Kirkland Costco 6v Battery Review (Price, Specs, Dimensions)
Getting close to nature means getting away from campgrounds and RV parks. When you do that alternative you have to give up secure power options for battery power. There are some good batteries out there that will meet this challenge. the Kirkland Costco 6 Volt battery may be up to that challenge.
When Costco sold Kirkland batteries, they measured approx. 10 by 7 by 11 inches overall and had a 5 hr. 175 amp hour rating and a 25 amp 105 reserve power ability. They were sold on an average of $77 approx. when Costco sold its own brand of batteries.
To learn more about the Kirkland Costco battery, just continue to read our article. It explores the issue so you have up-to-date information and know what to expect when you shop at that membership outlet. Take a few minutes and get up to speed on this important RV topic.
Costco 6v Batteries 101
Does Costco Sell 6-Volt Batteries?
Yes, the company does sell this small-sized battery. They have been doing it for many years and there are a lot of happy, satisfied RV owners who have enjoyed those batteries.
Even though the Kirkland battery was well-liked and lasted a long time, Costco never made its own batteries. They were all made through contract deals with different national battery makers.
The batteries that Costco sold met their specifications and became a popular item once the word got out how good they were. The batteries they sell now may not be as good as they once were but they come with a good return warranty which makes Costco look good and fits their own return policies.
Our Costco 6v Battery Review
This is as good a time as any to mention that Costco no longer sells Kirkland brand batteries. The reason for this change is that the batteries were so good and lasted such a long time, Costco could not make any money off of selling them.
We have heard nothing but praise for this series of batteries but we doubled checked and found that the company has switched to selling Interstate's brand of batteries. The difference in the models is that the Kirkland batteries often lasted for 7 to 10 years on up.
The Interstate brand only has an approx. 3 1/2 year lifespan. That makes all the difference in the bottom line. The drawback to the Kirkland brand of battery was that they weighed 60 pounds each, approx. If you were going to use them in your RV and use more than one, you were looking at some weight issues.
Who Makes Kirkland 6 Volt Batteries?
All the battery options you can get under the Kirkland name are made by one famous battery company. Costco uses Duracell to make their brand of batteries, but it seems that the latter company made them too well.
Right now it seems that Interstate is the brand that you can buy at this giant retailer. Kirkland batteries for cars, etc, larger than 9-volt units are no-existent. Duracell seems to be limited to just making the smaller 9-volt, AA, and AAA batteries now.
The smaller batteries are easier to lose than a large 6-volt model so Costco can still make a profit on those smaller batteries even though they also last a long time. This change in brands only happened a few years ago and we have seen no word that Costco has changed back.
Costco 6v Battery Price
The specific cost will depend on the type of battery you want to buy and what group it fits into. Costco does not sell some interstate batteries through its website. They can only be purchased at the stores themselves.
They do not list a price on their website for these batteries. However, if they are priced similar to the other Interstate batteries they do price and sell online, then you are looking at paying between $50 and $120.
Again, the price will depend on how the battery is categorized. If you want to do some comparison shopping, you may find the Interstate brand at other outlets to see if you are getting a good deal or not when you shop at Costco.
Costco 6 Volt Golf Cart Battery Specifications
The following specifications are for the Interstate 6-volt golf cart battery model sold by Costco. They do not list any other brand option on their websites.
Group Size: GC2
Part Number: 9-GC2-UTL
Voltage: 6
Reserve Capacity(RC) @ 25Amps: 105
Reserve Capacity(RC) @ 75Amps: 175
Amp Hours(Ah) @ 20Hr: 210
Amp Hours(Ah) @ 5Hr: 175
Length: 10 5/16"
Width: 7 1/8"
Height: 11"
Weight: 58lbs
As you can see the weight of these batteries is quite high for being only a 6-volt model. the disclaimer underneath the battery says that your battery life experience will depend on how well you do proper maintenance.
When charging you have to be careful not to use the Gel or AGM settings on your battery charger. Plus, you should not recharge the battery in temperatures that get above 120 degrees F. Also, you should recharge the battery every time you use it for longer than 30 minutes.
Costco 6v Battery Amp Hours
Reserve Capacity or RC is listed at 25 amps with a 105 rating and at 75 amps and a 175 rating. Then with actual amp hours, you can get 20 hours of use at 210 and 5 hours at 175.
Keep in mind that these 6-volt batteries are generally not designed to provide engine starting power. They are designed to prove long-term charge so that the different devices you power through this battery do not run out of power any time soon.
If you are going to store the battery you should check its voltage level every 4 to 6 weeks,
Costco 6v Battery Dimensions
For the specific model that we have been reviewing today, the dimensions for this battery are not that small. You are looking at a length of 10 5/16 by a width of 7 1/8 by a height of 11 inches.
That should be enough information for you to measure your battery storage space to see if this model will fit in or not. This seems to be the only 6-volt battery Costco is selling right now.
They did not list any others that may be among the 12 listed on the web page. Your selection options are fairly limited at this time.
How Does The Costco Battery Warranty Work?
When Costco was selling Kirkland batteries, they had a variable warranty system in effect. For the marine battery, the first 12 months saw the company replacing the battery for free. between the 13th and 18th months, you could get 40% of your purchase price refunded.
Between the 19th and 36th month, you would only receive 20% of the purchase price refunded. Their flooded batteries operated under a different system and the first 48 months allowed you to get a new replacement battery.
Between 48 and 66 months, you could get half your purchase price back, and finally, between 67 and 100 months you could get a 25% refund. The Interstate brand only offers a 3 1/2 year warranty period.
It is a limited warranty so read the details carefully.
Can You Return a Costco Battery?
Yes, you can but you need to meet the conditions on the warranty to be able to do this. Since Costco stopped selling Kirkland brand car/RV/marine batteries, their return policy has changed as well.
Part of those conditions requires proof of purchase and the dating code is intact on the battery. You need to be careful in which vehicle you use the battery in the free replacement period drops down to 6 months if not used according to Costco terms.
Their warranty statement is quite strict and much of it is placed in capital letters so you do not miss the restrictions the company is placing on returns.
Is Costco's Battery Warranty Transferable?
No. The company does use the word transferable in its warranty statement. They say that to be covered by the warranty the battery has to be in the original vehicle it was installed in.
Now, this may be a loophole when you sell the car to someone else, but they must have the receipt from Costco that you got if they are going to return the battery for any reason.
You may also have to pay all fees and taxes when you get a replacement battery. Make sure to ask when you are at Costco to make sure you understand all return requirements, etc.
Some Final Words
Companies do make changes and if you were happy with your Kirkland battery purchase 10 years ago, do not expect to find the same quality or length of service of the newer battery models. Also, do not expect to find Kirkland batteries anymore.
The battery was great while it lasted and many RV owners were well pleased with the service they got.
