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Time for batteries...

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Old 10-09-2005 | 06:20 PM
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From: Pike Road, Alabama
Time for batteries...

for my diesel truck.

Well, I've owned the truck for 6 years from brand new this month. The batteries are officially dead. And if it hadn't been for me killing the batteries a few months back, I bet they would still be OK. I left my trailer plugged into my truck and forgot and left the inside trailer lights on ... for like 4 days.

I realize this has be hashed over and over, but I searched and didn't find what I wanted to see. Sooooo...

I'd like to replace the batteries with same size and CCA (750). The only place I'm finding something similar is on the interstate batteries website.

I'm looking for suggestions on replacing these batteries. I appreciate the help.

- JyRO
Old 10-09-2005 | 06:24 PM
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Many guys swear by the Optima Red Tops (group 34/78). The nice thing about them is that they wont leak acid all over your fenders and cruise control module.
Old 10-09-2005 | 06:25 PM
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Oh yeah, shoot me a link, thanks.
Old 10-09-2005 | 06:44 PM
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JyRo,
This must be fate. I just pulled both of my batteries out today because I did the exact same thing. Got back from camping, unloaded the trailer and forgot to pull to cord. About a week later, I go out to start the truck and nothing. Now it's off to the store. I put the charger on and it wouldn't take the charge. It says it is at 11.23 volts on the meter. I've read were some people have gotten there batteries at Costco so I'll guess I'll start looking there.
Old 10-09-2005 | 06:45 PM
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Definitely, spend the money on the Optimas. That's the way I'm going next time.

The last time I went with the Duralast Gold w/ the 8yr warranty. They're still going strong, but I'm tired of dealing with the lead-acid batteries and the mess.
Old 10-09-2005 | 07:15 PM
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I just replaced my batteries with another set of Interstates. My last set of Interstate Workaholics was the only batteries I've ever had (45 yrs driving) that got weak, but never failed to start the truck. All of the others just quit.
This time I went with the Mego-Tron Plus, 750 CCA, 940 CA, with an 85 month prorata warrenty.

Also, I called the Costco in Plano, Texas , and was told they did not carry Optima, only their store brand.
Old 10-09-2005 | 09:23 PM
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Just a quick question. I didn't get into town today to get the new batteries. Will it hurt anything leaving it overnight without the batteries in it?
Old 10-09-2005 | 09:34 PM
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if dead batteries won't hurt it, then no batteries won't hurt it.
Old 10-10-2005 | 08:18 AM
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Originally Posted by crobtex
I just replaced my batteries with another set of Interstates. My last set of Interstate Workaholics was the only batteries I've ever had (45 yrs driving) that got weak, but never failed to start the truck. All of the others just quit.
This time I went with the Mego-Tron Plus, 750 CCA, 940 CA, with an 85 month prorata warrenty.

Also, I called the Costco in Plano, Texas , and was told they did not carry Optima, only their store brand.

Hey Crobtex - Maybe this is a dumb question, but I had to clarify. The Mego-Tron Plus 750 CCA, 940 CA are the interstate batteries that you said you just replaced right? If so, where did you get 'em. I don't have a Costco in Montgomery, so if that's where, do you have any other ideas? Thanks.

Also, can anyone explain to me what the advantage is to the Optimas? I just pulled my batteries out yesterday and the only mess there was, was the dirt build-up on the outside. No big deal to me. I had one little spot on the negative pole of one battery that had a bit of corrosion. And it didn't do that until the batteries started getting weak. Also, my charger didn't make a dent in the batteries either. These batteries decided they weren't coming back for anything. But hey, they lasted 6 years ... I'm not complaining. Those optimas aren't deep cycle batteries are they?

Now you guys may think I'm stupid for this, but when I pop the hood to show someone under my hood, I like it to look as original as possible. Not saying there's anything wrong with all kinds of dress-up goodies, but its just not for me ... at least on this truck. And even the optimas would look too different because if I remember right, they are a different size and the top is red ... right? OK, I'm even sounding like an **** moron to myself right now. But I'd rather have a standard battery with a black top ... like the ones that came out.

- JyRO
Old 10-10-2005 | 08:25 AM
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I replaced the Interstate Workaholics with the Interstate Mega-Tron. I got them at an Interstate dealer battery store.
Old 10-10-2005 | 08:35 AM
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I just found an Interstate battery dealer here in Montgomery. What I don't get is they want in the low to mid 70's range for the batteries, giving them the old ones. If I keep the old ones its only $3 more for their batteries.

Do those prices sound reasonable?
Is there a more effective way to get rid of or sell my old batteries? Thanks.

- JyRO
Old 10-10-2005 | 08:44 AM
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I paid about $90 each, which is probably a little high, for mine with the 85 month pro rata warrenty. But, I was there, had the cash in my pocket, and was tired of messing with shopping around.
Old 10-10-2005 | 08:46 AM
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One last question for you crobtex. Do these batteries have a black top?

Make that 2 questions: Do these batteries fit in your original battery tray OK?

- JyRO
Old 10-10-2005 | 08:52 AM
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Originally Posted by JyRO
One last question for you crobtex. Do these batteries have a black top?

Make that 2 questions: Do these batteries fit in your original battery tray OK?

- JyRO
Yes and yes.

Also, I don't have a mess around my batteries. I rinse them regularly and spray the post with the "stuff" from Auto Zone. Looks clean and no corrosion.
Old 10-10-2005 | 08:56 AM
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So now fellers, what should I do with the old batteries? Just let'em have'em?


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