Need new start batteries

trucktramp · May 17, 2016, 07:03:22 AM

Recently, someone decided they needed my start batteries worse than I so now I have to replace them. I had 8d batteries but I'm having problems finding any that don't have both posts on the end. My local truck parts jobber suggested type 31 or 4d. The bus is a MCI MC5 with an 8V71. Any suggestions?

TomC · May 17, 2016, 07:11:29 AM

I converted my start batteries long ago to two size 31 batteries (Interstate 925cca each). 31 batteries are the most popular battery in the trucking industry with most over the road sleeper trucks running 4 (12v system). The 2-31's I have start my 8V-71 just fine. Course if I need some help, I have a jumper relay that I can also tie my 2-8D Lifeline deep cycle batteries. I have started the bus on just the deep cycle batteries when the starting batteries went south. You'll love the weight difference between the 8D and 31. Trucks used to also use 8D batteries for starting. But because of the weight, also went with 31's. Good Luck, TomC

Scott & Heather · May 17, 2016, 07:12:17 AM

If you search around the forum you'll find plenty of us are more than happy with our group 31 batteries. They work just fine. If you aren't using your over the road a/c or heat they really are plenty for our needs

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

luvrbus · May 17, 2016, 07:41:56 AM

It all about starting reserve it has nothing to do with AC or heating Eagle has used 3-group 31 since 1980 with factory HVAC, all the 24 volt buses made today use 4 group 31 batteries.I prefer the 8D myself less connections and the price for 2 -8D's will cost the same as 4-31's,the 8D's are heavy suckers through.
You can probably get away with 2-31's for starting with a mechanical engine but for a DDEC engine I would want the reserve myself

Iceni John · May 17, 2016, 08:09:45 AM

I changed from two 8Ds to two Group 31s a year ago. NAPA has them for just over $100 for AAA members (and we're all AAA members, aren't we?). Just bear in mind that they usually have two 3/8" threaded studs, so you may need to crimp new lugs onto your cables. And because you're in Michigan, where I've been told that it sometimes gets slightly cool in the winter, having a way to connect your house batteries to the starter could be a Good Idea - Group 31s have much less Reserve Capacity than 8Ds.

John

DoubleEagle · May 17, 2016, 08:35:55 AM

For the sake of not changing cables, 8D's would be simplest. They are still available, but you have to hunt for them. NAPA should be able to get them, or Tractor Supply. They seem to only last about three years and you have to watch the water levels, but they do have a lot more reserve.

eagle19952 · May 17, 2016, 10:43:38 AM

... seriously.. 3 years ?
My 8d's have averaged 6.5 years. They have lived on a 3KW inverter with a 130 charger. 24/7/365 since 2004. whether on the pole or running my 12KW gen or charging off the 200 amp engine (belt driven) alternator.

MY rig has combined house start system.
my gen has it's own battery with an echo charge off the inverter/charger.

even on a 50 amp pole my inverter always produces at least 5 amps because that's how my sub panel is wired,

luvrbus · May 17, 2016, 11:46:23 AM

Quote from: eagle19952 on May 17, 2016, 10:43:38 AM
... seriously.. 3 years ?
My 8d's have averaged 6.5 years. They have lived on a 3KW inverter with a 130 charger. 24/7/365 since 2004. whether on the pole or running my 12KW gen or charging off the 200 amp engine (belt driven) alternator.

MY rig has combined house start system.
my gen has it's own battery with an echo charge off the inverter/charger.

even on a 50 amp pole my inverter always produces at least 5 amps because that's how my sub panel is wired,

I get 5 to 8 years from a set of 8D's but they don't like to sit discharged I found out

DoubleEagle · May 17, 2016, 12:03:34 PM

Quote from: luvrbus on May 17, 2016, 11:46:23 AM

I get 5 to 8 years from a set of 8D's but they don't like to sit discharged I found out

My three year experience is from not charging them often enough when not in use, yes, they do not keep well unless they have a trickle charge on them.

chessie4905 · May 17, 2016, 12:22:15 PM

Try a Battery Warehouse if there is one in the area. When you say end, are you talking on top end or end end? Mine used to be end end, but when I replaced them, I went to top end. (posts) It is going to depend whether you go with 8d's simple or switching to 31's, which will incur added expense of cable modification and relay and associated wiring if desired. You could also go with 4d's which are a little smaller and lighter than the 8d's with a little less capacity. I would prefer to order the 8 d's as they should be fresh and not filled till they come in If they have them in stock and already filled, they may have been sitting around awhile. My 8d's are Interstates btw.

eagle19952 · May 17, 2016, 01:00:59 PM

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Lin · May 17, 2016, 01:56:05 PM

We made the switch form 8d to group 31's about three years ago, and I can't tell the difference. The caveat would be that we are not in a very cold climate and use a block heater when it is cold. 4d's are another alternative too. I wonder if anyone here who has changed to group 31's has ever been known to change back. That would be a good gauge of satisfaction. It's sort of like comparing the number of guys that switched to automatic transmissions (lots) to the number that threw away an Allison for a Spicer (0).

trucktramp · May 17, 2016, 02:14:48 PM

Well it looks like my local Interstate Battery dealer has what I need. I bought my last set from there so they just looked up what I got then. Let the cash register ring.

luvrbus · May 17, 2016, 02:34:14 PM

Quote from: Lin on May 17, 2016, 01:56:05 PM
We made the switch form 8d to group 31's about three years ago, and I can't tell the difference. The caveat would be that we are not in a very cold climate and use a block heater when it is cold. 4d's are another alternative too. I wonder if anyone here who has changed to group 31's has ever been known to change back. That would be a good gauge of satisfaction. It's sort of like comparing the number of guys that switched to automatic transmissions (lots) to the number that threw away an Allison for a Spicer (0).

I went back to 8D's so did Paul Lawry (Dreamscape) he likes the 8D's better also

Lin · May 17, 2016, 02:48:22 PM

Good to know. Did you have a problem with the group 31's? Was it on a 71 or a 92? Electronic or mechanical?