My '95 80 Series needs a new battery

[Overlander]

Had A Die Hard Platinum AGM (850CCA) from Sears for many years but it finally died. Need something solid and reliable, but not the very top of the line. What size (group) should I be looking for? That DieHard doesn't seem to have group number designation... What's everyone using?

 

[AdamKFarmer]

Quick Google shows Group Size 27F. I use an Optima Yellow top I think I remember an exhaustive thread on this subject not too long ago.

 

[Hulk]

I just dropped a Napa "The Legend" Premium AGM Battery in size 34R in my 80 a few weeks ago. If you purchase online, you can get 20% off and then pick it up at your local Napa store of choice. It has a 36 month replacement warranty, and I have taken advantage of that in the past to get a brand new battery when it crapped out.

The 27F and 34R are both legit sizes for the 80.

The Napa 27F battery is a little less expensive with slightly lower Cold Cranking Amps. It's a regular lead acid battery rather than an AGM. It also only has a 24 month warranty. The advantages of AGM vs. lead acid batteries is debatable, but AGM is the road I went down a while back and it's been OK.

If you want to geek out on this, just search this forum for "AGM" and you'll get mucho information to boost your brain power.

I've also purchased AGM batteries for my 80 at Sam's Club. Prices are good, but their warranty program doesn't give me the confidence that I get from Napa. I also like that there are Napa stores everywhere.

 

[DanielChase]

Costco.

 

[cbmontgo]

Costco Interstate group 27.

 

[Corbet]

A big group 31 can fit but it’s really tight. I made a slightly longer hold down bar for traditional shaped versions but long ago I ran a group 31 Optima and that really fit nicely with the OEM hold down bar. Their unique shape was an advantage in the 80.

Since getting a small solar panel I’ve gone back to the OEM group 27 size. My local options for battery purchase are limited. Most recently I just went to O’Riley’s for a premium house brand AGM. Nearly all batteries in the USA are manufacture by only 3 companies. The O’Riley battery is a Eastern Penn. NAPA would be an option too but lately my local store has pissed me off. I should probably get over it, I don’t think the young little doucebag even works there anymore.

Personally I’d just shop with who ever offers a strong warranty and is convenient to your location or potential warranty claim location. Meaning some place like NAPA is pretty strong as there’s one in nearly every town. Then choose AGM or lead/acid.

 

[74fj40]

The super start platinum agm from Oreillys is an East Penn battery. Same plant as Deka. It’s my go to. And reasonably priced too

 

[rover67]

Been just doing Costco lately for lead acid. Affordable and they last long enough. Group 27f.

 

[RayRay27]

I've been rocking an interstate 34M dual purpose starting/deep cycle battery from interstate.

A little pricey but have been rock solid.

 

[RayRay27]

Been just doing Costco lately for lead acid. Affordable and they last long enough. Group 27f.

Are getting the Interstate batteries from Costco or a another brand?

 

[rover67]

Are getting the Interstate batteries from Costco or a another brand?

The Interstate ones.

 

[Inukshuk]

I run a Group 31 Odyssey AGM on my wheeling 80. It is a single battery setup and I wanted enough "oomph" for winching and some reserve. I bought it at a parts store during a trip when I thought my battery was going bad. $400 +/- about 5 years ago. I keep it on a charger maintainer while in the garage. My 80 has a mid 2000's Denso alternator spec'd for a Jaguar. 140 amps and charges at 13.5 - 8 volts.

Last year when I needed a new battery for LongCruiser I went to Costco and grabbed a flooded lead acid 27 for just over $100. LongCruiser has three isolated aux deep cycle batteries in back for the "house" and will maybe never winch.

 

[RayRay27]

The Interstate ones.

Do you have to have them replaced through Costco if it craps out or can you go to any Interstate to replace?

 

[rover67]

Pretty sure you gotta go to a Costco. I haven't had one fail in the 3 year warranty period though. Only ones that "failed" were the ones in my totaled 80 that I let sit for a few years without doing anything, pretty sure they sat totally dead for 2 years so when I went to charge them after I felt like 80'ing again they were just kinda dead. I just haven't seen any improved life or functionality out of the AGM's so it has begun to seem like an unnecessary spend. And if I'm being totally honest the absolute cheapest Walmart/Automoan FLA car batteries have been as good as anything else. Costco has been cheap and available lately tho. If you arent bolting them up upside down and don't mind washing the top of the battery (acid) off occasionally the FLA batteries at least for me have been totally acceptable and the 80's charging system was designed for them.

 

[Lastresort576]

Costco for me.

 

[HDavis]

The last time I needed a battery I went with a used reconditioned battery, from a place recommended by a friend. It comes with a warranty even.
$42.60 for a group 27 lead acid.

I'm 10 months in and it's still good, for whatever that's worth, If it makes it 3 years than I'll say it was worth my money.
Bustos Battery.

Google Search

 

[DaveInDenver]

Put me in the same category as Marco. Got tired of sending Odysseys back for warranty every couple of years and went with the cheapest Walmart Everstart FLA. It's been in there 4 years on a 24-month battery and should make it into its 5th since this winter wasn't hard on it.

 

[Inukshuk]

Put me in the same category as Marco. Got tired of sending Odysseys back for warranty every couple of years and went with the cheapest Walmart Everstart FLA. It's been in there 4 years on a 24-month battery and should make it into its 5th since this winter wasn't hard on it.

Three short sentences. No diagrams. No pictures. No data. Walmart?!
This answer MUST be a bot.
Dave's been kidnapped!