Which Battery??? (Canadian) - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

*Zilverado* · 04-15-2005, 01:31 AM

Hey Folks,

Well, it's just about time to bring the truck back into the city after parking all winter at the in-laws. Hasn't run all winter, and the battery was pretty much gone last fall when I parked it. So, time for a new one, I think.

I'd like to get some opinions on which batteries you guys are using - - expecially you fellow Canucks out there. I was thinking I would just pick one up on my way out of town and drop it in before I start 'er up.

Are Canadian Tire's batteries any good? Or do you like Sears? Any other ones? Actual model numbers would be good - - that way I know they'd fit my truck (assuming they fit yours).

Thanks in advance.

u2slow · 04-15-2005, 09:07 AM

Optima redtops from Walmart. They were $5 cheaper than the Motomaster (Exide) Orbital at Canadian Tire, IIRC.

screwballl · 04-15-2005, 09:53 AM

I have tried WalMart, Sears and all kinds of batteries from all kinds of places through the years and you know what? very few really make a difference. The higher CCA allows for better starts in the Cold northern weather and down south allows it to turn large engines easily. I am originally from South Dakota so i know about the cold weather info.

*Zilverado* · 04-15-2005, 10:05 AM

Thanks for the suggestions Guys. Sounds like Wal-Mart's the place. Actually going there tonight to pick up some photos - so I'll check it out.

Now, I realize many batteries come with both top and side pole options. But I'm just wondering which you guys find handier for our trucks. I can't recall which one I've got in there right now (it was an old one I slapped in, and can't recall the configuration).

Thanks again.

screwballl · 04-15-2005, 10:08 AM

whatever you truck has on it... i tend to find the top post is easier in case you need to jump start someone but look at the terminals in the truck to see whats needed. I dont know for sure on your 86 because my 76 has top post and 91 has side post.

*Zilverado* · 04-15-2005, 10:47 AM

Yeah, unfortunately I just can't remember. I'm pretty sure the current "garbage" battery is top-posted. I guess we'll see...

Thanks again

86 GMG · 04-15-2005, 11:13 AM

mines a top post its a 86 model most wally world bats. including my 1100cca has both options on it remember to take some gas. ha ha

*Zilverado* · 04-15-2005, 11:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 86 GMG

mines a top post its a 86 model most wally world bats. including my 1100cca has both options on it remember to take some gas. ha ha

Yeah, I was thinking the battery I would choose would have the optional post locations. As far as the gas is concerned, you bet. I'll also be bringing my air-compressor (fully charged) just in case - - I think one of the tires has a slow leak and so it'll probably be sitting in the dirt...

Hoods69BadBowTie · 04-15-2005, 02:04 PM

Yeah, I bought my last two batteries from walmart and have not had any problems. Before that I had a deep cycle marine battery in there that was undestuctable. I ended up getting the one with side mounted posts and top mounted posts so I could do it either way. Hope it all goes well with getting it back on the road.
-Later

u2slow · 04-15-2005, 07:47 PM

The Optima's have side & top posts. The AGM style cells have less voltage 'sag' than lead-acid when drawing large currents.

I like a sealed maintenance-free battery too.

I'm always weary of batteries that have huge CCA ratings. There has to be a trade-off:
- size of the battery
- duration it can supply that current
- lifespan in general.

Two lesser-CCA batteries in paralell won't get worked as hard, so they should last longer, and give you more reserve capacity as a bonus.

screwballl · 04-15-2005, 09:33 PM

yeah but when the 500 CCA and the 800 CCA cost the exact same at walmart (they did when i bought mine a week and a half ago) i dont see the point of using it that way with 2 new batteries... unless you get two 800 CCA running parallel

Overcamber · 04-15-2005, 09:46 PM

I've been using Crappy Tire Eliminators batteries for 15 years now and they havent let me down...they have one of the best prorated warrantys as well...yes I have changed a few but every 5 or 6 years isnt that bad for a truck that gets parked for 6 months of the year...just my 2 cents...We've used tons of optima batteries undeground in the mine where I work and switched back to wet acid batteries...the optimas just didnt cut it...

72MARIO · 04-16-2005, 08:27 AM

I liked the Elminator batteries till one exploded in my face when my dad started our Burb with the hood open. They said it was a dead short. Oh well It only wrecked my new Fox Racing T and a cheep pair of pants. The shirt is a mesh style now.

The new dry sell look really cool. Thats what I am going to use in my 67.

KShortell · 04-18-2005, 10:37 AM

The best, longest-lasting batteries I've used over the years are Interstate MegaTrons. In fact, I run them in both my vehicles now.

Where they really shine is in a deep, deep freeze. In my college days, we had an entire week of -20° F high temps. My truck started all but one morning that entire week. It cranked and even fired, but just wouldn't quite catch. The battery lived through that and on for another few years.

STEVE A WILBURN · 04-18-2005, 01:09 PM

This Year I Got A Optima Red Top For My Truck, And Love It.it Crank That Truck Over Fast. Steve

Tom · 04-18-2005, 02:31 PM

Theres only 6-8 major battery makers, everything comes from them regardless of the label. Dry cell battery's don't last any better then wet cell. Just get the longest warrenty you can and the most CCA, those are the two most important parts of the battery. Here in AZ, they don't last more then 2yrs unless you perform a voodoo dance around a fire at night on a full moon....

87_Blazer · 04-23-2005, 07:57 AM

i like my everstart from wally world. 60 bucks and no problems. I think it's like 1100cca's

loblazer · 04-26-2005, 01:34 PM

I hate Crappy Tire. I bought an Exide 850CCA from WalMart over 2 years ago, $20 cheaper than CTC and it is still good. Also has both posts.
Had my Blazer away since Nov 1, went out April 3 and it cranked and started in about 30 seconds!!! I drove it for 2 weeks and had to put it back in the garage last Saturday. DAMN snow came back!!

*Zilverado* · 04-26-2005, 02:01 PM

Thanks for all the feedback Guys - that's what's so great about this place.

Actually picked up an Energizer battery from Wal-Mart for $95 (Canadian). Went with this one 'cause it gave me the 1000 cranking amps (875 CCA's) I was looking for. Not to mention the 3 year full replacement and 9 year overall warranty.

Actually installed it - well sorta - last weekend and resurrected the truck...

http://207.44.196.117/vboard/showthread.php3?t=152958

Thanks again.

04-15-2005, 01:31 AM	#1
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Which Battery??? (Canadian) Hey Folks, Well, it's just about time to bring the truck back into the city after parking all winter at the in-laws. Hasn't run all winter, and the battery was pretty much gone last fall when I parked it. So, time for a new one, I think. I'd like to get some opinions on which batteries you guys are using - - expecially you fellow Canucks out there. I was thinking I would just pick one up on my way out of town and drop it in before I start 'er up. Are Canadian Tire's batteries any good? Or do you like Sears? Any other ones? Actual model numbers would be good - - that way I know they'd fit my truck (assuming they fit yours). Thanks in advance.

04-15-2005, 09:07 AM	#2
u2slow Web Wheeler Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: BC, Canada, eh? Posts: 388	Optima redtops from Walmart. They were $5 cheaper than the Motomaster (Exide) Orbital at Canadian Tire, IIRC. __________________ '66 C10 longstep - Clifford equiped '84 C20 Suburban 6.2L - awaiting 4x4 conversion '91 V3500 Crewcab - awaiting diesel swap

04-15-2005, 09:53 AM	#3
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,754	I have tried WalMart, Sears and all kinds of batteries from all kinds of places through the years and you know what? very few really make a difference. The higher CCA allows for better starts in the Cold northern weather and down south allows it to turn large engines easily. I am originally from South Dakota so i know about the cold weather info. __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

04-15-2005, 10:08 AM	#5
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,754	whatever you truck has on it... i tend to find the top post is easier in case you need to jump start someone but look at the terminals in the truck to see whats needed. I dont know for sure on your 86 because my 76 has top post and 91 has side post. __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

04-15-2005, 11:13 AM	#7
86 GMG Registered User Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Tulsa Oklahoma Posts: 943	mines a top post its a 86 model most wally world bats. including my 1100cca has both options on it remember to take some gas. ha ha __________________ square body trucks an addiction or an investment either way they consume all my extra time and money

04-15-2005, 10:05 AM	#4
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Thanks for the suggestions Guys. Sounds like Wal-Mart's the place. Actually going there tonight to pick up some photos - so I'll check it out. Now, I realize many batteries come with both top and side pole options. But I'm just wondering which you guys find handier for our trucks. I can't recall which one I've got in there right now (it was an old one I slapped in, and can't recall the configuration). Thanks again.

04-15-2005, 10:47 AM	#6
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Yeah, unfortunately I just can't remember. I'm pretty sure the current "garbage" battery is top-posted. I guess we'll see... Thanks again

04-15-2005, 02:04 PM	#9
Hoods69BadBowTie Chevys Kick A$$ Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Zootown, MT Posts: 12,699	Yeah, I bought my last two batteries from walmart and have not had any problems. Before that I had a deep cycle marine battery in there that was undestuctable. I ended up getting the one with side mounted posts and top mounted posts so I could do it either way. Hope it all goes well with getting it back on the road. -Later __________________ HOODS is what I answer too -'79, '77, '88 Pickup Sold, '85 Camaro, '83 T/A, '81,'83,'90 K5 Blazer All Sold -'79 3/4 ton "Big Yellow Bananna" Lifted 4spd. 39.5 TSL Swampers, The money Pit -'86 K5 Blazer Silverado 6.2 4" lift 35"s -'95 Ext. Cab Shorty 4" Tuff Country rolling 35" M/T's -'83 Monte Carlo T-Tops. 126,500 Original Miles -LATER I would rather push a Chevy then drive a ford!!

04-15-2005, 07:47 PM	#10
u2slow Web Wheeler Join Date: Jan 2000 Location: BC, Canada, eh? Posts: 388	The Optima's have side & top posts. The AGM style cells have less voltage 'sag' than lead-acid when drawing large currents. I like a sealed maintenance-free battery too. I'm always weary of batteries that have huge CCA ratings. There has to be a trade-off: - size of the battery - duration it can supply that current - lifespan in general. Two lesser-CCA batteries in paralell won't get worked as hard, so they should last longer, and give you more reserve capacity as a bonus. __________________ '66 C10 longstep - Clifford equiped '84 C20 Suburban 6.2L - awaiting 4x4 conversion '91 V3500 Crewcab - awaiting diesel swap

04-15-2005, 09:33 PM	#11
screwballl Tonawanda 454 Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Liquid Sunshine State Posts: 2,754	yeah but when the 500 CCA and the 800 CCA cost the exact same at walmart (they did when i bought mine a week and a half ago) i dont see the point of using it that way with 2 new batteries... unless you get two 800 CCA running parallel __________________ 91 Chevy Suburban Tonawanda 454 R2500 - SOLD!!! 04 Dodge Durango 5.7L Hemi 2WD, 24K miles (as of July 2011) In the past 30 years about 90% of Fords are still on the road, the other 10% made it home. -------------------

04-15-2005, 09:46 PM	#12
Overcamber Overcamber Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Skead ,Ontario Posts: 109	I've been using Crappy Tire Eliminators batteries for 15 years now and they havent let me down...they have one of the best prorated warrantys as well...yes I have changed a few but every 5 or 6 years isnt that bad for a truck that gets parked for 6 months of the year...just my 2 cents...We've used tons of optima batteries undeground in the mine where I work and switched back to wet acid batteries...the optimas just didnt cut it...

04-16-2005, 08:27 AM	#13
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,051	I liked the Elminator batteries till one exploded in my face when my dad started our Burb with the hood open. They said it was a dead short. Oh well It only wrecked my new Fox Racing T and a cheep pair of pants. The shirt is a mesh style now. The new dry sell look really cool. Thats what I am going to use in my 67. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

04-18-2005, 10:37 AM	#14
KShortell Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: Chesapeake, VA Posts: 734	The best, longest-lasting batteries I've used over the years are Interstate MegaTrons. In fact, I run them in both my vehicles now. Where they really shine is in a deep, deep freeze. In my college days, we had an entire week of -20° F high temps. My truck started all but one morning that entire week. It cranked and even fired, but just wouldn't quite catch. The battery lived through that and on for another few years. __________________ Semper Paratus

04-18-2005, 01:09 PM	#15
STEVE A WILBURN Registered User Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: TONEY ALA Posts: 307	This Year I Got A Optima Red Top For My Truck, And Love It.it Crank That Truck Over Fast. Steve __________________ JUST HAPPY TO BE ALIVE.

04-18-2005, 02:31 PM	#16
Tom driving is in my blood Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: Mesa AZ Posts: 5,748	Theres only 6-8 major battery makers, everything comes from them regardless of the label. Dry cell battery's don't last any better then wet cell. Just get the longest warrenty you can and the most CCA, those are the two most important parts of the battery. Here in AZ, they don't last more then 2yrs unless you perform a voodoo dance around a fire at night on a full moon.... __________________ -78 c10 short/step: 388cid, M20, 5/5 drop, lots more. Playtoy and first vehicle. -98 c1500 x-cab: 5.7L, 17" rims, 5/6 drop, flowmaster, helper bags,NBS rear disk brakes. -02 Suburban 4x4: leveled front -CBR600F4i, CBR600RR, CBR1000RR, and standup skis DISCLAIMER: I cant spell for the life of me.



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04-23-2005, 07:57 AM	#17
87_Blazer Getcha' Pull!!! Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania Posts: 215	i like my everstart from wally world. 60 bucks and no problems. I think it's like 1100cca's __________________ Rest In Peace Dime

04-26-2005, 01:34 PM	#18
loblazer Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Fergus, Ontario Posts: 481	I hate Crappy Tire. I bought an Exide 850CCA from WalMart over 2 years ago, $20 cheaper than CTC and it is still good. Also has both posts. Had my Blazer away since Nov 1, went out April 3 and it cranked and started in about 30 seconds!!! I drove it for 2 weeks and had to put it back in the garage last Saturday. DAMN snow came back!! Last edited by loblazer; 04-26-2005 at 01:35 PM.

04-26-2005, 02:01 PM	#19
Zilverado Account Suspended Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 798	Thanks for all the feedback Guys - that's what's so great about this place. Actually picked up an Energizer battery from Wal-Mart for $95 (Canadian). Went with this one 'cause it gave me the 1000 cranking amps (875 CCA's) I was looking for. Not to mention the 3 year full replacement and 9 year overall warranty. Actually installed it - well sorta - last weekend and resurrected the truck... http://207.44.196.117/vboard/showthread.php3?t=152958 Thanks again.

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