Batteries: any highly recommended brands ?
12-11-2018, 11:04 PM
#1
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Batteries: any highly recommended brands ?
I hope I don’t regret asking this and it doesn’t turn into an “ oil thread” argument . The battery in my XJ is toast . I work for a large shop that services a huge fleet of vehicles . We’re typically contracted to particular brands . We had terrible luck with Exide brand batteries to the point they terminated the contract . We had interstate for a while and they did a lot better than the Exides but apparently there were warranty issues . We have currently switched to AGM batteries and have been going with “ whoever is cheapest “ locally so they’re currently being sourced through autozone believe it or not . For the most part they’ve been able to take a lot more abuse that our vehicles see , however , when they have failed it has been a sudden “ no warning “ failure . I have ran a lot of different brands of batteries in the different shops I’ve worked in and on all my personal vehicles and batteries have trended severely downwards in length of life . It was pretty common to hear of people getting 8-10 years out of a battery not that long ago . At work we’re really lucky to see 3 years with anything we’ve tried . I’m looking for tried and true suggestions . Thanks guys !
12-12-2018, 01:53 AM
#2
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Year: 99
Model: Cherokee (XJ)
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Dunno much other than I pulled the trigger on a Duracell AGM battery. The jeep starts so well that I don't see ever buying another type of battery. AGM alone seem a good route, just research brands. I wish I could say optima but I guess they suck now, and Wal-Mart owns interstate.
I had interstate, about 5 of them for various reasons in about as many years, but they stood by replacing them. I tried a new battery because i want a damn battery that works, not that has a warranty in case it doesnt, or rather for a crap product.
I recommend the Duracell agm, a couple brands are the same battery with a different label...etc but the reviews seem to warrant a try, and so far they remain recommended unlike the dying brands of past good reputation.
I had interstate, about 5 of them for various reasons in about as many years, but they stood by replacing them. I tried a new battery because i want a damn battery that works, not that has a warranty in case it doesnt, or rather for a crap product.
I recommend the Duracell agm, a couple brands are the same battery with a different label...etc but the reviews seem to warrant a try, and so far they remain recommended unlike the dying brands of past good reputation.
Last edited by 4x4jeepmanthing; 12-12-2018 at 02:10 AM.
12-12-2018, 06:19 AM
#3
CF Veteran
I hope I don’t regret asking this and it doesn’t turn into an “ oil thread” argument . The battery in my XJ is toast . I work for a large shop that services a huge fleet of vehicles . We’re typically contracted to particular brands . We had terrible luck with Exide brand batteries to the point they terminated the contract . We had interstate for a while and they did a lot better than the Exides but apparently there were warranty issues . We have currently switched to AGM batteries and have been going with “ whoever is cheapest “ locally so they’re currently being sourced through autozone believe it or not . For the most part they’ve been able to take a lot more abuse that our vehicles see , however , when they have failed it has been a sudden “ no warning “ failure . I have ran a lot of different brands of batteries in the different shops I’ve worked in and on all my personal vehicles and batteries have trended severely downwards in length of life . It was pretty common to hear of people getting 8-10 years out of a battery not that long ago . At work we’re really lucky to see 3 years with anything we’ve tried . I’m looking for tried and true suggestions . Thanks guys !
I can add something though, I will never be without a small LIPO jump pack now. I carry one always. They are excellent insurance against questionable batteries (at least for getting started, not much help if the battery truly dies). I have helped so many folks in my work parking lot with it, especially in the cold months. Saved my own butt a couple times as well.
12-12-2018, 07:55 AM
#4
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Thread Starter
You might be right . But , I was hoping someone else knew more about AGM brands the reccomend . My favorite by far I forgot to mention is odyssey but they’re pretty pricey . We have trucks that run two Odysseys to power on board computers that run 24/7 even when the truck is shut off .
12-12-2018, 10:17 AM
#5
Senior Member
Honestly, Bosch batteries from Pep Boys haven't been too bad. I have put Lead Acid batteries in vehicles for friends of mine and only has had a problem. (Funny enough, it was my buddy who had an XJ, but then again, he had a host of electrical issues). I have a Bosch AGM in a Mercury Grand Maquis, no problems even when the temp dips real cold. Pep boys usually runs some good deals as far as discounts or rebates.
Optimas seem to be hit or miss. I have a dual battery setup in my Ford Ranger using Yellowtop 34/78, 7 years and no problems so far.
As Jordan96xj said, a jump box really isn't a bad investment. Buy a normal battery (instead of an expensive optima) and take the money you save and buy a decent jump box.
Optimas seem to be hit or miss. I have a dual battery setup in my Ford Ranger using Yellowtop 34/78, 7 years and no problems so far.
As Jordan96xj said, a jump box really isn't a bad investment. Buy a normal battery (instead of an expensive optima) and take the money you save and buy a decent jump box.
12-12-2018, 05:46 PM
#6
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I have the Duracell batteries in the four vehicles I have. Don't know if they are the AGM type (? DUH ! ) So far,..so good. In the old days, the Delco batteries held up good. My '92 Chevy pickup battery lasted 6 years, from when it was new ! The other one was the Sears Die-Hard. Not sure about these batteries now...
12-12-2018, 07:07 PM
#7
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Thread Starter
Honestly, Bosch batteries from Pep Boys haven't been too bad. I have put Lead Acid batteries in vehicles for friends of mine and only has had a problem. (Funny enough, it was my buddy who had an XJ, but then again, he had a host of electrical issues). I have a Bosch AGM in a Mercury Grand Maquis, no problems even when the temp dips real cold. Pep boys usually runs some good deals as far as discounts or rebates.
Optimas seem to be hit or miss. I have a dual battery setup in my Ford Ranger using Yellowtop 34/78, 7 years and no problems so far.
As Jordan96xj said, a jump box really isn't a bad investment. Buy a normal battery (instead of an expensive optima) and take the money you save and buy a decent jump box.
Optimas seem to be hit or miss. I have a dual battery setup in my Ford Ranger using Yellowtop 34/78, 7 years and no problems so far.
As Jordan96xj said, a jump box really isn't a bad investment. Buy a normal battery (instead of an expensive optima) and take the money you save and buy a decent jump box.
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12-12-2018, 07:43 PM
#8
CF Veteran
I have used $28 blem batteries for a while. In my lawnmower, XJ, bus & now in my dd truck.
A while back I did get a $130 jump box from Busted Knuckle. It has sat for 6 months this in my truck & jumped the bus off.
A while back I did get a $130 jump box from Busted Knuckle. It has sat for 6 months this in my truck & jumped the bus off.
12-12-2018, 09:00 PM
#9
Senior Member
Yeah, if i remember correctly, they are made by someone else for Bosch. Pep Boys is all over in NJ. Also like steelybill said, Delco batteries are pretty good. I've had two of them in an S10 blazer, they both lasted almost 5 years to the day. The Delco batteries are not readily available around here. Just compare the warranties on them. Some are like 18 months, some 42 months as far as free replacement.
12-12-2018, 09:11 PM
#10
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I usually go with Walmart's Everlast max or Duralast gold whichever one is cheaper at the time. My Xj currently has a Sears die hard in it that's working fine. I'm not a fan agm batteries because A; they require a different charging method and B; they're expensive yet don't put out as many amps and have less capacity than flooded batteries. I don't get the whole agm battery thing (I'm not putting anyone that buys them down) flooded batteries last five years on average plus they've proved they can survive extreme temperatures.
12-12-2018, 10:22 PM
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I have been using an optima yellow top for two years. It is hands down the best and most reliable battery I have ever owned.
Now I don't have to find a jump start at 5am just because the temp dropped below 20*.
Now I don't have to find a jump start at 5am just because the temp dropped below 20*.
Last edited by craigjacob1; 12-12-2018 at 10:47 PM.
12-12-2018, 10:48 PM
#13
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Thread Starter
Thanks for all the ideas guys. Speaking of cheap batteries there’s a new brand at Walmart something like “ value start “ they’re 48 dollars a piece . I have one in my old hot rod that sits more than it’s driven . There’s also a place up towards my work that sells “ refurbished” batteries for dirt cheap and they advertise all over the radio .
12-12-2018, 11:23 PM
#14
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X2 on the Walmart EverStart. Excellent reviews and a very long 100% warranty think it's 3 years. I have put in 2 in the last year. First one in my xj where I had been using junk batteries and just got fed up. Now it can sit for weeks and spins right up even in the 20 degrees we have had for the last 33 days plus now. "These batteries are made by Johnson Controls, the same company that makes Optima batteries and that used to produce Costco's Kirkland line. EverStart Maxx batteries are very affordable, with several sizes priced under $100, and several of them are among the top scorers for their size group in professional tests. They don't score quite as high as premium brands like DieHard and Interstate, but they're not very far behind. However, EverStart Maxx batteries aren't all created equal. Several other batteries from this line finish at or near the bottom of the rankings for their size group – so if you're shopping for a battery from this line, the size and climate designation matters." -Consumersearch. com
12-12-2018, 11:52 PM
#15
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X2 on the Walmart EverStart. Excellent reviews and a very long 100% warranty think it's 3 years. I have put in 2 in the last year. First one in my xj where I had been using junk batteries and just got fed up. Now it can sit for weeks and spins right up even in the 20 degrees we have had for the last 33 days plus now. "These batteries are made by Johnson Controls, the same company that makes Optima batteries and that used to produce Costco's Kirkland line. EverStart Maxx batteries are very affordable, with several sizes priced under $100, and several of them are among the top scorers for their size group in professional tests. They don't score quite as high as premium brands like DieHard and Interstate, but they're not very far behind. However, EverStart Maxx batteries aren't all created equal. Several other batteries from this line finish at or near the bottom of the rankings for their size group – so if you're shopping for a battery from this line, the size and climate designation matters." -Consumersearch. com