Hi CB,

I get that you like Interstate batteries.
Johnson Controls claim they have a better technology in the making of their "wrought lead."
I think it's good inventory CONTROL that helps!

I used to like Costco's Kirkland batteries for standing up to the test of time. They seem to always go past their warranty time periods. They Had my business for years!
In my case, way past! I too, use float chargers anytime the car is parked for longer than a week.
By using this method I have taken lots of different brands longer than they should have gone. I babied one along for 16 years in my oldest around town car. It finally got me at a Walmart. I'm now a proud owner a "Easy Start" with no mention of who makes it. The price a wee bit (10%) higher than Costco but it's dated and their turn over is as good!
When you get bit, you just go with a grin and bear the walk back into at least the next best store in my little town. Not an Auto Zone, who likely sells the same goods for more. It feels like a Macy's to me?

Now for sometime, Costco's Kirkland is now their replacement is Interstate that are made by the same company Johnson Controls!
They run the same price or less than you quoted. The less part come in if you don't want to pay for the special bottom of the casing that fits only nineties cars that you the clip for the battery hold down. I think there was a five dollar or plus difference.

Costco beats up on Interstate dealers prices because, as I was told, that Costco buys them in larger lots by contract.
They buy bulk with no returns ever going back to Johnson Controls.
If a battery goes bad under replacement warranty, Costco eats it towards recycle. No haggles no paper work with Johnson Controls.
They must know the odds that their batteries are that good? Costco's Past contracts with them during the Kirkland days gave them their edge.

JC also make batteries for Walmart to now. That my understanding anyways.
Walmarts lawn tractor batteries have just a tiny bit less (3 months less) instant replacement warranty, than Costco's same Interstate battery but the price is the same?
So I go with my Costco card incentives!

Interstate do have trucks to exchange batteries with auto parts houses on a regular basis. It's the only company I see service shops and stores. Maybe back East there are more vendors, I don't know.
What I have noticed with other stores carrying batteries you have to watch out how long they sit on the shelf! They don't keep any kind of charging system on their supplies.

This is where I think the likes of Exide Corp and East Penn manufacturing, with plenty of brand labels they make, are losing some battles with Johnson Controls.
A battery sitting on a shelf discharges and can lead to an early sulphate failure. Of course that's, on your nickel, five years down the road!

Johnson Control and Exide have been battling for years and Exide darn near went bankrupt due to management errors.
Exide has made batteries for Caterpillar, John Deere and other major manufacturers since the turn of the century.

It is the fights over contracts and winning them that puts the beans in the soup!

Phil

if you buy as desulfator as suggested and remove the battery bringing into a warm room in your house or basement attach the desulfator along with a trickle charger and in 2-3 weeks your battery will be renewed to near condition