Group 27F (grumble grumble)

[Ulu]

My daily driver is a 2012 Tacoma with 55k on the clock. It’s on it’s third battery.

 

I have been running group 24F because Walmart doesn’t carry group 27F anymore. It doesn’t freeze here, so that’s plenty of battery, but the tow package has a big tray and a 27F. That is what my truck should have from the factory.

 

Using the F (Ford style) saves about 4” of ground strap. Otherwise why would Toyota do it? Crash testing. Using an F also puts the ground close to the fender. (Two birds/one stone.)

 

Of course I will just change the battery cables. So I can put in a regular group 27 that you can buy anywhere.

 

But now I’m sure to feeling sorry for people who drive classic Fomocos & must dummy up the battery cables.

 

I had a ‘66 Ford, and a ‘63 Mercury, & both came with the 27F. It’s also what we used in the International Scout.

 

So what brought on all this moaning and groaning? The battery on my Tacoma went dead and I had to take it in for a new one.

 

It is very convenient for me to buy batteries at Walmart and they have good ratings from what I have read. I’ve had good luck with the ones I bought for my boat and my previous cars. 

But the 24F I bought today will also fit in my Camry and that’s where it’s going to go. By coincidence, that battery had exactly the same date as the one that just went dead. 
 

There is a huge NAPA store, only a few miles farther than Walmart, so I might see if I can get a 27F there by any chance. The closest thing to me is O’Reilly’s and they didn’t carry one either.

 

I might try Costco too, but I let my card lapse during covid.

 

Edited August 9 by Ulu

[Dan Hiebert]

Same "problem" I've ever had with Walmart batteries - limited selection, at least at our location.  I was a bit surprised they had the right group for my BIL's '57 Ford (don't remember what that was, now, though).  This location has whatever battery you may need for your zero-turn mower, lawn tractor, or riding mower, anything else it's more likely you'll have to order on line and pick it up in a few days.  That, or go to one of the four franchise places. 

[Sniper]

Back when my mother-in-law's Kia's battery took a dump I did some Price shopping for her and believe it or not Napa had the best prices for the same warranty levels. So when it came time to buy a 12 volt battery for the Cambridge after it's conversion I did the same in Napa still had the best price. However O'Reilly's had the best price for the battery in the BMW. So do a little Price shopping you might be pleasantly surprised.

[Plymouthy Adams]

I had a learning experience back in the late 80's after buying a battery from a well known seller in my area.  TDY trip out of state, battery failed there, regardless of warranty there was no place near to make good on the warranty.  Solution, Walmart and buy a battery and pay the core fee so to be able to get the battery replaced when I got home.  They did hem and haw a bit but made good on the battery and core fee in the form of a full refund.  Since then I buy from Walmart simply for the fact that their batteries are top notch and if needed you are not far from a Walmart for service.   Many other retail sellers of batteries will hold your battery for 24 hour testing period and are you prepared to pay for a hotel should you be out of town....?  More than just initial costs involved.  

[JBNeal]

NAPA can get what you need and are price competitive...what's more valuable:  your time or your $$$ 🤔

[Plymouthy Adams]

Napa is not at all competitive in my area.....and likely as you said they can get you what you want your time your money and both would be wasted here as higher and would have to wait for it to be delivered to the store.  Now I know it is not this way at every location...but to assume every location is as what you are used to is also an assumption.