Batteries, Batteries, Batteries?? What is the BEST choice?

[JHZR2]

For the price delta, I’d consider the interstate assuming it has a recent date code. I think the ones I saw at Costco last were made in Germany.

Its dubious there’s a ton of difference in typical automotive use. Short tripping, undercharge, and ambient conditions affect it more.

Assuming you can get a good warranty at Costco that seems like a good route.

I’d also see if you can fit a group 49, and if so, run that instead.

 

[Nukeman7]

I've had success with Costco batteries. Fantastic no questions asked warranty too.

COSTCO's Interstate batteries no longer have the 3 year no-cost replacement warranty. As of 7-11-23, their batteries are pro-rated starting on the date of purchase. Policy was likely amended to curtail too many individuals swapping out batteries at 35 months after purchase.

BITOG Interstate Battery Discussion
See the last paragraph in their latest warranty document from their website.

 

[4LeggedFrog]

I've started to go this route, too. Always used to get the NAPA batteries because they were rebranded East Penns, but now most of them are made overseas.

Good info. I won’t buy a battery made in China.

 

[4LeggedFrog]

COSTCO's Interstate batteries no longer have the 3 year no-cost replacement warranty. As of 7-11-23, their batteries are pro-rated starting on the date of purchase. Policy was likely amended to curtail too many individuals swapping out batteries at 35 months after purchase.

BITOG Interstate Battery Discussion
See the last paragraph in their latest warranty document from their website.
View attachment 197644

Wasn’t aware of that. Thanks

 

[4LeggedFrog]

Bigger is better and agm is best.
What's the biggest battery you can make fit?
See if that size is available in agm.
For my Dodge Dakota it takes a max size of 27, I made a group 31 fit because I got a free one. When the free agm dies I'll try to get another one if not I'll buy a group 31 agm deep cycle marine.

Agreed. As long as your alternator can properly maintain its charge.

 

[kschachn]

Agreed. As long as your alternator can properly maintain its charge.

Do you mean because it is an AGM?

 

[oil pan 4]

Agreed. As long as your alternator can properly maintain its charge.

The weakest car alternator I have ever encountered made about 10 amps at idle. 10amps is plenty to charge up a group 31 battery.
The main thing you wouldn't want to use a group 31 battery is a boat motor with a weak 2 or 3 amp charging system. If you also use a trolling motor on that battery it will never be fully charged.

 

[kschachn]

The weakest car alternator I have ever encountered made about 10 amps at idle. 10amps is plenty to charge up a group 31 battery.
The main thing you wouldn't want to use a group 31 battery is a boat motor with a weak 2 or 3 amp charging system. If you also use a trolling motor on that battery it will never be fully charged.

That would have a lot more to do with the load than the battery capacity.

 

[oil pan 4]

That would have a lot more to do with the load than the battery capacity.

Not really. It someone tries to charge a group 31 lead acid battery with say a 2 amp charger it will likely never reach float charge volts.

 

[dnewton3]

Aren't the "best" batteries are sitting on the shelf right next to the "best" oil and filters ... ?
Sorry; couldn't resist a little humor this morning.

 

[kschachn]

Not really. It someone tries to charge a group 31 lead acid battery with say a 2 amp charger it will likely never reach float charge volts.

Really? Why not?

 

[dubber09]

Costco Canada still offers good warranties:

 

[Lubener]

I like my NAPA Legend. It was up to 14.8V today.

That's too high and doesn't really indicate the battery's load capacity either.

 

[SC Maintenance]

COSTCO's Interstate batteries no longer have the 3 year no-cost replacement warranty. As of 7-11-23, their batteries are pro-rated starting on the date of purchase. Policy was likely amended to curtail too many individuals swapping out batteries at 35 months after purchase.

BITOG Interstate Battery Discussion
See the last paragraph in their latest warranty document from their website.
View attachment 197644

Anyone asked how the pro-rated works? If I pay half at 18 months, does my new warranty start at 3 years again? I looked - its not mentioned that I can find.

Hard to beat walmart. There everywhere. Still free replacement for 3 years on the gold.

 

[oil pan 4]

Really? Why not?

I don't know why but if you but too small a charger on too big a battery it will never make it above about 13 volts. The too small of a charger will make the battery functional again but it won't see a full charge.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I don't know why but if you but too small a charger on too big a battery it will never make it above about 13 volts. The too small of a charger will make the battery functional again but it won't see a full charge.

I put a 1A noco charger on a 24F that sat on my garage floor for 6 months, and it was full charge in 2 days?

I think you have a bad charger or bad data. The only difference between loading 1A or 10A is time.

 

[f355spider]

I am using a Group 48 Interstate AGM in my Ferrari for the past couple years, it works fine, no issues. I got it from Costco and would not recommend them with their new three year pro rated warranty, which is almost worthless. Get it from another Interstate retailer with the full three year replacement warranty.

If you want the absolute best battery, consumer reports testing shows the Odyssey as tops in Group 48, but its $350.

The Interstate AGM kinda splits the difference being AGM, testing well and only $185, so why I chose it.

 

[Malo83]

Just replaced the original battery on my17 Regal, got 7 yrs out of the AC Delco, with this AGM.

 

[f355spider]

I put a 1A noco charger on a 24F that sat on my garage floor for 6 months, and it was full charge in 2 days?

I think you have a bad charger or bad data. The only difference between loading 1A or 10A is time.

This is correct. Even Battery Minder says their 1 amp wall wart is a "charger/maintainer".
Here is what their ad script says: "8-stage unit charges and maintains from 1 to 4 batteries at a time"
https://www.northerntool.com/produc...desulfator-12-volt-1-amp-model-12117tc-167981

 

[f355spider]

Just replaced the original battery on my17 Regal, got 7 yrs out of the AC Delco, with this AGM.
View attachment 197684

If this has the "Made in Germany" sticker on top (in some markets they do) then this is likely made by Varta, the same supplier of AC Delco AGMs.