What Battery to Fit?

[JaMMeX]

Hey Guys,

Been through the mill with batteries, and it's time to replace. I have has Willard (R900 to replace) and currently running a Raylite 657 (R1068 to replace) what are your thoughts on these batteries or what suggestions do you have for me?

[ChrisF]

do some shopping around, then phone Johan Tires (1st Allignment Centre)

[Mud Dog]

I used to rate the Willard very highly about 10 yrs back but sadly I don't think they're that good any more. Personally would go for the Raylite Slver Calcium first. Battery prices have sky-rocketed in the last 2 - 3 yrs, but I'm sure you can get better prices than that.

[TOYODA]

Hi Bruce,

Had to replace mine 2 months ago. I decided to take a 652 SABAT from Autozone for R950. Was the best price I could find at the time, after phoning almost 15 places in Pta.

Like my father said. If it has a 1 year warranty and the price is right, take it. If it gives problems before the year is up, they need to replace it.

The OEM battery will last longer that any replacement battery. Thats how they make their money.

[Donkey]

Go for Raylite and try and get the highest Ah rating seeing you have a diesel.

[Johan Kriel]

Do you want the cheapest or one that will last longer?

Willard/Sabbat is maybe the cheapest, but as said, try fit the one with the most Ah, that will last a bit longer, especially for short distance driving like in town. I started to use raylite AGM maintenace free for the vehicles that are not used every day, they have a bit more life cycles than the normal lead acid start batteries.

[Thabogrobler]

I recently fitted a Varta, about R200 more expensive but with a 2 year guarantee.

Recently someone told me they got a new battery from Toyota for cheaper than any other place!

Thinking about it, the OE batteries tend to last quite a few years?

[Polarbear2008]

Willard is a definite no-no (except if OEM fitted!)

Whichever installer of batteries I have asked, has recommended Raylite silver calcium (sealed) battery, so I also fitted the largest one I could get in the battery tray. Partly because I drive a KZ and partly because I have a Pioneer 12" sub lurking behind the rear seat, that also draws some battery power at high volumes.... ;)

Nice thing about the sealed batteries is that there is 0 maintenance and also 0 acid spillage ever!

Not that my KZ battles to ever start, I just touch the key and she turns over - first time, every time!

[Family_Dog]

+1 on either Varta or Raylite. Exide also a good choice.


-F_D

[JaMMeX]

Willard is a definite no-no (except if OEM fitted!)

Whichever installer of batteries I have asked, has recommended Raylite silver calcium (sealed) battery, so I also fitted the largest one I could get in the battery tray. Partly because I drive a KZ and partly because I have a Pioneer 12" sub lurking behind the rear seat, that also draws some battery power at high volumes.... ;)

Nice thing about the sealed batteries is that there is 0 maintenance and also 0 acid spillage ever!

Not that my KZ battles to ever start, I just touch the key and she turns over - first time, every time!

Thanks bud, what size did you get 657? Also have a 12" behind the rear seats and I know it drains a bit?

[chopper]

Had the SFA fitted with a Varta and it didn't make the grade as it was replaced in just over a year - possibly a lot of stop-start driving and the alternator not functioning properly
Had a Raylite (optimum Ah rating) fitted to my last Cruiser P/U and I was very happy with it

[Polarbear2008]

Bruce

Just had a look. It is a 669P - just fits on the plastic tray and clears the A/C pipes just-just!

Stupid sticker is on the side closest to the fender so I can't see specs other than the number!

[JaMMeX]

Bruce

Just had a look. It is a 669P - just fits on the plastic tray and clears the A/C pipes just-just!

Stupid sticker is on the side closest to the fender so I can't see specs other than the number!

Thanks Bud, and it's a RayLite Right?

[Gunta]

I have tried all the batteries and the only one I would recommend is the Varta. It comes with a 2 year warranty, made in Germany and you can get it from Deltec.
All my vehicles have them.

[JaMMeX]

Went with the Vatar, very happy thus far and super service from Deltec! That's Guys!!

[Polarbear2008]

Great Bruce! Glad you got sorted!

[The Legend]

Fitted Energizer battery in my Jetta.Battery is made in Germany and has also a 2 year gaurrentee.Very happy so far with it.

[chopper]

Thabo,
Watter spec/kapasiteit Varta het jy gekoop, waar en teen watter prys? Ek moet 'n battery kry vir die FJ75 en ek glo die Varta kan die ding doen?
Dankbaar

[Gunta]

I have the 74 A/H Varta battery in my cruiser. I don't think you will have space to go bigger than that.

[chopper]

Running my SFA with the same battery; just trying to find out where I can get the best price

[Gunta]

Straight from Deltec still the best price.

[chopper]

Thank you Mark

[Gunta]

[chopper]

Found the local (Rustenburg) Deltec dealer; spec for the FJ75 is a Varta 650 (90Ah) - can get it for R1500. Will check with 1 more supplier of Varta batteries in Rtbg tomorrow, price sounds good