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Bus Discussion => Bus Topics ( click here for quick start! ) => Topic started by: Ncbob on June 27, 2010, 02:04:57 PM

Title: 8D Batteries search
Post by: Ncbob on June 27, 2010, 02:04:57 PM
I'm trying to locate a battery dealer in northern GA, NWestern SC or Western NC who carries Deka batteries. I'm in need of two starting batteries. Please don't recommend that I use 2 group 31 batteries..have thought that out and don't want to go there.

The engineers who designed these buses knew what they we doing when they required these big batteries. I'm willing to replace what I have and am too old and stubborn to do it another way.

Any input, please.

NCbob
Title: Re: 8D Batteries search
Post by: luvrbus on June 27, 2010, 02:14:13 PM
Their not Deka but Sam's sells Interstate 8D's for 149.00 each lead wet cell not AGM


good luck
Title: Re: 8D Batteries search
Post by: Just Dallas on June 27, 2010, 02:17:21 PM
Removed
Title: Re: 8D Batteries search
Post by: Mike in GA on June 27, 2010, 02:20:55 PM
I got my 8-D wet cell starting batteries just south of Buford, GA at the Interstate Store. They happened to have blems in stock, a few years old I guess, so I go them for quite a bit less than the regular price.
The store is at 190 Buford Highway, (GA Rte 13), near Suwanee. There may be an Interstate Store nearer your location.
Good luck.
Mike in GA
Title: Re: 8D Batteries search
Post by: JohnEd on June 27, 2010, 02:24:45 PM
I'm with you on this Bob.  Two 8's are better than group 31 in terms of amp hours.  No doubt.  Then again, 4 8D's would be better than 2 and 6....well!!!!  The 1 won't crank a cranky slow starting engine in the mountains and at freezing weather.  As the temp drops the bats fall of in power dramatically and starting in Denver is clearly a possibility for a commercial rig.  8 D's are clearly needed and I'll bet up in Alaska they use 4, but I don't know that. I would surely do it though even if the OM didn't.

We keep our engines in better condition and every one I have seen starts within 4  cranks and mostly on the first revolution.  The guys that downgrade to 31's live mainly in the south and never get into northern climes in the winter nor do they get Denver type altitudes with a layover.  It is their logic and their money and just what is the price differential between the two?  And they do have to be replaced in pairs and those that get a couple years seem to be doing the same thing as those that get six.  How are you doing?

Not trying to change your mind on this now as you seem to have that made up and you will be in no trouble with your solution that I can see.

Good luck,

John "I come here not to praise Ceaser but to bury him"
Title: Re: 8D Batteries search
Post by: bevans6 on June 27, 2010, 02:25:23 PM
I have, believe it or not, Tractor Supply Company 8D's that I am pretty proud of.  I left a load (radio) on them last winter, forgot to throw the disconnect, and when I caught it one was at 0.5 volts and the other was around 1.2 volts.  After I got them to start charging (had to fake out the smart charger, it wouldn't supply current), three weeks later they were both sitting at 12.7.   Took them in, had them load tested, and as far as I can see they were not harmed at all.  Probably lost a year or two of life, but so far they are good to go.

Brian