What battery do you guys run in your trucks? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Asshat · 03-24-2021, 03:02 AM

Just the ordinary battery from O’Reilly or Auto Zone?

These are getting expensive $199 for a battery!
https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/m...c20-pickup-rwd

Killer Bee · 03-24-2021, 05:45 AM

been running interstate wet cells for years, one of my all time favorites.. last year was good for sales, I bought 5 or 6 I think between here and the farm

costco has been carrying them for some time now at good pricing and of course their notable customer service and no hassle warranty policy..

most folks don't need the performance of an agm and likely won't realize any benefit except where modern vehicles are specifically designed for them or upgraded aftermarket demands..

I typically get 4-6 years out of $90-100 wet cells, highly unlikely you'll get 8-12 years out of a $200 agm..

agm are certainly high performing and we use them in special applications, compare a pc2150 to a wet gp31

and yes, odyssey is one of, if not the best in the agm business.. great deep cycle performance for boats and the like.. they also handle the temperature extremes better than wet cells..

I ran one in my off road race truck due to their vibration resistance and fast rate for high demand night lighting, all in a compact steel case

in typical fleet (ab)use we dump 1-3 year old red top optimas like used oil filters, they last similarly to generic label low bid east penns..

but you'll get a hundred different opinions so good luck

Richard2112 · 03-24-2021, 09:03 AM

I agree that Interstate wet cells are good. I've been running one for a while now and I know others who have been. No problems from them. I did however, have a cheap autozone battery for years and it eventually dropped to 10 volt but still started my truck. (of course my truck runs well too it starts quickly). But people tell me the cheap battery was just the "luck of the draw" as some last a long time while others don't. Interstate seems to be consistent quality.

**Clyde65** · 03-24-2021, 10:24 AM

My experience is, in Texas, your lucky to get 3 years out of a car battery. The heat and all really kills them. Idk about a wet cell battery, will have to look into that

88Stanger · 03-24-2021, 10:28 AM

yellow top Optima with their trickle charger mounted near by and if not moving it is plugged in. Not cheap by any means....

**The Rocknrod** · 03-24-2021, 10:42 AM

I'm going to buy the Super Start Extreme Battery Group Size 24, Part #24EXT:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ckup-rwd?pos=1
I considered NAPA, Walmart etc. My choice is mainly due to the availability of the O'Reilly stores in my area of the country and concerned if I ever get stuck due to a battery issue they would be more available.
But the positive terminal side (right or left) is my only decision now.

Asshat · 03-24-2021, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

I'm going to buy the Super Start Extreme Battery Group Size 24, Part #24EXT:
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ckup-rwd?pos=1
I considered NAPA, Walmart etc. My choice is mainly due to the availability of the O'Reilly stores in my area of the country and concerned if I ever get stuck due to a battery issue they would be more available.
But the positive terminal side (right or left) is my only decision now.

The one you listed is not available near me, and this one has 800 CCA.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...c20-pickup-rwd

The CCA is the thing to look for, right? Higher, the better?

**The Rocknrod** · 03-24-2021, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Asshat

The one you listed is not available near me, and this one has 800 CCA.
https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...c20-pickup-rwd

The CCA is the thing to look for, right? Higher, the better?

I find that online sometimes also. Call the store, they'll have it there in one day or less.

Asshat · 03-24-2021, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

I find that online sometimes also. Call the store, they'll have it there in one day or less.

I know. However, my point is, the one I found is $20 less and has more CCA.

**The Rocknrod** · 03-24-2021, 12:55 PM

Hey if it fits go for it. I'm opting for a longer warranty.

Asshat · 03-24-2021, 01:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Rocknrod

Hey if it fits go for it. I'm opting for a longer warranty.

Oh, ok. I didn’t see that.

What about the Optima Red and Yellow batteries? Are they worth the money?

vin63 · 03-24-2021, 07:31 PM

There are only a couple of manufacturers anymore. Get the battery with highest CCA and longest warranty you can afford. If you don't drive your truck very often, invest in a Battery Tender, or similar product. I currently run a Deka-made battery that has 650 CCA with a 3-year replacement warranty in my C10.

bigmoe · 03-24-2021, 07:57 PM

I gave up on traditional wet cell batteries years ago. I only buy AGM batteries. I believe Optima batteries are AGM but there are other brands as well.

1slo64 · 03-24-2021, 08:03 PM

Don't have one in my truck but for my Bronco I have an interstate battery, was $90 at Costco.

cgrocen · 03-24-2021, 08:32 PM

Pjoject Farm on youtube picked the WalMart battery or the Costco Interstate in his test. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7rTcBanpMk Good comparison video of different batteries that are available out there.

AcampoDave · 03-24-2021, 09:28 PM

I had a Superstart Extreme and it was a good battery. When it finally konked out, I wondered if an Optima Red Top would be even better. Before making a decision, I went on to Amazon and read the customer reviews for the Red Top. They weren't too good with lots of people regretting their purchase. In the end, I went right back to O'Reilly and got another Superstart Extreme. O'Reilly has always been good about honoring their warranty and it kept my business right here in town.

karlbenz · 03-24-2021, 09:32 PM

interstate

bigmoe · 03-24-2021, 09:43 PM

A number of years ago I bought a used GM car for my wife that was about 14 years old but had really low mileage. Previous owner said the only problem they had was it went through batteries because they often didn't drive it for months and the battery would die from the small draw of the computer. The dealership put an AC Delco Gold Professional in it. It was an AGM battery. When the battery finally went on me I found the date tag on it when removing and it was very close to ten years old. I put one in my 65.

**Chevy Fleetside** · 03-25-2021, 11:28 AM

Just bought and interstate from Costco for $89. Sits for weeks and is still up on charge. I had a duracrap oh I mean duralast that would not stay charged. I will never buy dura anything again.

61hawk · 03-25-2021, 06:05 PM

Want to hear something crazy? A friend of mine was a regional manager for Advance Auto, he said they pay $22 (I think that was the price) for every battery in the store for their brand of battery. This price was mentioned about 10 years ago. He said when you order a half-million batteries at a time you get a small discount.

Oil filters were 60 cents each.

61hawk · 03-25-2021, 06:07 PM

Aren't there only three battery manufacturers left in this country?

**CarolinaHD** · 03-25-2021, 06:21 PM

Napa Gold for the past 10 years

vin63 · 03-26-2021, 03:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 61hawk

Aren't there only three battery manufacturers left in this country?

Yes, Johnson Controls, Exide, and Deka-East Penn.

**Steeveedee** · 03-26-2021, 09:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vin63

Yes, Johnson Controls, Exide, and Deka-East Penn.

I knew that (or at least remembered hearing it), but I couldn't remember the names. I think that it has been that way for decades?

**The Rocknrod** · 03-27-2021, 07:06 AM

Looks like Johnson Controls sold off the battery section
https://cleantechnica.com/2019/05/06...cle-batteries/
Clarios - https://www.clarios.com/

03-24-2021, 03:02 AM	#1
Asshat Registered User Join Date: Jul 2015 Location: South Orange County CA Posts: 1,265	What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Just the ordinary battery from O’Reilly or Auto Zone? These are getting expensive $199 for a battery! https://www.oreillyauto.com/shop/b/m...c20-pickup-rwd __________________ 1963 C20, small window, long bed 292, 4-speed

03-24-2021, 09:03 AM	#3
Richard2112 Registered User Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: South East Ohio Posts: 644	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? I agree that Interstate wet cells are good. I've been running one for a while now and I know others who have been. No problems from them. I did however, have a cheap autozone battery for years and it eventually dropped to 10 volt but still started my truck. (of course my truck runs well too it starts quickly). But people tell me the cheap battery was just the "luck of the draw" as some last a long time while others don't. Interstate seems to be consistent quality.

03-24-2021, 10:24 AM	#4
Clyde65 1965 Chevy C10, 2005 4.8L/4l60 Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 8,546	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? My experience is, in Texas, your lucky to get 3 years out of a car battery. The heat and all really kills them. Idk about a wet cell battery, will have to look into that __________________ Clyde65 Rebuild of Clyde http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post8338184 69 Aristocrat Lo Liner build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...84#post7561684 *support our troops!*

03-24-2021, 10:28 AM	#5
88Stanger Registered User Join Date: Mar 2015 Location: Washington State Posts: 1,654	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? yellow top Optima with their trickle charger mounted near by and if not moving it is plugged in. Not cheap by any means.... __________________ John 3:16 - Saved me... God Bless

03-24-2021, 10:42 AM	#6
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? I'm going to buy the Super Start Extreme Battery Group Size 24, Part #24EXT: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c...ckup-rwd?pos=1 I considered NAPA, Walmart etc. My choice is mainly due to the availability of the O'Reilly stores in my area of the country and concerned if I ever get stuck due to a battery issue they would be more available. But the positive terminal side (right or left) is my only decision now. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

03-24-2021, 05:45 AM	#2
Killer Bee Registered User Join Date: Jan 2016 Location: Barber City, CA Posts: 4,809	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? been running interstate wet cells for years, one of my all time favorites.. last year was good for sales, I bought 5 or 6 I think between here and the farm costco has been carrying them for some time now at good pricing and of course their notable customer service and no hassle warranty policy.. most folks don't need the performance of an agm and likely won't realize any benefit except where modern vehicles are specifically designed for them or upgraded aftermarket demands.. I typically get 4-6 years out of $90-100 wet cells, highly unlikely you'll get 8-12 years out of a $200 agm.. agm are certainly high performing and we use them in special applications, compare a pc2150 to a wet gp31 and yes, odyssey is one of, if not the best in the agm business.. great deep cycle performance for boats and the like.. they also handle the temperature extremes better than wet cells.. I ran one in my off road race truck due to their vibration resistance and fast rate for high demand night lighting, all in a compact steel case in typical fleet (ab)use we dump 1-3 year old red top optimas like used oil filters, they last similarly to generic label low bid east penns.. but you'll get a hundred different opinions so good luck __________________ *I started out with nothing - and I still have most of it*

03-24-2021, 12:55 PM	#10
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Hey if it fits go for it. I'm opting for a longer warranty. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

03-24-2021, 07:31 PM	#12
vin63 It's Better With Nitro Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Chino Hills, CA Posts: 2,262	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? There are only a couple of manufacturers anymore. Get the battery with highest CCA and longest warranty you can afford. If you don't drive your truck very often, invest in a Battery Tender, or similar product. I currently run a Deka-made battery that has 650 CCA with a 3-year replacement warranty in my C10. __________________ 1963 C-10: Deluxe-optioned cab, shortbed, fleetside Pontiac 462 ci, Kauffman D-Port alum. heads 4L80E, narrowed sheetmetal Ford 9-inch Tubular front and rear suspension Custom 6-piston front disc and 4-piston rear disc brakes

03-24-2021, 07:57 PM	#13
bigmoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 995	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? I gave up on traditional wet cell batteries years ago. I only buy AGM batteries. I believe Optima batteries are AGM but there are other brands as well.

03-24-2021, 08:03 PM	#14
1slo64 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2019 Location: Madison, AL Posts: 324	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Don't have one in my truck but for my Bronco I have an interstate battery, was $90 at Costco. __________________ 1964 GMC Fleetside SWB 1966 Mustang Coupe 2013 Tahoe LT

03-24-2021, 08:32 PM	#15
cgrocen Registered User Join Date: Apr 2017 Location: Esterhazy, SK Posts: 82	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Pjoject Farm on youtube picked the WalMart battery or the Costco Interstate in his test. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7rTcBanpMk Good comparison video of different batteries that are available out there.

03-24-2021, 09:28 PM	#16
AcampoDave Registered User Join Date: Feb 2013 Location: central California Posts: 2,776	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? I had a Superstart Extreme and it was a good battery. When it finally konked out, I wondered if an Optima Red Top would be even better. Before making a decision, I went on to Amazon and read the customer reviews for the Red Top. They weren't too good with lots of people regretting their purchase. In the end, I went right back to O'Reilly and got another Superstart Extreme. O'Reilly has always been good about honoring their warranty and it kept my business right here in town.

03-24-2021, 09:32 PM	#17
karlbenz Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: kannapolis, nc Posts: 528	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? interstate __________________ 2000 c3500 utility bed 7.4l 5sp manual old body style. Cab and chassis 1964 GMC K10 383cu in/sm465/twin stick np205 1965 Chevy C60

03-24-2021, 09:43 PM	#18
bigmoe Registered User Join Date: Oct 2014 Location: Brandon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 995	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? A number of years ago I bought a used GM car for my wife that was about 14 years old but had really low mileage. Previous owner said the only problem they had was it went through batteries because they often didn't drive it for months and the battery would die from the small draw of the computer. The dealership put an AC Delco Gold Professional in it. It was an AGM battery. When the battery finally went on me I found the date tag on it when removing and it was very close to ten years old. I put one in my 65.

03-25-2021, 11:28 AM	#19
Chevy Fleetside Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: San Francisco Posts: 4,782	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Just bought and interstate from Costco for $89. Sits for weeks and is still up on charge. I had a duracrap oh I mean duralast that would not stay charged. I will never buy dura anything again. __________________ "A man and his truck, what a beautiful thing" 65 Short Fleetside BBC 65 Long Fleetside 283 3 on the tree for now. my build thread http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=259536



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03-25-2021, 06:05 PM	#20
61hawk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 324	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Want to hear something crazy? A friend of mine was a regional manager for Advance Auto, he said they pay $22 (I think that was the price) for every battery in the store for their brand of battery. This price was mentioned about 10 years ago. He said when you order a half-million batteries at a time you get a small discount. Oil filters were 60 cents each.

03-25-2021, 06:07 PM	#21
61hawk Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lexington, SC Posts: 324	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Aren't there only three battery manufacturers left in this country?

03-25-2021, 06:21 PM	#22
CarolinaHD Moderator Join Date: Aug 2017 Location: Cabarrus Posts: 418	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Napa Gold for the past 10 years __________________ Alex 1967 C50 292ci Lumber truck 1967 C50 292ci Dump truck 1967 C60 366ci Fire truck

03-27-2021, 07:06 AM	#25
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: What battery do you guys run in your trucks? Looks like Johnson Controls sold off the battery section https://cleantechnica.com/2019/05/06...cle-batteries/ Clarios - https://www.clarios.com/ __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?

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