Need help getting a new battery

Murdoch

Bought an X
Location
Toronto
Hi guys,
I have an 06 xterra and I park it indoors, I drive to work and park outside right now it's -20°c.
I get out of work and truck has troubles starting. My boss tells me I need a battery with the maximum cold cranking amps. Can one of you fine folks recommend a battery of quality and reliability. Thanks for your time...
 

Fromfrontier2Xterra

I bought a Taco
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
All over PA
If within budget, I highly suggest optima yellow or red top.

Yellow has approx 620 CCA and red has approx 720 CCA for the recommend xterra battery models. Other factors may also come into play such as aux lighting, winch, etc., but that should put you on the right path.
 

JeffPro4x

Hot Pipe
Super Moderator
Supporting Member
Location
Glenside, PA
I run the Diehard Advanced gold agm. 34r. 775cca. Running it for 3 years no issues. I got mine from Sears, but it doesn't look like it's available thru them anymore.
 

JeffInDFW

Test Drive
Location
New Mexico
I went with the Odyssey 34R-PC1500 --- Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) 850

SPECIFICATIONS
Pulse (5-second) Hot Cranking Amps (PHCA) 1500
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) 850
20Hr Nominal Capacity (Ah) 68
Reserve Capacity Minutes 135
Dimensions L x W x H (in) 10.85 x 6.76 x 7.82
Metric Dimensions L x W x H (mm) 275.59 x 171.7 x 198.6
Weight (lbs) 49.5
Weight (kg) 22.4

https://www.odysseybatteries.com/pc1500rt.htm

Be sure to do your research on AGM batteries, as there are issues with modern cars with variable voltage alternators like our Xterra not supplying as high a voltage as some of the AGM batteries would prefer in order to maximize their service life. I have a OEM AGM BMW battery in my wifes MINI, an Autocraft AGM in my Viper, and the Odyssey in my Xterra. I have to top all of them off once a month and you MUST use a charger designed for AGM batteries. The Odyssey is the pickiest (their 31 series batteries REALLY need the 50 amp charger), and according to Odyssey even the 34 needs a 50amp AGM charger which Odyssey stopped selling in 2015 (wtf). I talked to an Odyssey rep at Barrett Jackson a few years ago and was told the best I could do now was to go with the CTEK MSX 5.0. That is the smart charger I now use to charge all 3 of my cars. I used to run the Diehard Platinum AGM back when it was a rebranded Odyssey (no longer available), and it died after only 4 years because I didn't know this info. Its a bit of a pain in the ass, but at the time I bought it (Jan 2018), I felt it was the best I could find. I really need to look into what would need to be done to have an alternator that would put out the exact voltage the Odyssey likes (14.8 I believe, but can't remember for sure). The Xterra only gives 13.8 to 14.2 from its alternator. But....thats for another thread! With both of you being in Canada, I would look into Bushnut's suggestion with his Canadian Tire AGM with 800cca. I hope some of this info helps, best of luck OP.


 

AustinFound

Bought an X
Location
Austin, TX
I went with the Odyssey 34R-PC1500 --- Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) 850

SPECIFICATIONS
Pulse (5-second) Hot Cranking Amps (PHCA) 1500
Cold Cranking Amps (CCA) 850
20Hr Nominal Capacity (Ah) 68
Reserve Capacity Minutes 135
Dimensions L x W x H (in) 10.85 x 6.76 x 7.82
Metric Dimensions L x W x H (mm) 275.59 x 171.7 x 198.6
Weight (lbs) 49.5
Weight (kg) 22.4

https://www.odysseybatteries.com/pc1500rt.htm

Be sure to do your research on AGM batteries, as there are issues with modern cars with variable voltage alternators like our Xterra not supplying as high a voltage as some of the AGM batteries would prefer in order to maximize their service life. I have a OEM AGM BMW battery in my wifes MINI, an Autocraft AGM in my Viper, and the Odyssey in my Xterra. I have to top all of them off once a month and you MUST use a charger designed for AGM batteries. The Odyssey is the pickiest (their 31 series batteries REALLY need the 50 amp charger), and according to Odyssey even the 34 needs a 50amp AGM charger which Odyssey stopped selling in 2015 (wtf). I talked to an Odyssey rep at Barrett Jackson a few years ago and was told the best I could do now was to go with the CTEK MSX 5.0. That is the smart charger I now use to charge all 3 of my cars. I used to run the Diehard Platinum AGM back when it was a rebranded Odyssey (no longer available), and it died after only 4 years because I didn't know this info. Its a bit of a pain in the ass, but at the time I bought it (Jan 2018), I felt it was the best I could find. I really need to look into what would need to be done to have an alternator that would put out the exact voltage the Odyssey likes (14.8 I believe, but can't remember for sure). The Xterra only gives 13.8 to 14.2 from its alternator. But....thats for another thread! With both of you being in Canada, I would look into Bushnut's suggestion with his Canadian Tire AGM with 800cca. I hope some of this info helps, best of luck OP.



+1 for the PCH1500 group 34r, my truck has never started so quick, I'm pretty sure it starts on the first spin every single time, lights seem brighter too...

-Craig
 

BillySpivitz

Bought an X
Location
Denver, CO
Another vote for the Odyssey. I have the 34R-PC1500T. Get a battery maintainer/charger as well, I got the CTEK Multi US 3300 - there are others that Odyssey recommends as well.
 

FishCannon

Test Drive
Location
Tacoma, WA
When I lived in Fairbanks, I had an Optima Red Top and it was amazing. Before that, I had to use a battery heater (Along with a block heater, oil pan heater and transmission pan heater). I replaced my standard battery with the Red Top after I left my truck outside for 8 hours at -65f and the battery froze.
 

Xterrorista

Charcoal Briquette
Supporting Member
Location
Denton, TX
Holy Crap that's cold FishCannon!
I left my truck outside for 8 hours at -65f and the battery froze.

I seem to remember a thread where someone figured out how to stop the voltage regulator from letting more voltage pass.. Hmm, I'll do some digging as I remember thinking it was something I'd probably be doing in the long run.
 

4funX

Test Drive
Another vote for the Odyssey. No problems with mine, Calgary weather gets quite extreme. Starts every time, for that I am extremely happy. They cost a lot more up here in Canada, but worth every cent.
 

JeffInDFW

Test Drive
Location
New Mexico
Hey guys! I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to add to it in case someone comes across it while searching for battery info. My Odyssey battery died at 2 years 9 months. Would not hold a charge. On the first of every month, I get out my CTEK (40-206) MXS 5.0 and do an overnight charge on all 3 of my cars because they all have AGM batteries (the Xterra can't provide high enough voltage to keep the Odyssey happy, so I called them before I bought the battery and was told to do this). I took it to 4 wheel parts for warranty replacement, and the guys there told me they now have a lot of warranty problems with these. My previous battery was the Sears Platinum rebadged Odyssey, and I got 7 years out of it with no problems. It was actually still working when I replaced it due to age. This might have been a fluke, the guys at 4WP might be full of crap, I do not know. I'm just sharing as one data point to help out.
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
Hey guys! I know this is an old thread, but I wanted to add to it in case someone comes across it while searching for battery info. My Odyssey battery died at 2 years 9 months. Would not hold a charge.

As an owner of a six year old Odyssey installed by the previous owner that will probably need replacement soon, this is disappointing to read.

I wonder how widespread the problems are, and what a good alternative would be.
 

General_Tarfun

Sliders
Location
Atlanta, GA
No idea on the Odesseys but the one I got from Costco came with an amazing warranty. I ruined it with a bad connection after a year and they replaced it with a new one for the difference in price which cost me a grand total of like $4. Can’t recommend buying from them more just for the ease of warranty.
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
No idea on the Odesseys but the one I got from Costco came with an amazing warranty. I ruined it with a bad connection after a year and they replaced it with a new one for the difference in price which cost me a grand total of like $4. Can’t recommend buying from them more just for the ease of warranty.

I run Costco Interstate batteries in our two Subarus and have had mixed luck with the batteries, but great warranty service from Costco. One has a probably four year old battery that's still going strong. The other has gone through a couple of replacements. The battery voltage got lower and it was cranking pretty slow in colder temps after about 2 - 2.5 years so I exchanged it for free (just paid sales tax) replacement. I have done that twice now. They're your basic Group 35 batteries in both Subies.

I didn't realize that Costco even sold AGM batteries so that's good to know they're available now. We have a winch in our '09 Xterra and so I like the idea of having more power and reserve, but the current one (Odysseey 34R PC 1500T) is not a size that Costco apparently carries. You can't search the Interstate / Costco site by size, you have to enter vehicle information and they give you their recommendation if they have a matching size.

They do list a 24F in the AGM for $160:
https://costco.interstatebatteries....90&choice4=1681691&choice5=1681692&Country=US

It's about 1/2 the price of the Odyssey, but is not as powerful. I like the Costco warranty but since we do a lot of solo trips to out of the way areas, I really want a battery I can trust more than I want to save a few bucks. In fairness the Costco Interstates have never outright failed abruptly, there has been some warning as they became weaker and slower to start.

Thanks for the reply. Still not sure what I will replace the current one with but it's good to know Costco has AGM's.
 

westslope

Wheeling
I will not make a specific brand name recommendation but would recommend:

- a deep cycle AGM battery with enough cold cranking amps.

Deep cycle batteries are usually constructed better. Nice to have when using light, radio or music back in the bush for a few hours.

-----------------------------------

P.S. I now realize the OP posted in January of 2019 but at first I thought it was recent and wondering -20C in Toronto in mid-October!?!!
 

outback97

Wheeling
Supporting Member
Location
SLC, Utah
I will not make a specific brand name recommendation but would recommend:

- a deep cycle AGM battery with enough cold cranking amps.

Deep cycle batteries are usually constructed better. Nice to have when using light, radio or music back in the bush for a few hours.

-----------------------------------

P.S. I now realize the OP posted in January of 2019 but at first I thought it was recent and wondering -20C in Toronto in mid-October!?!!

Yes, that's my plan, a deep cycle AGM with decent CCA. Brand so far undecided.

I was just hoping to keep the discussion going after @JeffInDFW 's experience with the Odyssey not lasting as long as expected. They were considered one of the best for a long time, but I'm wondering if they're still worth the higher cost.
 

westslope

Wheeling
@outback97:

Sometimes buying more expensive, well recognized brand names is a good way of securing quality. Not sure that is the case for auto batteries. I would be inclined to pay more attention to the specs and the warranty. Just make sure the manufacturer is large enough and has a long enough history to not go bankrupt.

Deep cycle batteries should already weather the bouncing around on trails better than others.

If not mistaken, the X has enough room for a Group 27 battery. My current one is Group 24 but plan on looking hard at a Group 27 replacement in another 4 or 5 years.

I ran deep cycle Group 27 Trojan batteries for years in the old WD-21 pathfinder (1993).
 
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