The (main) battery roulette. Better options out there?

[gregaz]

Friends,

YES, I am aware of the search function on the forum, and also of Google. However, I see no recent discussion on this topic, and given my specific situation, I hope that there is something new that would help me out. Because this is annoying!

Here is my situation - I probably use my van 3-5 times a year for 2-5 day trips. The rest of the time it sits in a garage plugged in with a Pro Sport charger. Since I bought the van in 2012, I have been buying Walmart EverStart batteries (made by Johnson Controls, I believe) for both the main (sits under the passenger seat), and the aux (sits under the rear bench seat). Without fail (pun intended), the batteries die every 2-3 years, and since they are out of warranty I have to buy new ones. I do live in Arizona, where the heat kills the batteries. But every 2-3 years? Case in point - just came back from an epic Southern Arizona trip (report here), and on the way back the battery dies. I jump it from the Aux and get home, pull it and discover that I bought this one on 6/13. Manufactured 3/13. Surely there are better batteries out there?!

Any recommendation for my specific application (little use - trickle charge the rest of the time).

Thank you in advance!

[kamzcab86]

Hate to say it, but 3 years is the average lifespan for most batteries in desert regions. My Diehard batteries would die almost like clockwork at the 3-year mark. All three of my cars now sport AAA batteries; AAA claims their batteries sold in AZ are built for hot climates. Just checked: The van's battery is going on 6 years old! If any of the cars sit for a week or more, I plug a maintainer in.
_________________
~Kamz
1986 Cabriolet: www.Cabby-Info.com
1990 Vanagon Westfalia: Old Blue's Blog
2016 Golf GTI S
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one's ignorance." - 孔子

[MsTaboo]

High end super cars are starting to use lithium batteries because they tend to sit for long periods without being driven.They are lighter also, which is a bonus for heavily loaded vans. Might be worth looking into. Big $$$

http://www.super-b.com/en/automotive/sli-starter-batteries/car-1

http://www.super-b.com/en/campers

http://www.jegs.com/p/Lithium-Pros/Lithium-Pros-12-Volt-Lithium-Batteries/1770167/10002/-1

http://www.lithiumion-batteries.com
_________________
Currently:
'90 Syncro Westy 3 knob w/Zetec

The information age has morphed into the age of disinformation and willful ignorance. Agnotology!
All that's needed for evil to prevail is for good people to do nothing.
Resist Kleptocratic Oligarchy (and Idiocracy)!

[Terry Kay]

I'm not sure which battery your buying at Wally World , but they do come with a 5 year warranty.
I think 2 years free replacement, the last 3 years are pro-rated.
So you are not going to have to pop for the full meal deal on a replacement.

I will have to say, if you have both of those batteries plugged into that XYZ floating charger, full time and they go flat while you're out and about, there is either something wrong with that charger, or the alternator in the van is running the batteries down to nothing.

I'd be checking that out prior to casting dispersions out at Johnson Controls.

PS.
I have used those batteries for many years, and out of too many to count, only have had 2 of them go bad, and they were happily replaced-- with either a NC replacement, or a just a couple of buck replacement.
The deal is whereever you might be, there is always a Wally World close buy to take care of a battery issue.

I do like that option.

Don't go jumping ship yet.
Depending on which batteries you bought, they may be still under the pro rated warrantee program.
_________________
T.K.

[Wildthings]

Disconnecting the battery grounds when you aren't driving the vehicle is probably better for them than keeping them on charge. With the batteries disconnected if you charge them once every month or so they should last well.

[furrylittleotter]

I'd suggest you join AAA and buy your batteries there.

Not only will the Come, test the vans starting and charging system, jumpstart it, install the battery, and give you a great price.

You cant beat it. If it ever dies under warranty, they will bring you a brand new one and install it.

If the warranty is expired, you just pay for the battery, delivered and installed for free.

Neil2

[gregaz]

[furrylittleotter]

[gregaz]

[gregaz]

Additional thoughts:

Anyone use Optima or some other sealed battery type with success?
Is there a provider with a true five year warranty out there? Costco?

[MidwestDrifter]

This might seem obvious, but do you check the water/acid level in the batteries on occasion? For non-VRLA batteries, evaporation and electrolysis can drop water levels. If they get below the plate tops it causes capacity reduction.

There is a balance. If your charger has too high of a float voltage it will speed water loss and plate breakdown. Both of which can kill batteries. Sulfation will kill them as well. But given the age, its not as likely.

Switching to an AGM battery would likely provide longer life. They tend to be more resistance to abuse. They do cost quite a bit more though...

In the case of a very lightly used battery, I would suggest installing a disconnect switch (or just taking the terminal off). Let the battery sit, and do a top off charge every 60 days or so.

Flooded lead acid batteries can self discharge up to 15% per month at ~70F, higher temps accelerate this process. A slight discharge is probably preferable to a continuous float charge at high temps. The charger may be raising the battery temperature further as well. Battery life is directly related to temperature.

If you want to preserve the battery even further, remove it and put it in the fridge (or freezer if fully charged). It will stay fully charged for many months. Even putting it in a cool garage, or your home will improve its life.
_________________
2004 Dodge/Mercedes Sprinter (Custom Camper)
2000 Jetta TDI
1982 Diesel Westy W/ ABA I4 hybrid (Sold)
Epic Road Tripping since 08/05/12 | http://VagariesAbound.blogspot.com/
My Current Build | http://sprinter-source.com/forum/showthread.php?t=41215

[Terry Kay]

Why not gove Costco a call and find out what their warrantee is ?
You'll find out what you asked up close & personal.

Look at the side label of the battery pictured.
2 year free replacement.
It has 3 year pro-rated.
Go get another discounted battery on the warrantee.

Ahhh--you have a trickle charger on the battery.
Not a floating maintainence charger?
You may be toasting the battery.

You were thinking about the alternator not charging because it was on a trickle charger.
It stopped putting out voltage when it was disconnected, and the van was getting juice supplied off of the alternator--right?

What's the trickle charger have to do with that?
Nothing as long as you don't have it plugged in and connected to a 110 volt outlet.

I don't think you have an extension cord quite that long anyhow.
Load Test the battery, see what the alternator is producing with your amp/load tester.

This will tell you what is going on.
I would suspect that the alternator isn't producing 14.5 volts with all of the accessories on, and is tapping out the battery.

Check that out & report back.
_________________
T.K.

[Ahwahnee]

I use the WalMart Everstart and my Vanagon use is somewhat similar to yours. I never bother to put a charger (float or otherwise) between uses. I do charge both batteries well the night before a long trip.

My current starting battery is 5 years old and seems fine, my immediate prior starting battery lasted 7 years.

I'm with Terry - you may want to suss out if there is something wrong with your on-board charging.

[gregaz]

[gregaz]

[MsTaboo]

[crazyvwvanman]

Bosch battery from Pepboys (currently 20% off this price, see down below)
3 year free replacement, 7 years pro rated


https://www.pepboys.com/search/?term=bosch+41

For years I used to always buy van batteries at Wmart but they don't seem to last anymore. Costco stopped carrying our sizes long ago. I found that the Bosch 41 fits better and has slightly better specs but costs the same with a discount that seems to always be available. Hope they last better, so far so good. I put a flat strap around the middle to help lift them in and out.


"20% Off Pro Start & Bosch Batteries
Use promotional code PEPBATT20 at checkout to receive discount. Receive 20% Off Pro Start & Bosch Batteries when purchased online.
Valid online until 2:59 am EST on 3/21/16. Online orders scheduled for in-store pick up must be completed in store by closing on 3/20/16 for discount to apply."

Mark

[Terry Kay]

<<Sorry, don't know the diff between trickle charger and maintenance charger.>>

The poop sheet sez it charges & then maintains it while it's plugged in.

Sounds like the van isn't keeping up with the battery use while driving from your description of how & when it goes dead.

Check alternator output.
_________________
T.K.

[Merian]

[gregaz]