Wal Mart Battery

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Solittle

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Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Would like some input on Wal Mart batteries. I have bought their 875 cca for a couple of years. They don't seem to last. I get a year maybe. Bought one last May - Charged it fully four weeks ago and now it is at 9 volts. Battery switch was off.<br /><br />Your experience???<br /><br />Howard
 
roscoe

roscoe

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Oct 30, 2002
Messages
21,759
Re: Wal Mart Battery

Wal-Mart buys batteries from atleast 3 different manufacturers, from several different divisions, so it is hard to tell exactly which battery you are having trouble with.<br /><br />Something I have learned: Many of us do, or have, used auto batteries in our boats. We should be using "marine grade" batteries. They are build to be more durable on the inside to take the pounding that the get. <br /><br />Recently another member complained about their Exide batteries, so they switched to the Wal-Mart brand. But Exide is one of the big suppliers to Wal-Mart, so they may have unknowingly bought the same battery. <br /><br />I have had good luck with Exide batteries.<br /><br />Good for batteries: keep them full, keep them charged.<br /><br />Bad for batteries: leaveing them drained, low on electrolyte, dropping them.
 
snapperbait

snapperbait

Vice Admiral
Joined
Aug 20, 2002
Messages
5,754
Re: Wal Mart Battery

So far, so good... I have three.. <br /><br />One in the truck(the yellow batt?), and two in the little boat(cranking & deep cycle, regular black)...<br /><br />Probably get three more Walley World batteries for the project boat when the time comes...<br /><br />Interesting question...
 
rickdb1boat

rickdb1boat

Supreme Mariner
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Jan 23, 2002
Messages
11,195
Re: Wal Mart Battery

Hey SoLittle <br /><br />I also have "The Yellow One" in my truck and it's been doin' fine for over a year now. I must confess, that at this time I do have an automotive starting battery in the boat and it also was from Wallyworld, which is going on it's third season and it's still going strong. I bought it when my old one conked out unexpectedly and they didn't have the Marine Battery I wanted. I've almost always bought batteries from Walmart and have had no problem with them. Lucky I guess!!
 
JB

JB

Honorary Moderator Emeritus
Joined
Mar 25, 2001
Messages
45,907
Re: Wal Mart Battery

I have a gp 27 Everstart (Wal Mart) dual purpose Marine battery in my boat. Had it 3 years. Still does it all with no complaints.<br /><br />Good battery.
 
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BillP

Captain
Joined
Aug 10, 2002
Messages
3,290
Re: Wal Mart Battery

I been using their Everstarts in boats and cars too. I replace them at approx three years so don't know how long they last. This counts for 12-15 batteries that I can remember...3 cars and 2 boats. Going down today to buy the 2nd one for my pontoon boat...this one is 3.5 yrs but doesn't get run much.
 
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BassMan283

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Aug 26, 2002
Messages
277
Re: Wal Mart Battery

Only thing I can think of is you've got a drain you don't know about or your charger is cooking it.<br /><br />a friend of mine had a problem with his motor home eating the deep cycle batteries. He went through 5 or 6 batteries before he found that the switch on the bathroom exhaust fan would get heated up from the sun and turn the fan on.<br /><br />I shortened up the life of a few by overcharging before I finally got a MinnKota automatic charger.
 
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Solittle

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Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Wal Mart Battery

BassMan - You may have something. How do I tell if my battery charger is overcharging the battery & is there anything I can do short of buying a new charger (which may also do the same thing)??<br /><br />Howard
 
A

ajp

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Jan 6, 2002
Messages
280
Re: Wal Mart Battery

I have tried alot of batteries and for my money, the Sears Diehard is the only way to go. I use them is all vehicles, 2 boats, and the motorhome. No worries.
 
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FlyBoyMark

Ensign
Joined
Apr 14, 2002
Messages
934
Re: Wal Mart Battery

Hey guys.....Johnson Controls, (look them up on the web and they'll have a list of all the brands they make) makes justabout all the batteries youre talking about and for Costco too.....I use a single group 29 battery for my small bass boat got it from Wal-Mart..last one lasted two years under heavy use then went to 50%, then I dumped it to get a new one. $64.95 a pop and its the exact same battery they sell elsewhere for more money under another name.....
 
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Big Al1

Seaman
Joined
Dec 8, 2002
Messages
68
Re: Wal Mart Battery

I bought a wal-mart marine battery made specifically for trolling motors for about $35 or $40. It now has a little over 1.5 years on it. I usually use atleast half of the capacity most trips and I use it about 2 to 3 times a week. I charge with a 3 amp battery maintainer and leave it connected when not in use. The last few weeks I have noticed that the trolling motor gets slow towards the end of the day. So I probably am going to replace it. And I will probably buy the exact same battery. At that price and as much as I use it, I think this is the best deal I will find. Anybody else know of a better trolling motor battery?
 
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marv plotzka

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Sep 24, 2002
Messages
32
Re: Wal Mart Battery

I am not a fan of Wal Marts, but don’t hang them just yet. You need to look at a couple of things first. (1) A parasitic current draw that may be adding to your problems. Battery switches can bleed a small amount of current through them. Some electronic devices use a small amount of current to keep there memory circuits alive (radio station pre-sets, gps user maps, etc), and at times, are wired in a way which bypasses the battery switch, all of which is pretty normal. Much over 25mA for a month will give you a no-start with a automotive type battery. (2) Charging system voltage.” Maintance Free” type batteries require a higher charging voltage (14.2 – 14.4 V) than older types of batteries (13.6 –13.8). I don’t know what type of boat you have, but if it’s small enough to trailer it to a good auto electric shop, they could test it for you. If you are comfortable with a Volt/Amp meter, you can check it your self. (3) Usage. Are you using the wrong type of battery? Using a “starting” type battery for things other than starting is tough on them. Using a “deep cycle” battery for only stating is tough on them. I know Exide makes a “combo” battery. (4) Mounting location. Marine batteries are supposed to be built to withstand a higher shock load than automotive types. Maybe a different mounting location would help save the battery some stress? (5) Memory, yours! If it’s like mine, one month may have been three. Batteries “ self discharge”. If you think this is a problem, look for a Exide or Optima spiral wound type battery. They have a very very low self discharge rate and they don’t freeze (I don’t think that’s a problem where you’re at) <br />I have gotten two bad parts in row before, but never three. That is why I believe you need to look beyond just the battery as the problem. <br />Good Luck!
 
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mellowyellow

Vice Admiral
Joined
Jun 8, 2002
Messages
5,327
Re: Wal Mart Battery

good advice Marv :) <br />had an old beat up larson that would suck ANY<br />battery dry in days. used to disconnect it when<br />not in use.<br />M.Y.
 
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Solittle

Fleet Admiral
Joined
Apr 28, 2002
Messages
7,518
Re: Wal Mart Battery

Looks like we are on a roll here and it is helpful to me. Couple of questions:<br /><br />1. I am comfortable with a volt/ohm meter but don't know a lot about the electric stuff? Is there a way for me to check for current bleed myself? How?<br /><br />I have a twin battery set up near the transom with two round multi position master switches (twin OMC V4s). I am real careful to turn both switches to OFF after clean up. It is common for me not to use the boat for a couple of months at a time.<br /><br />M.Y. cure would work for sure if that is part of my problem but would add more work at the beginning and end of the boating day. I want to play more and work less.<br /><br />2. I have read in several places to keep a 2 amp charger connected at all times to keep the batteries up. Wouldn't that lead to overcharge over a long period of time? <br /><br />3. If it is OK to use the 2 amp charger can I turn both of the master switches to BOTH and connect the charger to one battery which would keep both batteries charged since they are connected in parallel?<br /><br />I have read that there are other "high tech" solutions I could go for - they are also high cost (3 step chargers and other tech toys).
 
Boatist

Boatist

Rear Admiral
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Apr 22, 2002
Messages
4,552
Re: Wal Mart Battery

Solittle<br />1: If you volt Ohm meter also has a milliamp meter you can pull off a battery lead and hook meter up in serries to see if have any current drain. Remenber that all Lead acid batteries self drain so still need charged at least once a month.<br /><br />2: Even a 2 amp charger can over charge. Best to get a automatic charger that will regulate voltage. Many have different seting for conventional or deep cycle.<br /><br />3: While you can set to both and charge together there is risk. If one battery should fail it will also drain the other battery and if bad enough can even be a fire hazard. Better to get a battery isolator and charge thru it. Can also hook up you alternator to the isolator. This way if one battery fails will not effect the other one.
 
G

Gold Bear

Petty Officer 1st Class
Joined
Sep 26, 2001
Messages
224
Re: Wal Mart Battery

SoLittle<br /><br />Lots of good suggestions posted above.<br /><br />One simple thing you can try. Pull the Positive cable from the battery. Connect a test light between the end of the cable and the positive terminal on the battery. If the test light "lights" you have a current drain.<br /><br />If so start pulling fuses until you find the culprit.<br /><br />Good Luck,<br /><br />Gold Bear ;)
 
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sprithunter

Seaman Apprentice
Joined
Nov 22, 2002
Messages
37
Re: Wal Mart Battery

Back to Walmart batteries. I had the same auto battery for 2 yrs only charge it once in the spring and once in about July, sees plenty of use.<br />if your worried about battery drain just pull the positive off at the end of the day. thats part of my routine. :cool:
 
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Capt Earl III

Recruit
Joined
Mar 13, 2003
Messages
2
Re: Wal Mart Battery

I would buy Walmart batteries also (Hey they are cheaper)<br />You get what you pay for, 5 years with my old boat with dual batteries, replaceing 1 a year<br />from Walmart, also for the cars at the house<br />I bought a Optima, this battery has been installed in my truck since 97, when I get another boat, I WILL buy Optima's marine for it<br />about $150.00, but well worth it.
 
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totalivewire

Seaman
Joined
Dec 28, 2002
Messages
51
Re: Wal Mart Battery

The guy I buaght my boat battery from said he uses his boat battery for his van and his boat. He said he puts it in his van to keep it charged and puts it in his boat to have fun. what would happen if i put my 400 cold kranking amps in my van to charge?
 
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ebbtide176

Commander
Joined
Jan 22, 2002
Messages
2,289
Re: Wal Mart Battery

it would charge it.<br /><br />it would take it up to the regulator voltage asap.<br /><br />that will probably be 13.5-14.5 volts<br /><br />if the battery was very low(heavily drained) when the alternator charges it, it will cause a high current thru the battery to get it up to the regulator voltage setting.<br /><br />this will probably overheat the battery and/or evaporate some liquid(electrolyte) from it.<br /><br />not a good idea, unless you're talking 1960's model alternator that can only charge up to 36amps, and even then that's gonna heat up the battery pretty badly, if it was pretty weak when you put it in the vehicle.<br /><br />hence, 3-10amp chargers are used, to be ez'r on batteries, and help them last longer. ;) <br /><br />p.s.- next time you're charging a battery, put your hand on the side of it, and feel the heat :)
 
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