Time to replace the battery in my trusty '76 Power Wagon, and I'm wondering...what does anyone recommend for a great all-around battery, especially for a truck that is no longer driven regularly?

I've used NAPA batteries for many, many years exclusively. No issues, but now I live in a town without a NAPA! Closest one is 45 miles away, and I'd have to make a special trip just for this battery, so I'm open to suggestions.

I'm a big fan of Sears, buy all my tools as Craftsman and Kenmore appliances, Craftsman garage door openers, etc. I have not ever used a Die Hard car battery, and my local Sears only has a small auto side and they don't have many batteries on-hand (I'd have to order one). That's no big deal, I'm not in a big hurry, but are they worth it?

Other auto parts stores in town include Advance Auto Parts, Auto Zone and O'Reilly's.

Of course, I work at a Chrysler dealership, should I look at a Mopar battery?

Give me some suggestions, please. Thank you!

JS

there was a comprehensive thread awhile back & the concensus was that there's only a few mfrs (iirc) and alot of batteries are rebranded and interstate got some good reviews and I've had good luck with interstate also. I'd see if I could (1) find one on sale (2) that is close by (3) and has a good warranty.

Die Hard Platinum. Probably the most expensive battery on the market, but worth every penny. I believe it is made by Odyssey. Very powerful. It's an AGM, so no more corroded battery terminals. I own four.

The batteries are practically the only thing left from sears i still hear people talk up. Id be concerned about warranty, as sears could easily fail in the lifetime of most batteries. The contractor isnt likely to honor them in that case.

I have been using az duralast gold for about ten years now. Have them in the diesel and cars. They last like you expect, maybe a bit more. The diesel sits a lot, has glowplugs, but the batteries havent been an issue.

Before that i was an interstate user. Red top optima for the old carshave been fine, bought from az or advance. There have been problems with thise ftom the warehouse clubs.

We sold Interstates at the shop.Never had much for a problem.We used Advance brand also.Same thing.I had a Ford type in my one tractor and it was at least 10 years old.Still started it and it would sit for months.Have them in my vehicles and my brothers and nephews.I always test new battery before install.Ive found a few bad ones new in the years I was a mechanic.Rocky

My replacement Mopar battery has been good for quite a few years now. My truck sat quite a bit for years until more recently.

Sears, Mopar, Walmart (in some areas) are Johnson Controls. To me the best battery. My own experience with Interstate has not be favorable, in particular with their Deep Cycle Marine/RV battery.

Whichever battery you buy, DO get the newest one, by date of manufacture. This from Consumer Reports a few years ago. Batteries that were freshest out of the factory when put into service performed better.

I'd bet that if Sears went under (meaning KMart goes under too) the DieHard name and line would be bought up by someone, as the brand recognition and reputation is excellent.

I wouldn't be afraid to buy one, just as I'm not afraid of the boogeyman who lives under my bed.

R.

Thanks for all the replies. A friend of mine ended up going to my old home town on Weds, and I was able to call my old Napa store, talk to the owner, and get a deal on a new 75 Month Legend battery from NAPA. This one is the Legend 75 as well, and I checked the date...Jan 2006. So, I figured since this one lasted 10 years, I'll stick with NAPA batteries.

Thanks for all the replies!

JS