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gemini5362 · 10-16-2014, 12:27 PM

Just for public information. I had to replace the chassis batteries on my 2005 Allegro Bus. I went to Sams Club and to get 950 CCA I had to get the commercial battery they sell there. I do not remember the name on the battery. I want to say everstart but that is what the rest of the batteries were not sure if these were or not. Sams Club tested both of my batteries and one had a shorted cell ( I was not surprised) and one tested good. Because this is such a fun job I bought two new batteries and kept the other as a spare for my tractor or pickup winch. When I put the new batteries next to the battery I kept ( It was an interstate commercial battery) I noticed the batteries were identical If you took the lables off you would not be able to tell which was which.

Gary RVRoamer · 10-16-2014, 03:38 PM

No surprise there. There are only four major lead-acid battery manufacturers in the USA, so they make them all regardless of label. By the way, Interstate isn't one of them - they are just another private label.

There are some additional specialty manufacturers, though, e.g. Trojan, Concorde (Lifeline), US Battery, etc. US Battery is a 6v GC specialist, Trojan for deep cycles & AGM, Lifeline for AGMs, etc. US Battery makes 6v's for quite a few private label brands.

R2ZS · 10-17-2014, 11:50 AM

I need to replace my coach batteries also, sounds like Trojan is one of the better ones. Looking for four 6v in Dallas/Ft Worth area, any recommendations? Or thoughts on price vs quality!

wa8yxm · 10-17-2014, 01:57 PM

It has long been suspected that Sam's batteries are made by Johnson Controls and/or US Battery

Same for Interstate

I have Dekas in my coach now.. One of those rare items, Deka actually MAKES batteries

The remininig maner is Excide for most of the batteries out there

And there is Trojan, and Lifelien (For AGM-s) and a few small companies with really really good reputations and high prices.

Gary RVRoamer · 10-18-2014, 10:58 AM

Quote:

I have Dekas in my coach now.. One of those rare items, Deka actually MAKES batteries

Actually, Dekas are made by East Penn Manufacturing, one of the large battery manufacturers. But Deka is their own house brand, one they sell direct instead of through a third party.