Group 49 batteries?

[JHZR2]

I don’t know how many consume group 49/H8 batteries - but does anyone else see poor supply?

Walmart has none anywhere nearby. AGM or flooded.

Costco had maybe ten AGM, all September or older. One from 2024. No flooded.

Everyplace else is so overpriced for the same item that it doesn’t much matter.

Anyone else seeing the same thing with batteries they require? Napa may have an EP flooded for $199-20% which is decent, but I can’t count on Napa the same way as a Walmart or Costco for warranty.

 

[Nukeman7]

I have noticed that the dual numbered battery groups (e.g, 49/H8, 94R/H7, 48/H6) mostly fit European cars. Hence, the demand, supply/inventory and turnover rates are much lower than more commonly used sizes like 24F, 35, 65, etc.

 

[Kira]

My truck specs a G49 and came with a G48.
On a whim, I measured the morning voltage of the years old G48 which came with the truck and it read 10.2V; a FAIL.

Nobody had a G49 in stock except for some oldies in one store.
Three days later, my Walmart's battery racks were reloaded and I got a fresh G49.

FYI: The G49 stands an inch taller than the G48.
And, in my application, the G49 fills the insulating wrap and plastic shroud perfectly.
The G48 sat low and seemed to collect dirt.
I don't know if the plates are taller or if the G49 just provides more room on the bottom so more little pieces can accumulate before shorting it.

 

[wings&wheels]

My truck takes a G49 and came with a G48.
On a whim, I measured the morning voltage of the years old G48 which came with the truck and it read 10.2V; a FAIL.

Nobody had a G49 in stock except for some oldies in one store.
Three days later, my Walmart's battery racks were reloaded and I got a fresh G49.

FYI: The G49 stands an inch taller than the G48.
And, in my application, the G49 fills the insulating wrap and plastic shroud
I don't know if the plates are taller or if the G49 just provides more room on the bottom so more little pieces can accumulate before shorting it.

I thought the H8 (49) and H6 are the same height, but different lengths? They are all interchangeable on many Porsches. Possible the G48/H6 was a shorter battery that utilized a spacer for H6 applications? IIRC some batteries did that with the DIN mounting tabs on the spacer.

 

[JHZR2]

I have noticed that the dual numbered battery groups (e.g, 49/H8, 94R/H7, 48/H6) mostly fit European cars. Hence, the demand, supply/inventory and turnover rates are much lower than more commonly used sizes like 24F, 35, 65, etc.

Sure, but it’s never usually an issue. Was just surprised that my two go-to places were out.

Napa has 20% off so I’m looking to buy one there. But I need to verify age so I have to go in person then buy online.

 

[Kira]

Yeah, ....not certain.
In the P2 V70s I've owned, a battery hold down can be placed in one of two holes; one for the H6 and H8 for the other.
My memory says that the length is the only differing dimension.
Also, I don't believe the G48, a European fave, is the exact same size as an H6.
No way a G49 corresponds to an H8.
If I'm off on this one, Alzheimer's gets the point.

I never measured and, whenever I was working with any vehicle battery, all I'd want is to get a good lump planted and secured.

"What color was that battery?" .....'Couldn't tell you'

 

[Dave Hess]

Maybe AAP store that’s also a mini distribution center.

 

[JHZR2]

Napa came through. Gave me a better price than the discount online because the store was closing and the site wasn’t taking my cc. Great success. 11/25 dated. Not my ideal hut I’ll sit it on a charger awhile and install in a week.

 

[JTK]

I don’t know how many consume group 49/H8 batteries - but does anyone else see poor supply?

Walmart has none anywhere nearby. AGM or flooded.

I ran into the same thing more than a year ago with a replacement AGM H8 for my kid's Malibu. I wound up mail ordering one through Walmart. Was pleasantly surprised with the transaction. I got it within a few days, packaged extremely well, which was a concern of mine given the size and heft of the thing.

 

[Wheel366]

WHat brand did you got with?

 

[JHZR2]

WHat brand did you got with?

East Penn Napa

 

[Wheel366]

East Penn Napa

AGM?

 

[JHZR2]

AGM?

No, unnecessary.

 

[Carmudgeon]

It's the season when weak batteries manifest themselves, and get replaced. My Costco's rack was mostly bare of all types last time I was there.

Having owned nothing but European makes, what are commonly known as the DIN Hx battery sizes are very familiar.

Before, one had to look for their equivalent BCI designations, 48/94R/etc. when shopping. Then Hx became a thing, but the Lx EN designations haven't taken off, at least here.

When Costco regularly stocks those applications, from the H5 baby to the H9 big boy, you know they've become mainstream. The Korean marques have adopted them, as well as the Detroit Three in some applications.

The Hx sizes differ only in length, with a common 175mm width and 190mm height, as well as common terminal configuration. When possible, the thoughtful OEMs design their battery compartments to accommodate the various sizes, with multiple holes to secure each length, appropriate for the various engine displacement application specs.

Of course, these are nominal specs, so there will be slight variations.

 

[dogememe]

It's the season when weak batteries manifest themselves, and get replaced. My Costco's rack was mostly bare of all types last time I was there.

Having owned nothing but European makes, what are commonly known as the DIN Hx battery sizes are very familiar.

Before, one had to look for their equivalent BCI designations, 48/94R/etc. when shopping. Then Hx became a thing, but the Lx EN designations haven't taken off, at least here.

When Costco regularly stocks those applications, from the H5 baby to the H9 big boy, you know they've become mainstream. The Korean marques have adopted them, as well as the Detroit Three in some applications.

The Hx sizes differ only in length, with a common 175mm width and 190mm height, as well as common terminal configuration. When possible, the thoughtful OEMs design their battery compartments to accommodate the various sizes, with multiple holes to secure each length, appropriate for the various engine displacement application specs.

Of course, these are nominal specs, so there will be slight variations.

View attachment 316604

I for one appreciate the fact that they’re all the same size except for length.

 

[Wheel366]

No, unnecessary.

Was just curious. I'm still debating on whether I want to replace the battery in my wife's 14 CRV with AGM or not. Or maybe this current battery will last until I get rid of the car.

 

[JHZR2]

Was just curious. I'm still debating on whether I want to replace the battery in my wife's 14 CRV with AGM or not. Or maybe this current battery will last until I get rid of the car.

Is the alternator able to be adjusted to the different charging profile?

For an underhood battery I see no point. For one in a well inside of a vehicle, or a high drain vehicle, perhaps. I have run agm with non-optimized euro low-voltage systems for many years without issue, so it can be done. But it isn’t ideal or cost effective imo.

 

[Wheel366]

Is the alternator able to be adjusted to the different charging profile?

For an underhood battery I see no point. For one in a well inside of a vehicle, or a high drain vehicle, perhaps. I have run agm with non-optimized euro low-voltage systems for many years without issue, so it can be done. But it isn’t ideal or cost effective imo.

Honestly, no idea. My friend has a CRV also and is running and AGM for years and says it still starts great. For the price difference of the Walmart EverStart Maxx and Platinum, it isn't a big hit on the wallet.

 

[SC Maintenance]

I think your issue was H8 is the red herring. H6 and H7 are showing here at Walmart pick up tomorow - no H8 except for shipping.

I have noticed that the dual numbered battery groups (e.g, 49/H8, 94R/H7, 48/H6)

My 2019 Toyota arrived with an H5, but had proper mounting holes also for H6 which is what I replaced it with when needed. I didn't have any issue getting a H6 from Walmart a year ago - they had tons.

I thought the H8 (49) and H6 are the same height, but different lengths?

H5 to H8 all the same size except for length.

Is the alternator able to be adjusted to the different charging profile?

For an underhood battery I see no point. For one in a well inside of a vehicle, or a high drain vehicle, perhaps. I have run agm with non-optimized euro low-voltage systems for many years without issue, so it can be done. But it isn’t ideal or cost effective imo.

Sample size of 1 - I stuffed a Walmart AGM in my ancient Frontier 1 year ago. I just tested it, and its fully charged, holding up very well. I wanted to try AGM because they handle both vibration and heat better than FLA battery - and I have much of both. Also the Walmart AGM is only a few bucks more than their top of the line FLA and has a 4 year replacement warranty. Not telling anyone else to do it but I think the newer AGM's are more forgiving on the charge profile.

 

[f355spider]

I use H9, H8, H6 and H5 in various cars and occasionally check at Costco and Walmart. In Western WA my checks in December showed H8, H6 with plenty of stock. H5 hit or miss. H9 is special order only.

Walmart will ship to your house for free....but roll of the dice on manufacturer date and you still have to go to the store to get the core credit back...usually as a store credit, rather than cash.