneseyyy

New member
I just pulled the trigger on a 50QT ARB fridge, and think that now would also be a good time to beef up the battery. I've gone back and forth on doing a dual-battery setup, but since the truck almost never sits for more than 24 hours I am not convinced I need to drop $850+ on a Kodiak kit at this time. If I go out of town for several days I'll just turn the fridge off...

I know other folks have squeezed Group 31 Die Hards into Tacomas and 4th gens, so I assume one will fit in the 5th gen stock location, but wondered if anyone has tried. I'd also appreciate any experiential feedback on the Die Hard Platinum; seems like a beefy battery that'll suit my needs.

Thanks in advance!
 
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The Kodiak kit comes with two PC1200 set back to back which gives it a foot print of roughly:

  • Length 13"
  • Width 7 11/16"
  • Height 10"(including the isolator that sits on top)
Any battery smaller than those dimensions will fit. As long as you find a decent battery tray or make your own you'll be fine with one battery.

Dual batteries are fun and all but you can make do without.
 
Thanks guys it looks like it should JUST fit in the stock location. I'll be giving it a shot this weekend or the next.
 
Jonesey,

No mention of the battery tray. Did you find one somewhere ir did you make it? What are you using?
 
Reata said:
Jonesey,

No mention of the battery tray. Did you find one somewhere ir did you make it? What are you using?
Click to expand...

The replacement battery is the same width as the stock battery, but is ~3 or so inches longer and about an inch or so taller. My thought is that the new battery should sit on the stock tray and I will be able to use the stock tie-down location with slightly longer j-hooks. If I need to, I'll modify the stock tray to increase its "footprint" to better accept the group 31, and/or add an extra strap or 2 holding the battery in in addition the stock-style j hook tie down. Believe me I am the last person that wants a 75lb battery "roaming" the engine compartment!
 
joneseyyy said:
The replacement battery is the same width as the stock battery, but is ~3 or so inches longer and about an inch or so taller. My thought is that the new battery should sit on the stock tray and I will be able to use the stock tie-down location with slightly longer j-hooks. If I need to, I'll modify the stock tray to increase its "footprint" to better accept the group 31, and/or add an extra strap or 2 holding the battery in in addition the stock-style j hook tie down. Believe me I am the last person that wants a 75lb battery "roaming" the engine compartment!
Click to expand...

The stock tray is a plastic piece of s**t. You should take a look at it before you decide what to do IMO.
 
kingpin748 said:
The stock tray is a plastic piece of s**t. You should take a look at it before you decide what to do IMO.
Click to expand...

I've got a Group 65 Platinum in my Tacoma in the stock tray with modified factory tie down and it is holding very solid and I have done some hard driving. It weighs in around 75lbs also. I haven't seen our new 4Runenr yet to know what size is in there, but the Group 65 might be a better choice for fitment with very similar performance. The Group 65 fits well in the 4th Gen 4Runner.

One issue you may run into is the post locations and whether the stock battery terminals will reach since Toyota seems to have posts on opposite sides as the "standard American" battery. Here was my solution for my Tacoma to avoid modifying the factory wiring.

Odyssey vs. Diehard Platinum - Page 14

- DH
 
joneseyyy said:
I just pulled the trigger on a 50QT ARB fridge, and think that now would also be a good time to beef up the battery.
Click to expand...

.....dude, seriously? I need to stop adding "wants" to my list because as soon as I do, you go out and buy it.

Don't be surprised if you walk out of your place and theres a Mag Gray TE sitting where yours used to be. But hey, don't think its me...DC is a rough area...:uzi:


Honestly though, your truck is sweet, can't wait to see it out on the trails here sometime soon.
 
It fits! Battery cables should probably be lengthened but other than that it pretty much slides right in and the factory tie down will still work!
 
601a713e-8138-d327.jpg
 
Titanpat57 said:
Any issues with the tray as Kingpin pointed out?

Keep up the good work!
Click to expand...

The tray is a piece of crap but it sits directly on a sturdy metal base. The new battery was solidly on that base, and felt very secure with the tie down. Don't think it is going anywhere.
 
Thanks to this post and a few others around here - I joined the Diehard Platinum 31M gang! :D Just had to trim the stock tray to accommodate the 31M's extra length, and slightly bend the 90 degree factory rings (took about 5 minutes). Tight fit, but as ya'll know - it fits well! I like the extra terminals, too.

IMG_0648.jpg~original


Thanks all! :cool:
 
joneseyyy said:
I'd also appreciate any experiential feedback on the Die Hard Platinum; seems like a beefy battery that'll suit my needs.

Thanks in advance!
Click to expand...

I don't have experience placing the Die Hard Platinum in my 4Runner, however I do have a Die Hard Platinum in my brand F (see signature). My Die Hard has yet to fail me and I have had the battery for 5 or more years. I let the Bronco sit for 2 or 3 months at a time (occasionally longer) without starting it and the Bronco starts every time (without needing a charge). Very pleased with the battery.

The battery is heavy as all get out, must be all the plates in it.

Cheers

4BYTOY
 
Group 31M on sale and addl disc code

Just bought the 31M online from sears, Its on sale for 231.99 which is $58 off reg price. In addition i used promo code AUT825 to get another $25 off to bottom line 206.99. Another good code is PAYPAL25 worth $25 off. Get them while you can had a hard time finding one for local pickup but I think they offer free shipping over 200. Good Luck
 
Diehard Platinum 31M Battery Tray

Randyman... said:
Thanks to this post and a few others around here - I joined the Diehard Platinum 31M gang! :D Just had to trim the stock tray to accommodate the 31M's extra length, and slightly bend the 90 degree factory rings (took about 5 minutes). Tight fit, but as ya'll know - it fits well! I like the extra terminals, too.

IMG_0648.jpg~original


Thanks all! :cool:
Click to expand...



Hi Randyman,

I am also planning to install Diehard Platinum 31M in my 2010 4runner. I am considering to follow your installation (least cost) but there are some insights need your valuable experience:


1. You have been using this setup (trim the stock battery tray) for almost 2 years, right? 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?

3. You trimmed the stock battery tray (it is a piece of plastic), does it mean that there are some areas (e.g. 2-3 inch) where the battery sits on nothing?

It would be great to share your experience by trimming the stock battery tray !


Thank You

***** If there is anyone who also used the stock battery tray to hold this heavy monster, please share your experience as well *****
 
johnnywofee said:
***** If there is anyone who also used the stock battery tray to hold this heavy monster, please share your experience as well *****
Click to expand...
I have been running a 31M in the stock position and didn't do anything to the battery tray, for about 70K miles, including lots of off road miles. No problems whatsoever. It's an AGM battery so it doesn't need a tray.
 
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