78 DT or ???
#1
Racer
Thread Starter
78 DT or ???
Another question on batteries. My 2001 requires a group 75 battery, which is about an inch smaller than the group 78 battery which has a high cold cranking, etc. I'm going to get the 78 battery but discovered there are two types. The 78 DT which has battery posts for side mount and posts on top like the older batteries had. My car has the side mount cables. They also have a group 78 which only has the posts on the side. Either one would work in my situation. Other than the ability to change battery cables, what is the benefit of going with the 78DT (dual post) battery?
#2
Another question on batteries. My 2001 requires a group 75 battery, which is about an inch smaller than the group 78 battery which has a high cold cranking, etc. I'm going to get the 78 battery but discovered there are two types. The 78 DT which has battery posts for side mount and posts on top like the older batteries had. My car has the side mount cables. They also have a group 78 which only has the posts on the side. Either one would work in my situation. Other than the ability to change battery cables, what is the benefit of going with the 78DT (dual post) battery?
#6
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My Sears DieHard Platinum has the dual post locations. Not one problem in five years of use although all I have used is the side posts.
#8
Team Owner
Actually the correct Group size designation for a battery of this style is 34/78 DT. All Group size 78 batteries are side post only, and all Group size 34 batteries are top post only, therefore a combination of the two on the same battery makes them a "34/78 DT" (Dual Terminal).
HTH
#9
Racer
Thread Starter
Thanks to all who replied. I think I'll go with the 34/78 DT battery. The 78 group and 34/78 DT were actually the same price, The 78DT has a slightly higher cold cranking as well. I'll get the 34/78 DT battery and might as well have the extra terminal posts.
#10
Team Owner
Of the three most common side post (only) batteries (72, 75, and 78), the 78 packs the most punch in terms of CCA and Reserve Capacity minutes. All other things being equal, this also translates to a better overall longevity as well.
#11
Melting Slicks
First rule of buying a new battery: get the biggest one that will fit the space. The manufacturers tend to fit the smallest one that will work as standard, but often the battery tray/space is larger to accommodate "heavy duty" or export variations.
I run a Platinum 34/78 - been on about 5 years now. And it has enough capacity that it really does not need a tender if you leave the car parked for say a month.
I run a Platinum 34/78 - been on about 5 years now. And it has enough capacity that it really does not need a tender if you leave the car parked for say a month.
#12
First rule of buying a new battery: get the biggest one that will fit the space. The manufacturers tend to fit the smallest one that will work as standard, but often the battery tray/space is larger to accommodate "heavy duty" or export variations.
I run a Platinum 34/78 - been on about 5 years now. And it has enough capacity that it really does not need a tender if you leave the car parked for say a month.
I run a Platinum 34/78 - been on about 5 years now. And it has enough capacity that it really does not need a tender if you leave the car parked for say a month.