Walmart Battery causing problems in RV ?

[diandtom]

I got out fiver back today from the Norcold recall. When they put the part in from the recall the fridge would not work. It was another problem with the panel on the front had to be replaced. It was all under warranty and Norcold covered it. The RV tech working on it said I need to get rid of the Walmart battery as they cause problems in RV. He claims the voltage does not stay steady causing problems. The battery is a deep cycle trolling motor battery. I am not sure without looking what size it is. He said that Batteries from NAPA are much better. Just never heard anything like this before.

[rgvtexan]

I might look for a different tech.

[diandtom]

I just can't see how a battery could cause the voltage to change. The rectifier maybe ?

[RickO]

Yep, I'd look for a new tech too. I've had FIVE Walmart batteries in my rig for over a year of full timing now and they haven't missed a beat. If they do, Walmart will replace them free for up to 18 months so I've been happy so far.

The tech may be right that NAPA batteries are better but for the buck I've found Walmarts to be a pretty good value.

Rick

[diandtom]

He also said Auto Zone batteries cause the problems also. I run Walmart batteries for years also. I got two in my boat and the starting battery been in there for over four years. I left the switch one once for a week and ran it completely down. That was last year charged it up and it still going. I do carry one of these Black and Decker battery that used like a jumper cable. I want to see how long it going to last.

[W4RLR]

The tech is feeding you a load of dung. Walmart batteries are made by Johnson Controls, who also makes such batteries as the Sears Die Hard. In fact, my mechanic tells me there are only three major battery manufacturers in the country, with Johnson Controls being the largest.

Who makes what battery?

[hamguy]

Quote:

Originally Posted by diandtom I just can't see how a battery could cause the voltage to change. The rectifier maybe ?

Rectifier??

[diandtom]

rectifier = battery charger sorry a old telephone use of the word.

[Dmiles]

You ever park overnight on Wal Mart's lot? Oh sorry, that's a dfferent thread.

[RustyJC]

Ask the tech if the Norcold control system has a mechanism to check the brand name imprinted on the battery case. If he says yes, then RUN to a qualified service facility as fast as you can.

As others have stated, there are a very limited number of battery manufacturers, and Wal Mart isn't one of them. Their battery is just private labeled.

Rusty

[Luv2go]

Maybe Johnson Controls puts less lead in Walmart batteries. Hey Tom, who told you this? I just want to know so we stay away!

[IC2]

OMG - I need to buy a bunch of new batteries in this case as one of the 2 in my 5er plus the TV and the car are from there (the '31 has an Optima, but that's another story). Get a new tech

[alageezer]

I worked for a major battery manufacter, driving a delivery truck. In one trip, I might stop at Wal-mart, K-mart, Sams, NAPA, Advance Auto, Volvo dealer, and numerous different small Mom and Pop stores.

[wa8yxm]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rgvtexan I might look for a different tech.

I will second that.. The batteries are controlled by natural laws, Unlike laws of man laws of nature are absolute, there is no violation allowed at all, you violate a natural law you die,, PERIOD.

Wall mart batteries are likely the "Economy" end of the manufacturer's line but the manufacturer is very well respected.

What controls the voltage is the chemical content of the battery, the difference between the positive plates, negative plates, and the fluid (Acid/electrolytic) this does not change rapidely The voltage should remain very stable over the usable state of charge (50 percent) not changing more than a few tenths of a volt.

The kind of sudden variations that would mess up your fridge are caused by bad regulation of a converter. NOT the batteries.

However. that said. The problem is most likely inside the fridge.

Today's project (It was in the 30's here last night) Fixing the FURNACE which refused to light.. Oh the joy. Thankfully I have heat alternatives.