Ah... I get back in town and find a post I can add relevant (?) info to
First off - To get 9 yrs out of the original battery (I see you have an '08 and are assumedly the original owner, as well) - that is pretty darned good. While on the one hand, I'd suggest 'dancing with the one who brung you there'... OEM batteries & same-vendor replacements are often two different things. I'm not picking on ACDelco specifically when I say this.
You mentioned the Walmart Maxx line - I have one. It's actually my 2nd one; the first one lasted about a year (partially my fault). I had put the Voy into the garage to install my TransGo kit - and accidentally let the battery discharge over the course of a couple of months (don't ask). That was essentially the only discharge event the battery experienced - but it would not charge afterward. Took it to WallyWorld, and they put their tester on it - showed the battery was bad, and I got to select my new one (which, as I did previously - selected something recently delivered, rather than something sitting there awhile.) Warranty started over again with the new one.
As an aside - they did not like my photographed copy of the receipt, and 'warned' me to bring in 'only the original' next time (paraphrasing, but the phrase 'next time' doesn't exactly instill confidence, eh?) Never mind what that thermally printed receipt would look like in 3 years (probably like blank paper), but, hey - it will be the original.
They also have a policy of 'no receipt equals 3yrs from the mfg date on the battery sticker' - another reason to get as 'fresh' as possible. IIRC, they get batteries on the same day of week / day of month (forget which it is) so knowing when they come in can be helpful, I suppose. And if you pay with a credit card that offers it, you can get another year of protection out of that (through the bank issuing the card - I use AMEX for this.)
The new one is doing OK a year later, but the last time I had the truck down a couple of weeks ago, I disconnected the negative post, and then put the charger on it when I was ready to reconnect - it listed at about 70% - when it got to 92% in a couple of hours, I disconnected the charger (I had put in a new alternator, 'just because I was in there', and knew not to tax it with a discharged battery.) So... the battery was at about 70% charge, as a baseline, having been in the truck for a year.
Pluses for WalMart:
- One in nearly every town, making replacement easier (premature or otherwise).
- Definitely a cheaper option, for an older vehicle.
- Maxx carries a 3yr full-replacement warranty (IIRC). If you can play your cards right, it'll be the last battery you ever buy
LOL
Incidentally, I heard on the car radio just yesterday that Sears was now going to let 'other' companies manufacture the DieHard and Kenmore brands, and also allow other companies besides Sears to sell them. Not sure what the manufacturing changes entail - Johnson Controls makes the DieHard batteries (was Exide), and it's easy to tell who makes the various Kenmore products - just look at the other companies' offerings in the same store (KitchenAid, Samsung, Whirlpool, etc.) But I digress.
BTW - Johnson Controls also makes the Maxx line for Walmart (if not all Walmart branded lines,) IIRC. The DieHard lines *may* be built to a higher standard; not sure on that. Probably not difficult, knowing Walmart's cost controls. The news that Sears has sold mfg and licensing rights probably mean that the DieHard brand / line will continue after Sears has gone - probably with the same premium / markup that Sears puts on them currently (one which I might consider with a daily driver, but not for the Voy, as I don't drive it a lot, currently. You may agree with my logic, or not - I usually have at least two vehicles to choose from, so having an issue with one doesn't limit my mobility)
My other recommendations?
- I see a lot of Interstates installed in vehicles - don't know how well they do from personal experience. Last I saw, Exide was making them, but they may be JC now, as well.
- If you have big power needs (e.g.; car stereo amp(s), etc. - you may want to look for one designed for deep discharges (like the AGM types - 'Red Top', etc.) Although I hear they're not what they used to be, as well.
Anyway...good luck, and let us know what you decide on!