8D batteries

[Spanner1962]

Hello everyone, I’m looking for info on 8D batteries for my bus,
I’ve looked online and there seems to be a ton of options especially when it comes to price, any advice would be welcome, thanks in advance

[john61ct]

For Starting or House.

Why 8D size specifically?

[o1marc]

8D is common start battery. I would go with a brand name and use at least 2, if not 3.

[Spanner1962]

Originally Posted by john61ct

For Starting or House.

Why 8D size specifically?

For starting

[TJones]

I had to buy 2 new 8Ds for my bus shortly after buying it. I ended up getting CAT batteries from our local dealership. They were a little more expensive but came with a 3 year warranty. None of the other manufactures went over a year.

Ted

[john61ct]

Odyssey 2150 group 31 is pretty close to 8D footprint.

Rolls and Dyno make great 8Ds, all are capable of true deep cycling for House or Dual use.

But if just for Starter use, saving money, Interstate or through automotive big box chains will serve you fine.

[rossvtaylor]

I have tried to buy from Batteries Plus but, 3 different times, I placed orders online and subsequently received a call from the store saying they don't have that battery in stock. We have a commercial account there and I really want to get 8Ds from them, but their ordering system doesn't actually track store stock.

We have since set up an account at Battery Systems and I'm really happy with them, their service, and their prices. https://www.batterysystems.net/pointofsale

You might find that 4D batteries work just fine, too, at less cost. I've had good luck with those.

If you're in the Boise area, I absolutely love the folks at Sterling Battery. You can get a reliable "refurbished" 8D battery from them for $99.

[Iceni John]

Originally Posted by Spanner1962

Hello everyone, I’m looking for info on 8D batteries for my bus,
I’ve looked online and there seems to be a ton of options especially when it comes to price, any advice would be welcome, thanks in advance

What bus? What engine? Will you also have house batteries? Where is the bus used? Does the bus have an original engine-driven A/C or a wheelchair lift? All those answers determine the best solution.

My bus originally had two 8Ds, but I replaced them with two Group 31s that are half the weight and have a similar footprint to a GC2 golfcart battery. My engine still starts just fine, even in colder weather at 3500' elevation. If (not that this has happened yet) my two Group 31s have any difficulty starting, then I flip a switch that connects my house batteries directly to the starter. Easy!

8Ds' CCA or CA ratings are not twice that of Group 31s'. The only advantage of 8Ds is their greater Reserve Capacity; if you need to repeatedly crank the engine to start it in very cold weather, it's better to have a coolant pre-heater instead of possibly burning out your starter by over-use.

John