Starting Batteries, Where to Get, Forgive Me

[tororider]

Forgive me for not knowing what I don't know. I'm looking at a bus that has bad batteries, they have replaced the alternator but have not replaced the batteries. Where is the best place to get three new batteries if I decide to go look at this bus, and potentially buy it. I live in Michigan, so cold starting is going to be a necessity. Thank you for your help.

[PNW_Steve]

Local auto parts store or Walmart.

[brokedown]

If they're regular Group 31 batteries you can get cheap ones from Walmart and they'll probably last 5 years. Or you can pay three times as much and get some that will also last about five years. You didn't mention anything about the bus but most of them have block heaters which make all the difference on the very cold mornings and will really take the edge off of the starting load.

[tororider]

Originally Posted by PNW_Steve

Local auto parts store or Walmart.

Cool, is it universal that buses need group 31 batteries? Is there a different type of terminal size or location to look for?

[o1marc]

Group 31T, my bus has only one start battery, you may not need 3 to get it started. I have 2 new ones to replace the one. O'Reilly has them for around $120.

[tororider]

Originally Posted by brokedown

If they're regular Group 31 batteries you can get cheap ones from Walmart and they'll probably last 5 years. Or you can pay three times as much and get some that will also last about five years. You didn't mention anything about the bus but most of them have block heaters which make all the difference on the very cold mornings and will really take the edge off of the starting load.

It's a 2000 Thomas with a 3126 Cat engine.

[o1marc]

One Group 31T battery and the new alternator should be enough to start that bus.

[brokedown]

My Vista has a pair of group 31 but my Bluebird has a pair of 8D batteries. Holy crap i don't look forward to replacing those ever. I actually bought all the crap i need to freshen up the battery tray area but you can bet I won't be lifting those bad boys without a friend helping.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by brokedown

My Vista has a pair of group 31 but my Bluebird has a pair of 8D batteries. Holy crap i don't look forward to replacing those ever. I actually bought all the crap i need to freshen up the battery tray area but you can bet I won't be lifting those bad boys without a friend helping.

I always clean up and repaint the battery tray and compartment when I do the batteries.

Group 31's at Rural King are $79 brand new.

[Brad_SwiftFur]

I recently bought a pair of Group 31's for my bus at just under $150, out-the-door. They were $69 each +tax.


Shop around. The expensive ones aren't any better than the cheaper ones, in my experience. I got mine at a local mom-and-pop battery shop.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by Brad_SwiftFur

I recently bought a pair of Group 31's for my bus at just under $150, out-the-door. They were $69 each +tax.


Shop around. The expensive ones aren't any better than the cheaper ones, in my experience. I got mine at a local mom-and-pop battery shop.

+1 on the "expensive aren't any better". My cheapo Rural King batteries are great.

[tororider]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

+1 on the "expensive aren't any better". My cheapo Rural King batteries are great.

Is this the one?
https://www.ruralking.com/battery-31...31p925cca-post

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by tororider

Is this the one?
https://www.ruralking.com/battery-31...31p925cca-post

That's a standard post battery, you'll likely need a threaded post making it a 31T and not the 31P. How is your battery connection configured?

[tororider]

Originally Posted by o1marc

That's a standard post battery, you'll likely need a threaded post making it a 31T and not the 31P. How is your battery connection configured?

This is the image I was sent.

[tororider]

Originally Posted by o1marc

That's a standard post battery, you'll likely need a threaded post making it a 31T and not the 31P. How is your battery connection configured?

This one? Rural King's website search function is terrible.
https://www.ruralking.com/battery-31x925-ss31-925-stud

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by tororider

Is this the one?
https://www.ruralking.com/battery-31...31p925cca-post

YES! Available with threaded or standard posts. Most buses use threaded.

I've used these batteries for years now. They've held up well.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by tororider

This one? Rural King's website search function is terrible.
https://www.ruralking.com/battery-31x925-ss31-925-stud

Their site's search IS terrible. The group 31's used to be completely absent and were "in store only".

[o1marc]

Those Deka's look like they have a side post terminal on top. I would still use a 31T for those.

[EastCoastCB]

Originally Posted by o1marc

Those Deka's look like they have a side post terminal on top. I would still use a 31T for those.

They're just regular threaded terminal 31's. Deka makes a good battery but not good enough to cost what they do.

[o1marc]

Originally Posted by EastCoastCB

They're just regular threaded terminal 31's. Deka makes a good battery but not good enough to cost what they do.

You're saying thats a closed end nut his battery and not a bolt?