I seem to remember reading that virtually all lead/acid batteries sold
in the US today are made by only two or three companies. If that is the
case, most batteries would nearly all be of similar quality, I would
think. Anyone know about this for sure?

John Rodgers
Clayartist and Moldmaker
88'GL VW Bus Driver
Chelsea, AL
Http://www.moldhaus.com

On 11/9/2010 7:04 PM, Jack R. wrote:
> Just sharing a recent battery shopping experience... as winter is
> approaching, some of you on the list may be in the market for a new battery
> for your Vanagon.
>
>
>
> I just picked up a battery at Wal-Mart for my 2000 Volvo XC70, group 48 - -
> 825 Amp / 700 CCA... Everstart Maxx - 3 year full replacement warranty for
> $77!  (Dealer charges over $300 for OEM).  The Wal-Mart batteries are now
> made by Johnson Controls... and are typically very "Fresh" this one had a
> date code of 10/10.
>
>
>
> So, checked on the cost of a Group 41 (Size for Vanagon)... and discovered
> that they had the basic "Everstart" with a 1 year full replacement warranty,
> also by Johnson Controls, 780 Amp / 650 CCA for only $67.00  Not bad, if you
> are on a budget and need to keep your vanagon going through the winter.  I
> know other batteries have more amps... but for that price, hard to turn
> down.  The data code was on the Group 41 in front of the rack was 1/09.
> However, when I looked to the back and they had fresher batteries.  It is
> worth pulling the old batteries off the rack, and digging for the freshest
> one.  The warranty is 1 year from date of purchase, so keep your receipt.
>
>
>
> Just as an FYI... be careful to also check the manufacturer name printed on
> the battery... They have some old Exide-made batteries, which are not as
> good as the Johnson Controls batteries.
>
>
>
> Jack R.
>
> 84 Westy
>
>