ron.dittmer
Near Chicago
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Joined: 02/26/2007
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targaboat wrote:Keep them charged, full of water and adhere to the discharge rules and they do fine. This has been my exerience too. You cannot simply leave home with your batteries fully charged and topped off with "distilled" water, and not check them during trips. By the time you realize a deficiency, you've done damage to them. A lack of water or a lack of charging, both do harm.
And don't over-fill them with distilled water either. On a level surface, add only enough so the water level just touches the plastic top area. This prevents acid boil-out.
Bought new in June 2007, Phoenix Cruiser-2350
Fits inside our garage.
Dingy towing a red Toyota MR2 Spyder
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MrTravelDecal
wandering
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Joined: 11/22/2007
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I purchased two group 24 batteries from WM earlier this year to replace two Interstate group 24 batteries and was surprised that the WM batteries were about 5 pounds each, HEAVIER than the Interstates. Maybe more lead inside.
If the plan is so great, why doesn't it sell itself?
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Gunship Guy
Florida
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Joined: 08/09/2003
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Since our Walmart-bought batteries are still going strong I have no data to prove they are junk.
PICS OF STUFF
A grizzly bear with a chainsaw...now there's a killing machine!
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kendall69
Palm Springs California
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Joined: 05/02/2004
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Most auto batteries are made by just three manufacturers, Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls Industries. Each makes batteries sold under several different brand names. Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts.
Service centers such as Firestone, Goodyear, Pep Boys, and Sears tend to have a large, fresh inventory and relatively low prices. They also handle installation. Stores such as Kmart, Target, Trak Auto, and Wal-Mart may have the lowest prices, but not all of them can install a battery for you. Installing a battery yourself is not technically difficult, but it can be cumbersome, and you have to dispose of the old battery properly. Service stations and tune-up shops sell batteries as well, and they offer convenient and comprehensive service, but their selection tends to be limited and their stock may not be fresh. For cars and trucks still under warranty, a franchised dealer is your first choice, particularly if the vehicle warranty covers the battery. For older vehicles, though, a dealership is probably the last resort—it's the most expensive service venue. The two most crucial factors in choosing a battery are its "group size" and "cold-cranking amps," or CCA.
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2oldman
Indio CA
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Joined: 04/15/2001
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If you are always plugged in it doesn't matter what kind of battery.
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bobojay5
Eastern Kansas
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Joined: 01/02/2007
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Good Sam RV Club
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kendall69 wrote:Most auto batteries are made by just three manufacturers, Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls Industries. Each makes batteries sold under several different brand names. Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts.
Your statement is not exactly correct. Delphi is no longer in the battery business. (I'm a Delphi/GM battery plant retiree in 2005).
Most of Delphis' battery business was sold off to Johnson Controls in the 2005-06 timeframe.
So now the 2 largest makers of batteries in North America by far are Johnson Controls and Exide. Can't tell you who makes what for whom though. Last I heard a couple years ago, Johnson Controls was making most of the OEM car manufacturers batteries and Exide was building most of the aftermarket, as in Wal Mart etc. batteries.
Suppliers change fsst in the battery market though. Whoever bids the lowest, gets the job. They kinda trade off from time to time.
Bob & Sharon
Eastern Kansas
2009 Itasca Navion IQ DL
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BENT ARROW
CO.
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Joined: 02/02/2003
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All my batteries, 9 right now, have been bought at Sam's Club or Walmart. I had 1 12 volt with a dead cell after 3 years in the MH which might have been my fault. Sam's salesperson said pick out a new 1 no charge. I use their 6 volt golf cart, ATV, deep cycle marine and car batteries and am happy with their dependably and price. I would never put 1 in my boat if I thought it was junk.
Bent Arrow
99 PACE ARROW 35'
Chevy 4x4
4 Wheel Pop-Up
S10 Blazer ZR-2
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targaboat
sulphur springs, tx, usa
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Joined: 09/20/2004
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I do not know anything about batteries. I would also bet that non of the posters, except for the '05 retiree, know anything about the technical details of battery technology. The answer to the op is that Walmart batteries work for lots of RV owners. This is nice to know and a value to most of us and thanks to the posts who reported this very favorable information. We do not care about the rest of the chatter.
Fly Boy
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tatest
Oklahoma
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Joined: 05/14/2005
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My experience is that the batteries I've bought at Walmart have served as well as other brands (Interstate, Ford, Honda, Autolite, Sears) at a similar price point sourced from the same suppliers (Exide and Johnson Controls). Unless you are prepared to dig into supplier model numbers, you won't know who made it, at which plant, in what country.
I could say I've had more trouble with DieHard than with some lower cost auto store and gas station brands, but I might attribute that to a couple of cars that had charging system problems, which should have been corrected before I started putting new batteries in to be burned up.
I think the WalMart battery brand gives good value for money, it will do its job if you take care of it, don't abuse it. If you get the rare defective example, the warranty is good, handled better than some other sales outlets. If you ruin it with abuse during the warranty period, the warranty is still good, something that may not be the case buying from a shop better equipped to diagnose the real problem.
From battery specialists, you can buy premium batteries with more battery in the same size case, useful if you need the capacity. You can buy premium batteries with similar capacity but more rugged construction. You can buy more costly low-maintenance battery technologies. Each has a place if it fits your need, but IMHO a well made standard grade wet cell lead-acid battery at a low price gives the most energy storage over time, for your dollar. That's what WalMart is selling.
Tom Test
Itasca Spirit 29B
2001 Ranger Edge
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maximus
Marion, Il. USA
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Joined: 06/20/2002
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Year after year, Consumer Reports lists them among the best values. There are batteries that are much more expensive and probably more reliable but I've bought nothing but WM batteries for the last 20+ years.
don
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