4 replies to this topic

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Does anyone have experience with the Durastart AGM batteries?

 

Well over a year ago, I ordered 2 East Penn Deka Intimidator AGM batteries, from a local business, that never arrived (wash, rinse, repeat).  After 8 months or so, I raised the issue with the manager.  This morning, the manager called with a “you won’t believe what just came in” message.  It wasn’t what I originally ordered, but still 2 Group 27 AGMs.  
 

After some internet sleuthing, I found that Durastart is an Exide subsidiary, and the batteries are made in the US.  In the past, I haven’t had great results with Exide AGM batteries, so I’m hesitant to accept them.

 

Any words of wisdom?
 

[Beach]

Are they a dedicated deep cycle or a "combo" all purpose? If not dedicated D.C. refuse them. Im very happy with the Renogy 100ah I installed a couple years ago. Renogy runs specials on them once in awhile at very good prices.

 

https://www.renogy.c...dAaAlkfEALw_wcB

Edited by Beach, 17 January 2023 - 02:30 PM.

[Old Crow]

Boy, the battery manufacturing industry is so confusing.  I just spent an hour going down the rabbit hole and don't quite know what I can conclude from it...

 

First, this article supposedly tells us the history of Durastart...

 

North40 Outfitters article about DuraStart

 

It gives us factory locations of Berks County PA and Corydon, IA and has family names of the founders.  And it also mentions a trademarked technology, IPF.  But a little more looking tells us that's all East Penn Manufacturing info.  The Bridegam family, the manufacturing facilities, the IPF trademark... that's all East Penn Manufacturing (the manufacturer of Deka batteries).

 

But then I saw this article which brings Exide into it....

 

Exide partners with ShowMeParts for MidStates Distributors

 

This one clues us into the DuraStart label and explains why a web search for DuraStart batteries brings up so many farm-and-home stores.  It tells us the DuraStart label belongs to MidStates Distributing Co., a cooperative of 43 independent farm, ranch, and home retailers across the US and Canada.  And it tells us MidStates partnered with Exide for the label.  That suggests the batteries would be Exide batteries.

 

So where does that leave us?  

 

It appears the batteries offered by your local guy MAY have been manufactured by East Penn.  There may be some clues from looking closely at the photos of the cases, terminal layouts, etc, and comparing to photos of East Penn and Exide batteries. 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

OC, thanks for the sleuthing!

[ckent323]

Car Battery Brands

Most aftermarket car batteries sold in the U.S. are made by three companies that build them for retailers (the retailers may own the brand name and may have differing specifications for the batteries made for them): Johnson Controls, which supplies more than half of the market; Exide; and East Penn. May 20, 2019.

 

Most of the names you can buy at regular stores are made by the 3 listed.  To be sure there are newer Lithium Ion battery manufacturers since this list was created but for lead acid batteries (FLA, AGM,, Gel) this list is pretty good.

 

There are other smaller manufacturers for specialty brands, there is a massive list here:

 

https://herehydro.we..._names_list.pdf

I hope this is helpful

Craig

Edited by ckent323, 21 January 2023 - 08:36 AM.