Community Forums

RJEV · 11-21-2011, 04:00 PM

I am going to replace the original two house batteries in our motorhome, Interstate U2200, now called Interstate GC2-XHD. I have been quoted a high of $169.00 to a low of $99.95 by the Interstate dealer about 50 miles from me. Apparently there is a run on these batteries. A few dealers told me they are on back order and the Interstate dealer said they have only 3 in stock. I can find, much closer at Sams Club, an Entergizer deep cycle battery with the same dimensions of the Interstate and it is $78.83. Is the Entergizer as good as the Interstate? Is there any reason to not use the Interstate as replacements?

Thanks,
RJ

sparks1032 · 11-21-2011, 06:43 PM

I would call interstate and ask if they have any blemish batteries the dealers by me (near Chicago) have them for $45 with one year warranty. Might be good to ask! Otherwise get the newest manufactured ones with the best warranty

Gary RVRoamer · 11-21-2011, 07:56 PM

From what I hear, the Sams Club 6v is made by the same battery manufacturer that makes the Interstate 6v, so it's probably a great deal. Neither Interstate nor Energiser is an actual battery manufacturer - they are just the brand names.

garym114 · 11-21-2011, 09:03 PM

The Interstate 6v is made by US Battery and the Energizer is made by Johnson Controls. Both are good batteries.
Johnson makes Optmia, Delphi and many more. US battery makes Deka, Infinity solar storage and all U series for Interstate.
Take your pick.

Arch Hoagland · 11-21-2011, 09:11 PM

I buy mine now at Walmart. If there's a problem and I'm 2,000 miles from home I know I can find a Walmart.

Buying a blemished Interstate battery??? Doesn't it strike you odd that a company makes thousands of blemished batteries they have to sell at half price? Wouldn't you think they would investigate what is causing the blemish and correct the problem? Do I want to buy a battery from a company that is unable to correct such a problem? Wonder what problems those batteries have that I can't see?

Mr_D · 11-21-2011, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Wonder what problems those batteries have that I can't see?

Probably nothing, shipping damage happens and the battery will be just as good as a non-blem. But you do have to look for breaks in the case.

sparks1032 · 11-23-2011, 05:58 AM

Mr_D you are correct they even carry a warranty, most are returns that test as new batteries or are missing stickers or other COSMETICS issues. If you got the $$$$ spend it on the AGM'S by all means these guys are local for me and do business with others that recommend them.

Bob (WA0MQE) · 11-25-2011, 02:20 PM

I just replaced my four house batteries with the Interstate GC2-XHD-UT. These are the highest capacity Interstate makes. They are 230 AH batteries. I paid $104.95 for them. Just before I bought these I went by Sams Club and they had the Energizer GC2 for $78.83 which are 205 AH batteries. Slightly smaller in capacity then the Interstate GC2-XHD. Interstate also had a slightly smaller 205 or 208 AH, I forget which, selling for $93. I opted to pay the extra $11 and get the larger ones.

wa8yxm · 11-25-2011, 03:35 PM

Near as I can tell both the Interstate and the Enegerzier are made by both Johnson Controls and US-Battery depending on where you buy them..

That said. Many companies make a "Cadillac" and a "Chevy" model of their product. I DO NOT KNOW if this statement applies to this discussion or not. (That is to say I do not know if there is a quality difference between Interstate and Sam's club prouduct or not)

I do know..... There are a lot of folks here who are very happy with Sam's and that's likely where I'l get new ones when I have to.

pacevette · 11-26-2011, 07:55 AM

I need to replace my batteries as well. I currently have the interstate 2200's. Is there a difference between the gc2 and the 2200? The only reason I ask is many places have the 2200 in stock. But if its an older model battery it makes me wonder how long they have been sitting.