Lead-acid battery prices

[Eric in IL]

In todays world of consumer price increases on nearly every item you buy, why has the group 31 battery remained comparatively constant ?

Last week Rural King had them priced at $99.99. They were not a lot cheaper ten years ago.

 

[J Hamilton]

I would venture a guess and say because there are so many different pieces of equipment that use that size. From trucks, tractors, and stationary engines, and most use multiple batteries. They can probably mass produce a very large quantity at a better price than some other sizes that aren't in such a high demand. We all know there are many many different group size batteries. Just my thoughts on it.

 

[Gambles]

I see more and more batteries that are now being manufactured in countries that have fewer EPA policies. Perhaps that is keeping the price down.
However, it still amazes me they can ship something heavy and a product that takes up a fair amount of space halfway around the world to save money instead of manufacturing it locally.

 

[tomtinker]

I see more and more batteries that are now being manufactured in countries that have fewer EPA policies. Perhaps that is keeping the price down.
However, it still amazes me they can ship something heavy and a product that takes up a fair amount of space halfway around the world to save money instead of manufacturing it locally.

Labor unions may be most of the reason.

 

[Scott 730]

Labor unions may be most of the reason.

Do you have a source for that information?

 

[john in la]

Do you have a source for that information?

Common sense would be a good source for that information. Companies are not moving abroad because they like the climate.
On a world scale the United States is flush with money and labor unions drive the pay scale even in non union shops.

 

[tomtinker]

Do you have a source for that information?

I didn't know you needed sources for maybes and what ifs and seems to mes.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

Do you have a source for that information?

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage of United States citizens as of December 2020 is $29.81, while the average weekly wage is $1034.41.
• In terms of an hourly wage, the average income of a Mexican worker in the manufacturing industry is around USD 4.90/hour.
• You can decide why there is a big difference in wages.
• Mexico is now our biggest trading partner, surpassing China.

 

[chcase]

In todays world of consumer price increases on nearly every item you buy, why has the group 31 battery remained comparatively constant ?

Last week Rural King had them priced at $99.99. They were not a lot cheaper ten years ago.

I think it has alot to due that the group 31 is very common so you will see there prices competitive.

 

[old-9]

• According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average hourly wage of United States citizens as of December 2020 is $29.81, while the average weekly wage is $1034.41.
• In terms of an hourly wage, the average income of a Mexican worker in the manufacturing industry is around USD 4.90/hour.
• You can decide why there is a big difference in wages.
• Mexico is now our biggest trading partner, surpassing China.

My brother in law was in charge of setting up an assembly line for a company moving to mexico. Was a small line, he said getting workers to work all week was difficult. They wanted to work 1 or 2 days and never called in. Also there was a high percentage of parts that did not pass inspection. The company is no longer in business.

 

[moresmoke]

I would venture a guess and say because there are so many different pieces of equipment that use that size. From trucks, tractors, and stationary engines, and most use multiple batteries. They can probably mass produce a very large quantity at a better price than some other sizes that aren't in such a high demand. We all know there are many many different group size batteries. Just my thoughts on it.

Agree, every semi you see has 3-8 of them anymore. Many trucks these days use 4 just for hotel power.

You can usually find the best price on group 31 at a truck dealer.

 

[Brown David]

Agree, every semi you see has 3-8 of them anymore. Many trucks these days use 4 just for hotel power.

You can usually find the best price on group 31 at a truck dealer.

Hotel power?

Never heard that before.

Would it be referring to powering the sleeper accessories?

 

[Steven Allen]

Hotel power?

Never heard that before.

Would it be referring to powering the sleeper accessories?

Navy term for the power necessary to feed the crew, run the lighting, etc., as opposed to the power for ships combat, navigation, and engineering systems.

 

[J Wendt]

My brother was an engineer, his company outsourced most of its parts from China. The shop steward asked him why they didn't make in house. price and quality was his answer. He told them the company would gladly buy local if they could. The product they made was high end stuff not your low end.

 

[moresmoke]

Hotel power?

Never heard that before.

Would it be referring to powering the sleeper accessories?

Exactly. HVAC with the engine off, TV, lights, everything the driver needs while on mandated rest time.

While deep cycle batteries would be better suited many times, a regular starting battery can handle running that microwave on an inverter. Give the low cost of group 31s they win out even if the lifecycle is compromised.

 

[Texasmark]

In todays world of consumer price increases on nearly every item you buy, why has the group 31 battery remained comparatively constant ?

Last week Rural King had them priced at $99.99. They were not a lot cheaper ten years ago.

Considering what you get and what they cost the OTR size 31 is what I buy at the local Navistar dealership and they are less than a hundred bucks....but for a sealed, 1000 A battery its a heck of a deal if you ask me.

 

[Geo-TH,In]

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$169.99

 

[Geo-TH,In]

My brother in law was in charge of setting up an assembly line for a company moving to mexico. Was a small line, he said getting workers to work all week was difficult. They wanted to work 1 or 2 days and never called in. Also there was a high percentage of parts that did not pass inspection. The company is no longer in business.

Mexico must be doing something right, They are officially our largest trading partner, surpassing China.

 

[Fixingfarmer]

A lot of it too is people will buy a cheap battery there are some people with brand loyalty don’t get me wrong but compared to engine oil where it’s like peoples religion people will be shopping a bit. The guy with the new car also isn’t the one buying the most batteries. It’s a different target consumer

 

[bmaverick]

Do you have a source for that information?

Let's see, 2023 was the year most unions negotiated wages increases due to the bidenomics inflation problems. And to keep wages higher than the minimum wage increases too. PLUS, as boomers retire, those pension funds have to be funded. We have about 2 more years and the ECHO-boomers begin retiring.

So yeah, all of those retired folks need an income too.