By Attex Bob on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I want to know what is the average battery life everybody gets? Has anybody tried different types, and had better luck with one type? I got two Napa brand batteries and I was lucky to get 1.5 years from each. With all the bouncing that these things get I'm not expecting 8 years out of a battery, but I think I should get at least 4 or 5 years. Lets all put down our good and bad experiences with bateries. I want a better battery!!!!!!

By Bknight (Bknight) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Bob,
I have a Deka Outdoorsman in my 2001 MaxII, and I'm in the process of replacing it now. I've recharged mine 4 or 5 times in the 7 months I've owned it. My dealer suggested a marine battery, but I haven't been able to find one that matches the size and terminals that the existing one has. I agree these factory batteries need to be of better quality. I have extra lights and a winch on my Max but they don't get used all the time when I'm out riding. I had a problem when I first bought it that the built in alternator wire was unplugged and not keeping the battery charged while running. After fixing that, the battery still doesn't hold it's charge.. rather annoying to say the least. The last horor story I have was last friday (4/12) I went on a night ride with friends and my engine quit on my in the middle of a small pond and my battery didn't have enough juice to start the engine up.. being a big guy it was a little hairy to turn around, open the hatch and pull start the engine.
I'm hoping soon I'll have a better battery installed in mine, then along with the 6 others that I ride with (all have 6 wheelers) we're going to put in 40 amp alternators in ours to relieve any more problems with dying batteries. My dealer uses Everstart batteries in his. He wasn't sure of the exact model number but told me #34 Everstart marine battery. Whether or not this is exact I can't say, as I haven't been able to find this model yet, it being a couple yrs old. I did look at the everstart batteries and found one that might work Everstart 24MS-6 but will have to further research it to find the right one.

By Don Abernathey (Dla) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Is there room in a Max for two batteries? Seems like that might be a good idea, especially the Kohlers lacking manual start.

By MaxRules (Brandon_price) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

My Max will be three years old next month and it still has the original battery.

MaxRules

By bruce on Unrecorded Date: Edit

I am told that batteries don't like being bounced around. Marine batteries are even worse at being bounced around. The plates tend to breakdown faster with all the motion. Jell type batteries appear to be the answer. This information was provided to me by an electical engineer. for what that is worth.......

By mkirouac on Unrecorded Date: Edit

It's nice to see you back Brandon. Any pics yet from your 4 wheeler

By Bill Davis (Nvbigblue) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Hey guys,
You might want to check out:
http://www.optimabatteries.com/
A friend of mine uses these on his dune buggy and has yet to kill one. They aren't cheap, but they do take vibration a lot better than a normal battery.

Bill

By Eric Magyor on Unrecorded Date: Edit

What about mounting on a solar trickle charger. They're small, don't overcharge and the sun is still free. It won't matter what brand battery is being used. They still work even on overcast days.
It's great to always have that pull start for backup. One reason I didn't buy a 20hp and went for a 16hp Briggs instead.

By Attex Bob on Unrecorded Date: Edit

Thanks for the input everbody. Well; no more Napa or Deka batteries for me!!! Brandon, what brand of battery does your max have in it? Is it solid mount, or does it have a rubber mount or pad? Is there anybody else out there with 3+ years on their batteries? If so, please mention the brand. Thanks everybody.

By david berger (Davidrrrd) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

i get the wallmart battery and have good luck with them as long as i use it frequintly,
the trouble starts when there not used for long pereods.

By David Keeso (Argomag) on Unrecorded Date: Edit

My battery is a marine battery (not sure what make) but it is a great battery. Used with the right alternator or regulator (don't know which one) it lasts ages. My ARGO sits in the garage at the cottage for sometimes a monts and a half or two at worst and still starts up no problem on the first try. THe garage is not heated and even cold starts aren't a problem. It doesn't mind getting beaten around either.