It's that time of year again. I have always bought walmart trolling motor batteries, because of the warranty. I saw there today that their warranty was only one year now. Any suggestions on a new brand?
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It's that time of year again. I have always bought walmart trolling motor batteries, because of the warranty. I saw there today that their warranty was only one year now. Any suggestions on a new brand?
Duralast batteries by AutoZone, it's the same battery with a 3 year warranty.
WalMart Deep Cycle batteries have a 18 month free replacement warranty. After that it is pro-rated to 3 years. AutoZone's Duralast marine batteries are the dual puporse type. I went to Auto Zone here in Cabot to get my batteries and found that out. Also they only have a 12 month free replacement warranty.
Not everywhere. We used to have that warranty but it has been removed from the batts here in my local store AND the town next to me. NO WARRANTY!:mad::mad:Quote:
Originally Posted by jigflinger
The WalMart Batteries have a new label. They still say Everlast, but they are black and blue with white letters. The 18 month warranty is printed on the label. There is a sticker on each battery that gives you the shipping date. Mine were all shipped in 1/12. That could be the difference.
Sears has a pretty good deal on marine batteries. Both cranking and dual purpose.
I'm using an optima gel cel blue top. I wasn't sure at first if it was going to make a difference because of the price, but I'm very satisfied with the performance and durability. I have had it 4 years now and I am money ahead on the replacement fees of a cheap battery.
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I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=30.238778,-92.809304
Eatin ain't cheatin
IMO, the Everstart/Duralast group 29 deep-cycle is the best deal in TM batteries by a long shot. 205 minute RC for less than $100. I routinely get 4 years out of a set. You can get the same battery from Interstate as well, but Intersate dealers often let their stock get old. Just about any Group 29 deep-cycle you get will be this same battery. Other makers tend to sell Group 31s, which are about the same size.
There are only two batteries that I would spend more money on:
First is the Trojan SC225. Massive RC and a quality product. Around $200
The other is the Sears Diehard PM-1/Odyssey Trolling Thunder. This is a big AGM battery. $250 at Sears, more with the Odyssey label.
If I had a situation where I couldn't charge regularly, I'd consider a Cabela's AGM in 27 or 31. They are reasonably priced, reasonably sized batteries, especially when they are on sale.
The Optimas are very small batteries compared to any of those mentioned above at 155 minutes RC and as expensive as any of them. Not a good deal.
Why would the AGM battery be better for a situation where you could not charge regularly?
Two reasons:Quote:
Originally Posted by Good Stuff
First, AGMs have a low self discharge rate, meaning they will stay charged a long time in storage. A conventional lead acid may lose 15% of its charge in a month.
Second, and a continuation of the first, is that AGMs don't have near the problem with sulfation as conventional batteries, so even if you don't recharge them they won't be damaged by sitting.