8d Batteries

[uemjg]

WOW battery prices have soared...Best place in Houston, TX to buy 8D group batteries at best price?

Wet cell since AGM's are way to expensive!
 
Thx.

[Kwajdiver]

Why do you need 8D's.  Are you using them to start the engine?  Do you still have the coach air?

My bus doesn't have coach air any longer, I use standard batteries to turn over the DD.  Now take in consideration, the bus is in Florida and doesn't have to start in really cold weather.

Bill

[TomC]

I use two size 31's to start my 8V-71. You can get 950cca size 31's many times from big truck dealers for around $100ea. Good Luck, TomC

[uemjg]

THANKS guys...I will them today.

[luvrbus]

if your batteries are located up front by the drivers area stay with the 8D's

good luck

[Lin]

I have been considering going with 4 smaller batteries like group 27 or 35 instead of the 2 8D.  It looks like the specs would be close, and they would be a lot easier to handle.  Also, I thought I would have a better chance of finding a good deal on AGM's.

[akroyaleagle]

I switched to 3 group 31s.

My 8V92T didn't like them.

I changed back to 2 8Ds.

I do not have the original bus air either.

Just my $.02

[muldoonman]

Bought 4 AGM's (changed out 6 wet 8D's) from a marine dealer south of houston early summer. Paid 399 bucks a piece for um.

[Kwajdiver]

My batteries are located same place the 8 D's where located.
No problems. 
I've plan to move them back by the engine, just haven't got around to it.

Bill

[chessie4905]

for 8 d's, check with Sams club. There are also deep cycle versions available from Interstate, but more money. Many prefer golf cart batteries, but fewer connections with two batts.

[NCbob]

I recently needed to replace my starting batteries which were 8D's. Tractor Supply's largest batteries were 4D's which gave the same CCA rating at a lower price....and quite a few lbs. lighter too. So I went with the 4D's and am happy I did.  More than enough for engine starting from the original front location.

FWIW

NCbob

[wg4t50]

Learn how to read the date code on the battery, ove 60 days / 2months old, pass em up. Go with fresh batteries. Dave M

[belfert]

I recently went shopping at several different stores for a group 25 battery for my home generator.  Almost all of the batteries I saw have a little round sticker with the production date right on the sticker.

[gus]

31s may be better but I switched to 4Ds which are about as good and not too heavy to handle.

8Ds are just too heavy and with questionable advantages!

[plyonsMC9]

Interesting - I live in cold weather area.  But I don't use the OTR a/c.  Any issues w/ using 4Ds?  I need to replace mine.  Last set of 8Ds were a set of 3 year batteries that lasted 6.  But if I can safely save $ but not give up safety that sounds good to me.   (1983 MC9 ).

Kind Regards, Phil

[Slow Rider]

As long as we are throwing numbers around, will four 4d's fit where the two 8D's fit originally on an MCI?

Frank

[Stormcloud]

I put four Group 27 in my MCI-7 in February. Purchased at WallyMart, they have no trouble starting the 8V71. Also, they have the best warranty and really dont care what the battery was installed in..
Now shopping for some deep-cycle batteries in/around Quartzsite.

[TomC]

8D- 20.76 x 10.89w x 8.64h 156lbs 255amp/hrs
4D- 20.76 x  8.70w x  8.64h 124lbs 210amp/hrs

You see the 4D is narrower then the 8D, but length and height is the same. Fitting two 8D's you have a width total of 21.78". Fitting 3 4D's would be 26.1" or 4.32" wider then two 8D's. The 8D's put out 255 amp/hrs (Lifeline AGM's) and the 4D's put out 210 amp/hrs. Two 8D's will give you 510 amp/hrs total and 3 4D's will give you 630 amp/hrs total or 120 more amp/hrs.

I'm going to use the 6V L16 battery that is 11.64" x 6.95w x 15.73h is 119lbs ea and has 400amp/hrs. Using 4 will give 800amp/hrs at 12v. What is interesting is the foot print comparison between the 2 8D's (452sq/in) to 4 L16's (324sq/in). The L16's will take less floor space, but are 7.1" taller. But-just remember that with an AGM battery you can use them in any position (except upside down) that you want. I have a truck driver friend that has his laid down in his side compartment and they are happily running with no problems. Good luck, TomC

[gus]

Frank,

You won't need but two 4Ds in VA. If you lived somewhere in the frozen northern wasteland you might need 8Ds!!

I made this switch over a year ago with no problems.

Cheaper and lighter!

[Lin]

Yeah Gus, they're 30 pounds lighter.  You probably carry one in each hand.

[Barn Owl]

I don't like the weight of 8D batteries either. When I went to replace mine with a bank of 31s I priced the battery cables and decided to stay with the 8D setup, it was less expensive for me. I already had new cables made for the 8Ds thinking I had too much resistance in the old ones. It was disappointing to find out I really needed to buy batteries. Copper has gotten expensive! If the 4D batteries would work and you don't need to re-cable then that could be a good choice.

[Lin]

I can't see how 4D's would need different cables.  The stud setup is the same as an 8D. 

[Barn Owl]

I can't see how 4D's would need different cables.  The stud setup is the same as an 8D. 

Exactly right.