[Stratosurfer]

I replaced my batteries on the Burb August 2019 with two new Odyssey extreme duties for nearly $700 delivered. So they are about 3 1/2 years old and after just now testing them they’re both down to half of their rated cold cranking amps and in the REPLACE status. Many folks report 9+ years out of these batteries. I was reading online that AGM batteries like to be charged at 13.8 V or higher even up to like 14 and 14.02 V. I don’t know what voltage GM set up the six-fives to charge at? My voltmeter in the dash looks like it’s putting out 14 V when there’s not a lot of loads on it. I don’t know if these batteries didn’t last as long as they do for a lot of people because these trucks electrical systems don’t charge at a high enough voltage to keep them topped up. I read that if you’re charging below 13.8 V on an AGM battery that can greatly shorten their life. I’m not going back with Odysseys after this expensive experiment obviously. If anyone would give me a recommendation I would appreciate it, I’m heading just toward the Interstates sold at Costco for the price they seem to be lasting folks around four years if taken care of. Thoughts appreciated.
Thanks
S

 

[Tommygunner]

I got 10 years out of my Walmart Everstart Maxx 78N batteries. Cant be beat for $120.00. 3 year warranty.

 

[alex1234]

I have been using Odyssey or Optima AGM batteries for both cars and motorcycles for many years ... and lately I have noticed that they do not last as long as the first battery packs I bought, the best life was from a pair of Optima Blue (13 years), but the last battery pack lasted half as long. (quality, controls, etc.... are gone). to say that they have always been well maintained with AGM C-TEK chargers when not in use.
therefore for the cost they have I prefer AGMs that cost less, now I'm using Varta AGM, soon to say how long they will last, but they cost half, if they last 7-8 years, will be a bargain.

 

[SnowDrift]

I would suggest investing in a C-Tek charger and run said batteries through a cycle or two to see if they can be saved. If not, then at least you end up with a REALLY good charger for future use.

 

[papi]

Odyssey batteries have 4 year full replacement warranty. You should be able to exchange them for free if they fail a load test.

 

[Stratosurfer]

Odyssey batteries have 4 year full replacement warranty. You should be able to exchange them for free if they fail a load test.

Good to know, I read it was a three year somewhere.

 

[BoiseBurb]

I have been thru several gens of Costco batteries with great success--even when run flat from excessive cranking (with wet/cracked engine and only 3 glows working) or parked too long.

 

[alex1234]

if buy a C-TEK charger, buy one with temperature sensor, it will cost more but it pay itself

 

[Tommygunner]

IDN about those fancy AGM batteries. I can buy 2 top quality wet cell batteries for less than the price of one AGM. No worries that they are not compatible to my 25 year old charging system. Plus Use my 40 year old battery charger on them. Pretty much the same. (depending on brand) CCA. Warranty is honored everywhere. 7 days a week (Walmart)
Unless you use them (AGM) in a hard core off road, Marine, or high vibration environment like race car. They seem like a big waste of money to me. Maybe I am old fashioned. But I just don't see any advantage worth the extra money for AGM in an everyday normal use vehicle.

.

 

[Mikey52]

Everyday is the key. If the struck sits for extended periods AGM's are definitely better.

 

[Tommygunner]

Ever heard of a Battery Maintainer? Simple and cheap. Should be used on both wet cell and AGM when not used for long periods.
Oh that's right, you need a special more costly trickle charger for AGM as well.

 

[alex1234]

wet battery can loose acid, also if sigilled, an AGM nope
battery poles always clean, cable contacts clean, if you try an AGM you realize it and you never go back to WET
WET on extreme climates may have a greater effect on battery life due to evaporation or freezing.
vibrations, etc. etc.
there are many pros to an AGM, sure it cost more
it is a weighted choice based on the use, life span, performance

 

[Tommygunner]

I use AGM in my side by side ATV. I have a small AGM i use in my fishing Kayak to power the depth finder, For those uses AGM is great. But in a road vehicle that I will most likely not tip over, or immerse in water other than crossing a deep creek now and then.. I just dont see the need. When lead acid can do the job just as good, and last just as long as a battery that costs almost 3 times as much. Plus some old charging systems like the one in my truck are not compatible with AGM and shorten the life span of the very expensive battery.
My wifes car came with AGM stock. It has a special charging system designed for AGM. Owners manual states battery should only be replaced with AGM.