Looking for replacement batteries for my M998. It currently has the Walmart Maxx 34 series installed. Trying to avoid the 6TL's I see that Deka has an interesting deep cycle marine battery at 800 CCAs. It is about 1.5 inches taller and 2.25 wider. Or should I just stay with the Walmarts?
I always tell people it depends on how you plan to use the truck.
If it's going to stay pretty much always on roads and within cell phone/tow truck range, then run whatever you feel comfortable with. 650+CCA and a decent reserve capacity is all you need in all but the most extreme conditions.
While I personally don't like the Walmart brand batteries (mostly because of their cheaper line of batteries that I've seen failures on) they do work, and are easy to get replacements for.
If you take it off road a lot, camping, or places outside cell/tow truck coverage, then a good set of AGM batteries are my recommendation.
Personally I use a set of group 24 AGM batteries made by one of the best manufacturers in the U.S., because I use my truck for work, camping, playing off road, and off road vehicle recovery, so I wanted something good.
Also, deep cycle marine batteries are a dual purpose, so unless you like to run a lot of accessories and stuff off the batteries while the truck isn't running, there isn't any benefit to them over a regular starting battery.
Here's what I use. Kind of expensive compared to regular flooded cell batteries, but much better quality and much better vibration and corrosion resistance. (the price is up about $100 from when I bought them 3 years ago, but even the cheap batteries are up 50% or so in price compared to back then)
X2Power group 24 AGM replacement battery designed for low maintenance and dependable engine starting power. Designed for Volvo, Pontiac, Subaru, Dodge and more
www.batteriesplus.com