803a battery

[RJM27]

Just picked up 803a letter Kenny no batteries! Suggestions please

 

[csheath]

Not the correct size as I'm sure someone will let you know but I used a Value Power group 26 from Wally World. Clears the unused engine mount tab and starts my unit just fine.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Just picked up 803a letter Kenny no batteries! Suggestions please

I pretty much use these exclusively on sets I go through now, that don't come with batteries: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/exide-classic-auto-truck-suv-battery-51rc

My local TSC never asks for a core, so its been all good in my books.

 

[Light in the Dark]

Oh, and they vary between $84.99 and $89.99/ea, depending on the day you look online (they are always $89.99 in store). Cheaper to buy online when the price has dropped, and just pick them up in store.

 

[Bmxenbrett]

I have used lawnmower batteries with no issues.

 

[stugpanzer]

Mine came with Optima (Red) Group 34 AGM batteries:

 

[RJM27]

So group 34 is the correct size? Thanks

 

[Zed254]

Daybreak has a lot of good info here..... https://www.steelsoldiers.com/showthread.php?160992-MEP-802-803-Filters-and-Parts&highlight=

MEP-803A 10kw generator
The military is currently using Optima Redtop 34/78 batteries x 2 in series for the 24 volt system

I'm like Light in the Dark and put the Tractor Supply 51RC in my 802 a few months ago.

 

[RJM27]

Thank you so much. I'm traveling back from Pennsylvania. Appreciate the help

 

[csheath]

For what it's worth the Value Power batteries at Walmart are $50 each and the higher CCA lawn tractor batteries are $30. You will have a core charge for each battery you don't have an old one for.

I have used the 275 CCA lawn tractor batteries in several applications including one in my Mustang and one in my JD855 tractor. I probably should have used them in my generator but I decided to splurge and spend the hundred bucks for two group 26 batteries. The main reason was to not have to alter the cables my unit had on it. The lawn tractor batteries require eyelet ends while the value power group 26 has the same top posts that the redtops used.

I forgot to mention the Walmarts around here have accepted any size lead acid battery I bring in as a core. I have taken in a little 7AH sealed battery and purchased a full size car battery. They don't seem to care that it isn't like size nor should they.

 

[RJM27]

Thanks made it home been on the road since 330am! Will go w/ 26

 

[Guyfang]

I hope you don't think you have heard the last of it! Everyone and his dog has an opinion about batteries. I am high on optima red tops. But that's just me.

 

[RJM27]

I'm a fan of optima red tops when they're already on board and charging. Most everything out of Letterkenny lately is missing batteries. They said that's how they've been coming to the yard! I've got a set of 8 year old wally's on my 002a, although I've had the solar 24 pulse tender on them and keep them serviced and that's cold upstate NY!

 

[Daybreak]

Howdy,
It also depends on what you have inside.

If you have a MEP-803A with the plastic battery trays, and the red hold down bar and rods, then a type 34 or 34/78 battery is what fits. You can get whatever battery you want. Since you are familiar with 24v battery tenders, get a battery which works for you and being good to go when you need the unit to start.

If you do not want to use those trays and battery hold downs, then I guess a 26 would work.

 

[Light in the Dark]

51RC fits just fine with the stock red hold down bar and J hooks.

 

[dav5]

I agree.The space looks too narrow until you tighten down the hold downs and then you see they fit perfectly.

 

[csheath]

The stock plastic tray actually goes up under the rear engine mount tab. You can see that pretty clear in my photo above. A group 24 battery is about the same width and length as a 34/78 and fits the tray perfect but if you try to set it in it hits the engine mount tab. It's been said you can pull it away from the tab with the hold down. I reckon the rounded cell shape on the Optimas are why the red top fits without hitting if it does.

I stuck the 26s in the trays and could probably tie them down with the straps but I have no reason to since my unit doesn't get moved.

EDIT: I attempted to install one of the tie downs on my group 26 battery and it would not fit without sliding the battery over in front of that engine mount tab. This would defeat the purpose of using that battery if you have the need to tie your batteries down. If you have a trailer mounted unit you will be moving around the 51R or possibly the lawn tractor battery would be a better choice.

 

[RJM27]

Pics

Will probably modify and give the Wally Values a try, seeing I have another solar pulse tender. On landline computer now, could not download photo's yesterday from my smart phone that I'm not smart enough to use, but sure keeps me humble.
Thanks for the the help and conversations yesterday, made the solo trip a bit more enjoyable.

Bob.

 

[Bmxenbrett]

The only modification i had to do to get the lawnmower batteries in was to replace the cable bolts with a bit longer ones. The ends opened up just a bit fit the battery lug well.

 

[Triton]

I used to be a die hard Optima fan but as of late they haven't been as good as in the past, I heard they got bought out but can't confirm that. A friend of mine uses Wally Mart batteries because he said they are everywhere you are and their cheaper than Optima's. So I'm going down that same path, we'll see!