need a battery. Which one? and where to buy?

[DenCo40]

I have two dekas from Hensley. I have had this same set up on a couple of different rigs. I like the extra posts to add electrical stuff.

 

[Corbet]

Did Overland include the Deka's in their battery test? I have let me subscription lapse and can't check for myself.

My Optima group 31 has been a little temperamental this week in the sub zero temps. I have a Hensley store in Durango. No Sears. So the Deka's are easier to deal with if warranty is required. Also most on MUD I've seen have trimmed the Sears DieHard group 31's at the corners to get them in. Not sure how that would affect a warranty claim.

 

[wesintl]

IIRC they did the Deka 8A24M which is the marine version. It runs 50-60 more at something like $210 or $220. I don't know anyone or read about anyone that has that battery. Most I know or have read about have the intimidator 78/34 or heavier 31 as an accessory. I don't know why they did not test one of these.

I have the 9A34 as a main and could not be happier even when they replaced it under warranty.

 

[Romer]

After trying the Deka Blems and having both turn out defective (what you risk with a Blem), I went with the sears platinums which are the same as the odysseys.

Nice thing about these is you can get them with posts on either side and no problem fitting the cables.

Hensley was great with the Blems. I returned them and got the Marine version of the Deka intemidators deep cycle and put them in my trailer dual setup.

 

[Corbet]

Good to hear they are great about warranty problems. That IMO is the greatest draw to the Die Hard. But Sears is an hour away where Hensley is in Durango.

I probably can't go wrong either way and should just get one locally and be done with it.

 

[coax]

This thread will not die! Time for me to replace the battery as well. Current napa one is leaking acid and they won't warranty it for me since I don't have a receipt (it came with the cruiser when I bought it).

Oriely/Checker doesn't seem to carry either a 27f or a 35 in the AGM superstart...only the group 34 which I think would be too big without modification, right?

I guess that leaves the diehard platinum in a group 35 for 200 bucks. Goo! But I'd rather have that then acid splashing all over the place I guess. Just wanted to post up incase anyone is aware of better options that have come along?

 

[nakman]

That group 34 AGM should drop right in. Only issue may be with the terminals, I believe they're in the middle not at the back like the 80 seems to come with stock. So you may be extending some things worst case... nbd.

 

[subzali]

EDIT: Nevermind, repost #3 or more in this thread. Don't wanna be THAT guy.

 

[Corbet]

.only the group 34 which I think would be too big without modification, right?

many group 31's will drop right into an 80. 31 is much larger than a 34. I still have not replaced my Optima but the last time I measured the Delka 31 it looked like it would be too big for the OEM hold down but would fit the tray.

 

[LARGEONE]

I installed the VERY LARGE die hard battery a while back. It does require very minor trimming of the lower back corner to fit, but WAY worth it. I'm almost disappointed that I took the time to install a second battery...that darn die hard never goes dead!!! I can winch with it, leave everything on in the truck all night and still start it the next day. It's crazy. Barry helped me make a custom bracket to hold it down and it doesn't budge....the thing is too big to move around it there But you definitely have to mount it with the posts in the back, or the posts might contact your hood.

 

[coax]

I ended up picking up a group 35. In a bit of a time crunch for this upcoming weekend and didnt feel like having to lengthen wires and such. (They were already slightly shorter due to new o-ring ends to fit the military terminals).

I called one o'rieley and stopped at another; neither had any of the superstart agm's and when I asked none of the sales people knew what I was talking about.

Lots of money spent but better than battery acid dripping into the tray. The fit of the battery isn't super nice; I may try and get some shims for the side and upper back, but its pretty solid as it sits so I may just leave it. This battery is fairly small physically but it has more cca's than the group 27 that I took out of there, and weights a fair bit less. I don't have a fridge or any accessories that stay on, and really intermittent use of the winch is all I have over the stock current draw, so I think this battery will suffice for a while.

 

[nakman]

Cool, I'm sure you'll be happy with that. Hey did all LX's come with a gold plated PS fluid reservoir? mine's black..

 

[Hulk]

OK, so I need a new battery for my 80. There is some urgency to this, since if I get a battery, I may be able to drive my 80 to the Rally.

Here are my options as I see them:
DieHard Marine Battery, Platinum PM-1 - Group Size 31M
This thing looks huge and it's $$$. However, I like the fact that it can sit for long periods of time, since my 80 isn't my DD anymore. Also, with a winch, ARB fridge and a ham radio, this thing would be a good choice.
Mitigating factor: will my existing cables be able to reach the terminals?

Deka battery of some size.What size is good for an 80?

DieHard Automotive Battery, Platinum P-1 - Group Size 34
Looks like this one is an easier fit, with the terminal all the way in the back.

DieHard Automotive Battery, Platinum P-4 - Group Size 34/78DT Supposedly the P - 4 got amazing reviews. I can't tell how it is different from the P - 1.

AGM battery from O'Reilly Not sure what size. Their website isn't very helpful.

 

[coax]

I'm definintly not an expert on this, but the difference between the p1, p4, etc, are really just related to the group size. (p1=group34, p2=group65, p3=group75/86dt etc.)

From what I can tell both the p1 and p4 have the terminals on the "wrong" side of the battery. Not that it couldn't be fit in there, but might have some wire stretching to do.

One note on the group 35 (even though its not in your list), the fit of the "shape" of the battery isn't great. I had to put in a small spacer on the backside to get it to fit solid, due to the shape of the bottom "lip" of the battery.

As for the oriely agm, I'd agree with your assessment that the website isn't helpful, and add in that neither were the people on the phone.

Sorry, not much help.

 

[Hulk]

Hmmm, I thought Sears offered the option to have battery terminals on either side. Maybe I'll go over there at lunch.

 

[wesintl]

man that's alot of coin for those diehards.

I have a Deka 9A34 from hensley and couldn't be happier. I thought they were about $130. Maybe they wen't up to $150 but still almost half of some of those diehards.

You will have to pull the terminals though the tray a little bit but otherwise it fits fine.

 

[Hulk]

Do you have a contact at Hensley?

 

[wesintl]

just the 2 guys at the counter. Jimbob and Joebob

 

[corsair23]

OK, so I need a new battery for my 80. There is some urgency to this, since if I get a battery, I may be able to drive my 80 to the Rally.

If you need a battery to borrow for a few weeks to give you time to make a decision let me know. I've got a couple sitting in the garage.

Is the P4 battery at Sears available again? When I was looking it appeared to have been discontinued. Nakman stated he has had good results from the O'Reilly battery but it would appear finding one might be a challenge.

 

[DanS]

I've got a Diehard Platinum 31M in the 40. It'll be at the rally if you want to get your mitts on one to check it out, or I'll be running around town pretty much all week and can meet up.

The terminals are standard sizes, it's just the overall size (and weight) that sets it apart.

Dan