On Mon, 14 Feb 2011 10:06:28 -0600, "Pete C."
wrote:


Ignoramus14196 wrote:

On 2011-02-14, John wrote:
Ignoramus9135 wrote:
On 2011-02-14, wrote:
Ignoramus9135 wrote:
My truck battery is dying, and I was wondering if there is such as
thing as a "better battery", or are they all created the same. Thnks


How old is it?


John

2-3 years old


That's just beyond the warranty period, like all of wally-marts
batteries do.

First check the voltage coming out of the alternator at a higher than
idle engine rpm.

It should be no more than 14.2 volts. If it is than that is the reason
the battery is failing.

John, it is below that, I have a voltmeter on my dash.

So, what is the word on gel cell batteries?

i

Gel cells have different charging requirements and will not directly
interchange into an auto environment properly. Look to AGM type
batteries for something compatible.


Err ... Actually battery manufacturers recommendations a

Lead-Acid Maximum charging voltage 2.45 - 2.7 VDC/Cell or
14.7 - 16.2 VDC/12 volt Battery

Gel-Cell Max Recommended voltage 2.35 - 2.4 or 14.1 - 14.4

AGM Max Recommended 2.35 - 2.45 of 14.1 - 14.2

My own experience is that few, if any, automobile systems will put out
a voltage high enough to be of danger to any of the three batteries
and that gel-cells, at least, can be a direct substitution for
lead-acid with no problems, and I certainly know people that installed
AGM batteries in their boats and didn't report any difficulties.

It is useful to note that the only advantage that Gel-Cell or AGM have
over lead-acid is that they don't spill if you turn them over.