What Batteries Does My 2002 International Bus Need? Help!

[ineednewmarkers]

Hi, I have a 2002 International bus w a t444e engine. I bought it and had it towed to our property for storage several years ago. We're planning on moving now and I'd like to get batteries for her and try out the engine. It's been sitting with no batteries, and I'm not sure what to get. Could anyone point me in the right direction or give me some recommendations? Thank you! I'd love to get her running so we can bring her to our next property, and even use her as a temporary living space while we transition to the next place.

 

[ineednewmarkers]

did a little reading...

So after doing some reading, it appears we would want 2 8D batteries w at least 1100 CCA. Feedback still appreciated! thanks.

 

[Booyah45828]

Could've been ordered with a variety of options.

I wouldn't purchase 2 8d's, as that would have been the least common IMO, and the most expensive to do as well.

Take and post a picture of your box and the cables inside of it and we can go from there.

As far as getting it running, a single 1000cca 31t battery will be your cheapest option. Depending on where you're at, 1 might be enough to get it going.

 

[ineednewmarkers]

photos

Attaching photos of battery box, and it appears that in the rear door there's a marine battery charger w terminal. Cheapest option sounds good! Thank you for the info! Those 8D batteries are pricey.

 

[Booyah45828]

That box is for a pair of group 31t's, the size is close and the battery jumpers are a dead giveaway.

IIRC rural king had the best deal on them as reported by other forum members.

You might, get by with one, depending on your climate. Your charger/maintainer doesn't appear to be connected to anything, the cable looks to be looped in the bottom corner. Wouldn't be a bad thing to have hooked up if this is parked near shore power.

You also are missing the hold downs, be sure to figure something out for those, as you don't want to run down the road without it.

 

[sportyrick]

Kenworth had the cheapest 31 series batteries in my area, try truck repair places, they use them by the pallet.

 

[ineednewmarkers]

Ok great thank you for the help!! Will be trying the pair of 31ts like you suggested.

 

[ineednewmarkers]

I'm in Maine haha so thinking we will need the pair.

 

[sportyrick]

Are they hooked up in series or parallel? 24 volt system or 12?

 

[ineednewmarkers]

Are they hooked up in series or parallel? 24 volt system or 12?

I'm not sure...I'm totally new to this. how would I find out? thanks..

 

[nikitis]

Series = reds to blacks from battery to battery, doubling the voltage, you don't want to do this.

Parallel = blacks to blacks, reds to reds, doubling amps but not voltage, this is fine and what you should do.

 

[Booyah45828]

It's 12, you have a pair of jumpers to run the batteries parallel. If you had 1, I'd say maybe it's 24v. But I'd be very surprised to see an 02 IH ran on a 24v system.

Being in maine, You'll likely need 2.

 

[BamaBus]

I recently compared the build sheet info for an 02 and 03 International with the T444E. One spec'd out two batteries and the other three batteries which is what the individual buses had, both southern buses.

O'Reilly has at least three different group 31 batteries (5T, 6T and HD-T) that are same except for cranking amps, and the price.

 

[nikitis]

I recently compared the build sheet info for an 02 and 03 International with the T444E. One spec'd out two batteries and the other three batteries which is what the individual buses had, both southern buses.

O'Reilly has at least three different group 31 batteries (5T, 6T and HD-T) that are same except for cranking amps, and the price.

Interesting. I went to O'Reilly yesterday by my house and they didn't have any Group 31's in stock or a place for them on their shelves. They could only order them when someone needed them. Different branches I guess.


I'm in the market for batteries now so I recently checked. Autozone has Duralast group 31's for $135 right now, without a core exchange. ($130 with) Though you usually get what you pay for, but they come with a 1 year gaurentee full replacement no questions asked. A good budget option imo. the CCA was 825, with 200 RC. Stats aren't bad on them, but longevity is the question.

 

[BamaBus]

Check with a local NAPA store. Currently if purchased online for pick up you may get a 20% discount. You will pay more for the 18 mo. warranty.

 

[Booyah45828]

I recently compared the build sheet info for an 02 and 03 International with the T444E. One spec'd out two batteries and the other three batteries which is what the individual buses had, both southern buses.

O'Reilly has at least three different group 31 batteries (5T, 6T and HD-T) that are same except for cranking amps, and the price.

Doesn't surprise me.

I've seen buses with 2 8d batteries spec'd and equipped. Overkill imo, but it had a chair lift and they didn't want issues powering that I guess. They might have had the same idea installing 3 31's. A lot of trays will actually hold 3 group 31's, but I usually only see 2 installed. The left over space is a nice location to store a trickle charger, which is what I do on mine.

Certain crown school buses were 24v w/2 8d batteries as well. I don't often mention them, because I don't see them in Ohio. But they do exist. Certain MCI's are as well.

 

[nikitis]

Doesn't surprise me.

I've seen buses with 2 8d batteries spec'd and equipped. Overkill imo, but it had a chair lift and they didn't want issues powering that I guess. They might have had the same idea installing 3 31's. A lot of trays will actually hold 3 group 31's, but I usually only see 2 installed. The left over space is a nice location to store a trickle charger, which is what I do on mine.

Certain crown school buses were 24v w/2 8d batteries as well. I don't often mention them, because I don't see them in Ohio. But they do exist. Certain MCI's are as well.

Yeah I like the idea of 3. 825 x 3 = 2475 CCA's. Should make it effortless to crank up the bus and not wear out the batteries as easily, especially with a new Cole Hersee 2000 AMP Disconnect.

 

[BriteLeaf]

Hi, I have a 2002 International bus w a t444e engine. I bought it and had it towed to our property for storage several years ago. We're planning on moving now and I'd like to get batteries for her and try out the engine. It's been sitting with no batteries, and I'm not sure what to get. Could anyone point me in the right direction or give me some recommendations? Thank you! I'd love to get her running so we can bring her to our next property, and even use her as a temporary living space while we transition to the next place.

It should take 2 x 12v batteries