Coincidence or Problem ??

[Roy W]

Following a recent travel trailer towing trip, I had evidence of the passenger side battery leaking acid on the ground under the battery. Checking battery electrolyte levels showed nothing out of the ordinary, although 3 cells were full to within 1/2 inch of the cap area, and the other 3 were above the plates. Battery charging voltage remained at 14 volts throughout the trip and return home. There was no evidence of leakage when parked in the driveway when I got home. I thoroughly washed the battery and tray area with baking soda and water and hosed it down good. The batteries are one year old. Now the coincidence part......I had the exact same problem with the previous set of batteries and in the same battery location. I know the batteries are wired in parallel and each receives the same charge........Problem???

[DmaxMaverick]

I believe it's a problem. In my experience, reports of others, and a common-sense view of it, the battery location does have an effect on the battery's health. I've had a few sets of batteries in my 2001, and in each case, the passenger side failed first. While I do not believe how it is wired is a factor, the heat in that area is. The air surrounding that battery is certainly much higher than the driver side, which gets regular fresh air that hasn't passed through the engine compartment. Some advocate seasonal battery rotation, which makes sense if you want to get the most out of the set, as a set. My previous set (Optima Yellow Tops) lasted 10 years, but may have gone longer had I rotated them. Usually, I'll just leave them as-is until one fails, then replace both. The remaining "good" battery then gets other duties elsewhere until it fails. Rotating may be a good longevity strategy, but in my experience, just messing with them creates an element of failure (such as weaker connections or stripped threads). That trade-off should be carefully weighed, if it is considered. Another option would be to isolate (from engine compartment heat) and ventilate that area, in some way. I've considered that, but haven't put it to serious thought.

[Roy W]

DMax......Interesting comment regarding heat on the passenger side battery. I don't recall if both batteries had them, but I now remember my OEM batteries came with a 1/2 inch foam blanket around them that was discarded when the OEM batteries finished their 5 year tour. That may be something I will pursue further,

[EdHale]

I reused those foam sleeves when I put my first set of replacement batteries in my truck. When I put in the Optima Yellow tops this past summer I discarded them since they didn't fit and after 9 years they were pretty brittle.

I'm glad to hear other Yellow tops lasted 10 years. My first replacement set were NAPA 94 month or 86 month or whatever it was lasted 3 years. I was stuck in a small town when I needed replacements and the NAPA set was all there was. I didn't even bother with their prorated adjustment. Yellow tops now.

[bcarson]

My OEM batteries finally failed me...after 11 years. My '05 Duramax wouldn't start yesterday, and I replaced with Sam's Club Duracell units (830 CCAs), because they were out of Optima reds, and because they were $103 each. Also small town limitations. May regret this, and will be happy if I have 3-4 years of service, but we'll see how it goes. Couldn't believe the energetic engine spin when starting on the new set. Looking at 8-10 degrees for the morning start. BTW, I was still able to re-use my foam sleeves for the new units.

[chessy56]

Interesting read- had same issue once with the passenger side battery on my '01 Dmax. Never had a battery problem and all of a sudden, I couldn't start the truck one day after work. Got a jump and later smelled battery acid- passenger side battery was hotter than a pistol! Both had the foam wrap. Replaced with DieHard equivalents and never had another issue. Maybe location and/or rotation needs consideration.