Starting Battery Recomendation ?

Bob O · 02-14-2009, 09:42 AM

My 2 batteries need to be replaced for the engine. I have the origional Alliance batteries from Freightliner. Any reccomendations on replacement? I definitely want maintenance free. Price is not an issue, I am looking for the best battery. Thanks for your responses
Bob O

Rick Long · 02-14-2009, 11:08 AM

The new Sears DieHard GEL.. fantastic cranking power, plus it withstands bigger drops in voltage without killing the battery. Unbelievable warranty 100 months with 60 month total replacement no prorating. And.. it's available coast to coast.. It's NOT cheap.. Mine was $200 on sale.

Mike Canter · 02-14-2009, 02:41 PM

Boy $200 for a battery is a lot of money,wow.I know it is good but if the new batteries last 84-96 months then why a gel. They are neat but. I use NAPA batteries in both my toad and the MH. Consumer Report rated them the best but I bet Sears are just as good. I have two batteries for the MH chassis and I put the same battery model in my MH as what came in the Wrangler. Now I have three batteries that are all the same model number so I can swap aeound any way I want in case I have to. One thing great about both NAPA and Sears is that there is always a store around if a battery fails.

One thing most people don't know is that there are only three major companies in the USA that make car batteries for all. They are Exide, Delphi, and Johnson Controls. NAPA are made by Exide and Sears are made by Johnson Controls under the current contracts but that is all subject to change year to year.

**Gary RVRoamer** · 02-14-2009, 06:03 PM

Quote:

One thing most people don't know is that there are only three major companies in the USA that make car batteries for all. They are Exide, Delphi, and Johnson Controls.

There are more than three, Mike. East Penn Manufacturing is a major battery maker and there are several mid sized ones such as US Battery, Trojan, Concord/Lifeline, and some smaller regional ones as well. But you are right - nearly all the major brand names that people are familiar with (and swear by) are made by somebody else.

Mike Canter · 02-15-2009, 03:14 AM

I don't believe US battery and Trojan make 12 volt automotive batteries. I know they are big in speciality applications such as golf cart batteries and wheelchair battieries. Same with Concorde, they are big in AGM batteries and aircraft batteries.

Sorry, if my answer was confusing. I should have said major automotive batteries that you see at NAPA, Sears, Pep Boys type stores.