Battery Options

[Josh S]

As many already know, I'll finally have the opportunity to pull my D out of winter hibernation within the next couple weeks. After 10 years, the flooded lead acid AC/Delco that came with my D upon purchase has finally refused to take a decent charge, thus necessitating the purchase of a new battery.

I know that many owners seem to prefer either the Optima Red or Yellow top, however, I just can't bring myself to buying a battery that is now being exclusively manufactured in Mexico - especially at the price that Optima wants for one of their batteries!

I know that DMCH and its affiliates like/push Interstate Batteries, and while I don't have a problem with Interstate Batteries per say, I'm not a huge fan of parent/manufacturer Johnson Controls' outsourcing practices.

And as the battery is actually located within the passenger compartment of the car, I like the idea of going with an AGM or gel battery as opposed to a traditional flooded wet cell, as out-gassing potential is significantly reduced. Interstate's MT7 AGM lists at a whopping $502.95 and has an MSRP of $269.95!

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/Content.aspx?dsNav=Ntk~SearchGroup|78+agm7|3|,Arpp~12,A~Part+Number,N~4294784989-4256630784-4256630783-2147384903-4256630782-2147384906,Nr~AND%28P_unique_id%3aInterstate+Batteries+AMT7-78+MT7-78%29

While Odyssey Batteries (manufactured by EnerSys here in the USA) are clearly the current pinnacle/Cadillac of car batteries, spending over $150 for a car battery seems a bit much to me, not to mention that the side posts on their batteries have had issues with premature failures. But, for those interested, here's the links:

Odyssey Battery 78-PC1500 - $259.95 w/ free shipping -
http://www.directcycleparts.com/electrical-ignition-batteries-odyssey-odyssey-battery-pc1500-p-3850.html

Sears DieHard Platinum (same thing, different label) - $183.99 promotional price plus core/enviro fees where applicable -
http://www.sears.com/diehard-platinum-automotive-battery-group-size-34-78dt-price/p-02850090000P?sid=IDx01192011x000001&kpid=02850090000P&kispla=02850090000P

After studying the available options at length, I finally made my decision and purchased a Duration Extreme (a Blain's Farm and Fleet house brand) AGM Yellow Cycle for $124.99 plus tax with core:

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/661612-duration-agm-yellow-cycle-commercial-battery.html#.UdCLRtjHzXR

It's also available in Red Cycle design for $114.99 plus tax with core for those interested:

http://www.farmandfleet.com/products/661619-duration-agm-red-starting-automotive-battery.html#.UdCPJdjHzXQ

This battery is actually made by East Penn Manufacturing Co., Inc. right here in Lyon Station, PA, USA. It's practically identical to the Sears DieHard Advanced Gold AGM and Duracell AGM (also both made by East Penn), only with slightly better specs and a lower price.

http://www.sears.com/diehard-advanced-gold-agm-battery-group-size-78/p-02850778000P?prdNo=50
http://www.samsclub.com/sams/duracell-agm-automotive-battery-group-size-78dtagm/prod3590233.ip

Don't pay more for a sticker with a brand name on it when underneath that sticker, they're basically an identical product, made by the same company. And please buy made in USA whenever possible :thumbup:

Hope this assists those who are looking for a new battery for their D make the best choice possible!

[Farrar Hudkins]

I'm running a schedule 78 Duralast (house brand) battery from AutoZone. No idea where it's made, but it's taken several discharges without complaining. Just FWIW.

Farrar

[Stephen Rice]

I'm running the same AutoZone battery as well but mine is the gold version (its all they had in stock when I needed a battery).  When I purchased 16510 nearly 4 years ago, I panicked at the thought of not having a sealed battery.  I've been driving almost 4 years now with a plane Jane battery and it hasn't killed me or caused any corrosion.

Thanks for the info on batteries though.

 

-Steve Rice

#16510

On Mon, Jul 1, 2013 at 8:10 AM, Farrar Hudkins <fhud...@gmail.com> wrote:

I'm running a schedule 78 Duralast (house brand) battery from AutoZone. No idea where it's made, but it's taken several discharges without complaining. Just FWIW.

Farrar

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[Farrar Hudkins]

If you look straight back inside the battery compartment, you'll see that there's a vent tube there.

Farrar

[Josh S]

I wondered about that but never stuck my head deep enough into the compartment to see if there was indeed a vent tube of some sort.

Thanks for the info Farrar!

I should have titled the thread better, as I was attempting to highlight the best value for non traditionally flooded lead acid battery choices - so AGM or gel batteries.

That's a 'my bad' - sorry!

AutoZone's traditional flooded lead acid batteries, Duralast and Duralast Gold, are made by Johnson Controls in either the USA or Mexico. The grey case Duralast Platinum AGM's are made by East Penn in Lyon Station, PA, USA . I'm not sure who makes the black case Duralast Platinum AGM's or where they're made.