Hello
I am reading like mad here figuring out if a LR3 is right for me. So bear with me.

The LR3 is obviously heavy on computer integration. It also seems to be very voltage sensitive.

Apparently a specific Interstate battery (Interstate MTP-49/H8 Mega Tron Plus) comes with the vehicle. That battery is "spec'd" for the LR3.

Is there anything wrong with using a battery with more CCA and amp hours? If so, why?

Thanks

 

I'm not sure what kind of climate you live in, but unless you deal with very cold temperatures, I think the reserve capacity of the battery is more important that the CCA rating. Of course, you want to stay close to the OEM CCA rating, but what's really important is storing enough juice to keep all the electronics are happy... even when the car is off (although it never really goes completely off). I have a DieHard Advanced Gold battery and it works just fine. No issues at all.

 

The summers here get to about 105 deg f max (though trips to Las Vegas and Death Valley would see much warmer. The winters where I live (NE Utah) hit -25 deg F with regularity ( well this winter global warming seems to have hit).

I have found a battery that I really like. It is a duralast gold. I can't remember the size , but the CCA is 800 and I think the reserve is over 105 reserve minutes. I have used this battery in 5 vehicles ( jeeps and squeezed it into two minivans). It is the first battery that I have found to survive high speed washboard, catching air (my younger years) and extreme temps from +125 to -135.

I just didn't know if there was something specific to THAT battery for the LR. I can see having a dual setup with a disconnect as a backup since these are soooo voltage Dependant.

Found it. http://www.autozone.com/batteries/ba...1276_175979_0/

 

I prefer the H7 to the H8 on these trucks, as it is much better fitment, and no loss in available power. The H7 is the same physical size as the factory installed battery, and was the 'Interstate recommended replacement' until they released the H8.

Interstate recently released their line of AGM batteries, which seem to be working very well(haven't been around that long, so no idea how they will stand the tests of time)

For a LR3/4 or RRS, I would suggest the MT5-94R/H7, especially with your temperature fluctuations.

 

I note the roverguy7 comment above re the H7 sized battery. That is what I have in my 3 and it what was installed by my dealer under warranty a few years back - an Interstate MTP-H7 as the H8 is a really tight fit - but it does fit, so I guess if I had to replace my H7, I would put in the new Interstate MTP-49/H8 Megatron.

Regarding battery design, I suppose your alternative would be probably OK if the internal construction was of the CaCa, Calcium Calcium flooded wet lead acid design - that is what the regulator expects to see I gather. I see that AGM internal construction is now what is current Interstate design and that will be OK as well.

Make certain the battery post setup is the same - the Euro recessed post style as you do not want to be cutting cable ends off, at least to my way of thinking. Also the battery should be about 7.5" tall so that the existing metric tie downs will work. The physical stuff matters more than a few amps extra of capacity.

 

Thanks. I did see in other posts that you run a dual setup. I just didn't know if there was something "special" about that battery, maybe how it works with the "smart" alternator/generator.

Just curious.

Thanks guys