Batteries

[Enigma]

I think there was a thread awhile back here on battery options, but I don’t feel like looking for it so I'll start a new one.

Anyways, I think I'm going to buy a new battery for my 40, along the lines of an Optima.
Why? Well the one I have in there was brand new 2 years or so ago when it's umpteenth resurrection began, and for whatever reason has gone dead over this winter. I did some tests on my system last year, and everything seemed to be in order charging wise. There is nothing on my truck that would drain the battery, no stereo, clock etc. The battery that's in it was your regular type that was on sale at the local parts store.
So with the amount of driveway posing my 40 sees. I figure buck up and put an Optima in there. It's my understanding these types of batteries can be drained and recharged quite happily. Costco sells them, so returns etc are easily handled.

Make sense? Thoughts/suggestions/rude comments appreciated.

 

[Scalp]

I've got one of those 1 amp trickle chargers from Cambodian Tire that I keep on all winter when I'm not using my Cruiser. Actually, I've got 2 of them for the 2 batteries (24 V system). It keeps the batteries right up, esp in cold weather, but is not enough to damage them. My batteries usually last a long, long time on my vehicles. Got to keep the terminals clean too, and occasionally do a voltage drop test on the + and _ cables. Sometimes the positive cable corrodes internally and it is not visible under the insulation, that puts a resistance in the starting circuit and an extra load on the system.

 

[trex]

got my optima red top at Walmart, was cheaper than costco by about $10

 

[brownbear]

Napa legend 65 series commercial battery. My work place napa rep says they are one of the toughest shapes/size that comes in their name brand.

Lots has to do with the shape and size. As it relates to plate thickness and cca. When they try to make it too many cca they use more plates but thinner. The 65 series is a squat wide battery. Rated at 880 cca. But when we put the handheld tester on it, it was 1130. I have two

 

[crawlin cruiser]

I know steve has a fancy Optima display rack at the shop. Im sure he can help you out

 

[BC40]

It's always a good idea to disconnect the negative terminal for long term storage (or you could just drive the mofo a bit more often).

That said, two years is not old for a battery, and will be covered under pro-rated warranty. Alot cheaper to do that with the battery you have that to do the same thing to an optima several times and have it go dead.

 

[canucksafari]

Jeff, the reviews on the optima batteries in the diesel section are kind of mixed. I noticed you were concerned about them having the ability of being discharged down low and recharged often. A number of the guys though a deep cycle batteries are better under these conditions.

I am still running the JDM batteries which came in my truck - which I hear is unusual. I have had the rig for nearly two years. When they do go, I will probably go to two big deep cycle marine LA batteries.

 

[bj70_guy]

FWIW, I've had red tops in my 70 for 5 years or so. They failed to start my truck (after it sitting 2.5 weeks back when it was cold) for the first time. I jumped it with my Jetta, drove it a while to charge 'em up, and so far it seems to be ok. I'm guessing they're on their way out though.
Most of the bad reviews I've heard on Optimas has been in 24V applications. My 74's got new red tops, I may throw them in the 70 and try something else in the 74...or I might not.

Jeff - you need a Battery Tender for your rig.

 

[Enigma]

Jeff, the reviews on the optima batteries in the diesel section are kind of mixed. I noticed you were concerned about them having the ability of being discharged down low and recharged often. A number of the guys though a deep cycle batteries are better under these conditions.
quote]



I thought an Optima was a deep cycle gel cell kinda electricaal storage device thingy?

 

[Enigma]

Jeff - you need a Battery Tender for your rig.

A wut?

I imagine you're referring to some kinda doodad that hooks up to my aforementioned electrical storage device thingamiggy, that then moniters it and prevents leakage of those little bouncing positive and negative magic units leaving (theortically) enough juice to crank the thirsty V8?

I had been pulling the terminals off, but apparently I forgot to do it the last few times.

 

[Fantom]

This has been gone over several times, but as you mentioned you were too lazy to look it up and so am I. I have Optima, yellow in mine, they have survived all the water crossings, long exposures to leaving the lights or stereo on, several occasions of the truck being parked for 2 weeks with the alarm on and firing up no problem, etc. I have not had a bad experience with them.

 

[bj70_guy]

something like this:
Batterytender.com - Home of All Your Charging Needs Battery Tender PLUS! - 12V @ 1.25A
brings the battery up to full voltage then gives it just enough power to keep it there. Leave it plugged in all the time.
Red Tops = starting battery, yellow tops = deep cycle.

Up till now I have been able to leave the 70 for up to 6 weeks without running, always fired right up. I guess I got my money's worth out of the Optimas - mine were blems though, $75 ea.

 

[Granite Grinder]

Red Tops = starting battery, yellow tops = deep cycle. Blue tops = Marine starting/deep cycle

Never had an issue with the blue tops either.
GG

 

[speycaster]

Just changed the red tops in my dodge cummins today, installed march 16-1994 just shy of 14 years. I think i got my moneys worth.

 

[bj70_guy]

wow!

 

[bj70_guy]

Hmmm, I just put a plate back on my 74 today. It's been off the road for 3 months, and I started it once in January (it fired like it hadn't been sitting for a month). Today when I went to fire it up the batteries were flat as a pancake.
I think those fresh red tops are going to move to the 12V 70, and I'll try something else in the 24V rig.

 

[canucksafari]

Deep cycle batteries are on sale at Costco from Apr 10-20.

 

[bj70_guy]

any idea how much and who makes them? I can't find any info on their website.

 

[canucksafari]

Kirkland brand which means it could be anyone. It was in the last Costco mag and I think it was around $25 off the regular price for the biggest one. Think that one was over 850 CC.

 

[prado t]

the yellow tops are deep cycle and starting ,awesome for winching and I winch a lot. For you guys that have the 24v systems disconnect your converter if you are going to park it for awhile it should not draw then. Unless you have what scalp has. Also if you disconnect ,take the pos.+ off and leave it grounded.