Hi Scotty! I have a 2013 Toyota Rav4 that needed a new battery. It calls for a 35 series. Toyota has a customer service recall that warns about smaller batteries being used that don't fill the bracket can loosen and short out and recommend a 35 series. Why are Walmart EverStart Maxx 35n sold now measure only around 6.5 inches wide? Even on the dimensions stated on their website they are supposed to be 6.9 inches! How are they getting away with this? Please look into this! People can get hurt. Thanks! Donald Hrycay...
There are only a few lead-acid battery manufacturers that make all the brands you see out there. Walmart batteries are mostly made by Johnson Controls or East Penn. (From what I've read East Penn are the better made.) You can pay a lot more for a different brand and wind up with the same battery. I've used Walmart batteries for decades with no issues.
The few extra dollars for a "quality" battery are well worth it. I always go with an Interstate when ever I can. Walmart is certainly not focused on the details of part designs, they are just pushing price. A slightly smaller battery can be OKAY as long as the bracket system can clamp it in place. Make sure your battery CCA ratings are what the car requires.
Probably the same reason 2×4s and all other pieces of lumber aren't actually the size we refer them as. It's cheaper for them to make, and they get more money per unit of material they use to make it. I wouldn't use a Walmart battery in my computerized cars. I have one in my 1979 Pontiac because they're cheap, and a really old car doesn't care about voltages like cars nowadays do. If it has enough power to turn over the starter and power the ignition, it's gonna start as long as there's fuel and the carburetor's in good shape.
A battery is supposed to follow the Specifications of Size. That is why they have group numbers on them. The holders and brackets are designed to secure the battery in the vehicle safely. These measurements are standards. They should be adhered to.
Sounds like you bought the wrong battery. I am not a big fan of Walmart batteries but when I have been forced to they had the correct size in the dimensions specified by the battery type. The fact there is a Toyota warning tells me others have made the same mistake. My experience with their batteries is they last 1 month past the warranty's expiration. I found it easier to spend a couple of bucks at a reputable auto supply and save all the grief of trying to get to work when my car won't start. I have had good results with Interstate batteries as long as the date code on the battery is recent. I have had Napa stores try to give me 2 and 3 year old batteries.
I did buy the right battery. a 35 series. They only measure 6.5 inches when they are supposed to be 6.9 inches across the top where the bracket goes. the returns on bracket are made to hold a normal in spec 35 series battery. They are not normal group size. They should be made within standard specs. They are not.
That's almost a half an inch different. I would bring a tape measure with me and measure the battery before I buy another one. A loose battery in an engine compartment could be catastrophic. When I have bought from Walmart I brought the old battery in and wheeled to the battery isle and put them side by side. Walmart is pretty good on returns as long as it's within a couple of days and you have the receipt. Unless the hold down strap goes over the top of the battery I would not install it. If the mounting relies on the lip at the bottom of the battery definitely not install it.
Good luck with that.
The original battery lockdown in my daily driver is long gone, I use a ratcheting strap to hold the battery securely in place. It clamps down more securely than the factory setup and works even if the battery happens to be a little off in size.
I did go back to Walmart to tell them the battery was smaller than normal and not the measurement in the L. W. H. given online. I measured some more they had on the shelf and they were are small too. I told them of the problems it could cause and they should tell the supplier.