Battery Brand?

Dave Lyon · 03-10-2014, 12:18 PM

Greeetings - I need to replace my group 31 deep cycle battery and am wondering if anyone has come across a brand that is worthy of recommend.

FWIW, I'm not interested in swithcing to 2 x 6V or AGM. I just want to replace my single group 31 flooded. My current battery is a UAP/NAPA and I haven't been impressed.

I'm reading positive (no pun intended) reviews on East Penn, Deka models.

Thanks.

Triguy · 03-10-2014, 12:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dave Lyon

I'm reading positive (no pun intended) reviews on East Penn, Deka models.

Thanks.

You can add Trojan to that list.

I've heard good things about their 31XHS 12 volt (130Ah).

Cowracer · 03-10-2014, 02:55 PM

Odyssey batteries are the best. Pricey, but very high quality. (I should know, I used to work in the lead industry)

Deka and East Penn also make very very good quality batteries as well. Autozone Duralast gold tops are really good batteries as well, and priced right. Made by Johnson Controls.

Avoid at all cost imported "Chinese" batteries. The quality of the lead they use in the grids and paste is rather poor.

Tim

Gregg Willow · 03-10-2014, 03:13 PM

I'm with Triguy on the Trojan. I have the T-1275 12v at 150 amp hr rate. A little pricey but has thick, heavy plates and weighs in at 82+ lbs. This and LED lighting did wonders for my off grid camping last season.

ryand · 03-10-2014, 03:38 PM

If you are looking for a general purpose deep cycle batt you cant go wrong with the Exide group 27 at menards. Just by there this weekend and they were 56.00 each.

I went with 2 of these last season to give my race track trips a little more reserve over the single group 24 dual purpose.

Keystoner · 03-10-2014, 04:45 PM

I don't have any science for my choice, but my father retired from Book of the Month Club where he kept the lift trucks running. He tried various brands and swore by Deka. The best value isn't always the cheapest. So because Dad knows best I've never used anything else and have never had an issue with my vehicles over the past 27 years.

Dave Lyon · 03-11-2014, 06:38 AM

Thanks to all for your comments.

Although Trojan & Odessey are distributed in southern Ontario, the dealers are over an hour away from home. Too bad, based on the comments here both are worthy of consideration.

East Penn, Canada's head office is about 15 minutes from home......I may wind up with a Deka.

Thanks again.

acadianbob · 03-11-2014, 06:44 AM

I have a 130 amp Trojan that is a great battery.

camaraderie · 03-11-2014, 10:08 AM

East Penn produces under a number of brands...they have an EXCELLENT deep cycle group 31 wet cell...BUT...they also have a dual purpose group31 which looks identical but is NOT the same. Regardless of the brand of east penn you buy...only get models which start with DC for deep cycle. DC31 would be a group31 deep cycle.
They also have a brand of wet deep cycles under the marine master brand...if you can't find a deka DC in the auto stores...check the marine stores!
You can't go wrong with a Trojan...but the East Penns are excellent and provide good value in a true deep cycle battery compared to some of the other brands.

befink · 03-11-2014, 08:38 PM

Anyone use interstate batteries? That is what our dealer put on our new 2014 233s? Hoping it holds up well.

DaGrinch · 03-11-2014, 08:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by befink

Anyone use interstate batteries? That is what our dealer put on our new 2014 233s? Hoping it holds up well.

An Interstate came on my '14 Flagstaff 27BESS. Only went out once after we picked up the trailer, and I've had it in the garage over the winter. It's fully charged right now and waiting for the camper to come out of storage next month.

camaraderie · 03-11-2014, 08:56 PM

Interstates are made by Johnson Controls which is a large supplier for Walmart & Sams among others. As far as I know...only their 6V batteries are a true deep cycle configuration and the rest are either dual purpose or start batteries.

itat · 03-12-2014, 05:56 PM

Dave, there is a golf cart guy in the Peterborough area that carries some Trojan products. http://cartguy.ca/collections/electric-parts-battery

He may be able to get you a 12V model Trojan.

And there is a place in Bowmanville on Baseline Rd. called Clarington Battery that specializes in solar equipment. They may have DEKA batteries.

textman · 03-12-2014, 10:50 PM

Just got 4 US Battery 125 XC2 6 volts. Great price and 242 amp hours...
$108 ea...

Triguy · 03-13-2014, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by textman

Just got 4 US Battery 125 XC2 6 volts. Great price and 242 amp hours...
$108 ea...

Nice

That's 484Ah wired in series/parallel.

textman · 03-13-2014, 06:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triguy

Nice

That's 484Ah wired in series/parallel.

Yes, that is correct. Added a single point watering system too!

Dave Lyon · 03-13-2014, 06:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by itat

Dave, there is a golf cart guy in the Peterborough area that carries some Trojan products. Electric Parts - Battery | Cartguy.ca Golf Cart Dealer Ontario Canada

He may be able to get you a 12V model Trojan.

And there is a place in Bowmanville on Baseline Rd. called Clarington Battery that specializes in solar equipment. They may have DEKA batteries.

Thanks - I'll follow up with both and see!

Triguy · 03-13-2014, 06:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by textman

Added a single point watering system too!

That's the way to go with four batteries.

I reviewed the tech sheet for your batteries. I'd seriously look at US Battery to replace my Trojans when needed a few years from now. Especially at that price! The company also does a really nice job covering how to charge (better than most brands IMO).

One thing to keep in mind : My trailer's WFCO converter can provide only 14.4 Vdc in bulk mode and only hits that number occasionally. Like your batteries, Trojan requires more volts (14.8) in bulk (your tech sheet shows 14.7 as the requirement in bulk). I occasionally use a separate charger to do a complete charge because of it.

textman · 03-13-2014, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Triguy

That's the way to go with four batteries.

I reviewed the tech sheet for your batteries. I'd seriously look at US Battery to replace my Trojans when needed a few years from now. Especially at that price! The company also does a really nice job covering how to charge (better than most brands IMO).

One thing to keep in mind : My trailer's WFCO converter can provide only 14.4 Vdc in bulk mode and only hits that number occasionally. Like your batteries, Trojan requires more volts (14.8) in bulk (your tech sheet shows 14.7 as the requirement in bulk). I occasionally use a separate charger to do a complete charge because of it.

Yes, Sir! I will undo the parallel circuit and use a real good 12 volt deep battery charger on the two pair in series! Looking at installing solar panels and controller for long term storage! Just haven't decided what is the best route with that!

Dave Lyon · 04-22-2014, 07:02 AM

I wound up buying a East Penn Deka DC31DP battery - hopefully I'm happy with it, I'll see in couple of weeks.

Interestingly, East Penn told me that they manufacture batteries (and brand label) for both Carquest and UAP.

I'm not sure if this is Canada only or includes USA.

I thought I would pass on the comments for those interested.

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