Battery suggestions
- Thread starter azTony
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So I finally stopped by the Broadway store and priced out the group 31 and a Megatron. Unfortunely the group 31 does not come in the Megatron form so that kind of sucks. I have been researching it and it seems like the Megtron is a darn good battery. The gorup 24 Megatron which is what their book suggest I use cost $113 or $119 and comes with a three year warranty and then is prorated after that for 72 month I think but not 100 % on that. The group 31 non Megatron only has a year and a half warranty and cost $130 I think. I am not overly excited about the cold cranking rating on the group 24 because it is only 600. Not to open old wounds but they do sell Optima there. The lady said I would be better off getting the Megatron 24 for my primary starting battery and then I should buy a blue top for my secondary battery when I install my dual battery system. She said they see a lot of bad optimas because people just let them go dead and never put trickle chargers on them when they park either the vehicle, boat or rv for long periods. So I said isnt that the purpose of a Marine deep cycles battery it can be discharged and then recharged with out a lot of problems. Well apparently its hard to bring Optimas back to life so yeah I am not to sure about her recommendation for blue tops. I would like to get the hundy back on the road so what is the opinion on 600 cold cranking amps? Good not good? Is there a better interstate Megatron I could get for the hundy instead of the group 24?
It is an oversize battery mostly used in commercial applications.
Yes, Interstate sells group 31, in a couple of versions, but you wont find them at Costco. Costco carries common batteries, even the group 27F & 24F that are the original spec for most Toyota trucks, have been updated to newer/smaller sized batteries, so the original sizes are not carried at Costco. Batteries have become more efficient, make more power from the same size box, so the newer spec numbers are smaller with the same output as the originals were.
For the best selection go to the Interstate store on Broadway in Mesa. Will likely pay slightly more than Costco, but I have gotten great service from them. They have offered a CSC discount account, but I haven't had the chance to set it up, yet.
re_guderian, oftentimes, the reasons threads get locked is because the people running the site don't like the direction the conversations are going, whether that is Woody or anyone else. I only mentioned him in a general sense, as this is his site and I know he tends to keep a close eye on things. Starting a new thread to continue a previous conversation that was locked is an obvious attempt to circumvent the oversight of moderators and administrators, which I am not interested in doing. I had no problem with continuing the conversation in that thread, but if it is not wanted on the board, I am happy to take it to e-mail or PM with anyone who is interested.
I do represent Optima, but not in the sense of a traditional vendor, who might start threads promoting their own products or offering special deals or discounts. I don't think locking that thread really benefited Optima, as there were people like Spike, who had unanswered questions or wanted to voice their concerns about our products. I encourage all feedback about our batteries, both good and bad, because it helps us better understand how to address issues our customers and our company is facing. Locking that thread may have also given the appearance to some, that we wanted or asked for it to be locked, which wasn't the case. I've been active on automotive message boards for more than a dozen years, so if I stopped working for Optima, I'd probably still pop in on my favorites and try to help folks, as I have done in the past.
Frankly, I would welcome more corporate participation on message boards, as other battery companies face the same issues and challenges we do, although perhaps not on the same scale, and more voices addressing the same issues will only end up helping more people. Unfortunately, other companies do monitor message boards and they see the tone of some conversations and frankly, it scares many of them. I haven't been doing this work for Optima for two years, but I am constantly approached by “vendors” who pepper me with questions about what I do and how I do it. Ultimately, most realize this is a full-time gig and unless they are able to find the right person (or people) and are willing to commit to hiring them to do this full time, they'd rather continue to lurk and take their lumps.
While some vendors may expect editorial oversight with sponsorship of a board and some sites do offer that (no sponsor-bashing rules), I think Optima has a good understanding of how these communities function and we're not trying to silence anyone with advertising dollars. We print an 800 number (888-8OPTIMA) and our website on every battery we sell, hoping that folks will contact us if they have questions or concerns. What we've found is that many will turn to message board communities, so we want to be available to help them in that forum as well. Frankly, most of what I post regarding proper voltage levels, charging procedures and maintenance techniques is universal information, applicable to all batteries. I'm happy to provide it to people who are using other brands, because even if they never buy one of our batteries, they might end up passing on good advice to someone else who does.
Spike, to answer your previous question (I think), if someone googles the Optima name long enough, they'll find all kinds of information, some of it true, some of it false. Using bold font or italic print doesn't make a false statement true, nor does repeating it over and over again. We simply do not use recycled lead in our batteries, which is standard practice for AGM battery production. I understand folks love conspiracy theories and guys like George Noory make a living giving folks a national stage to present their stories. Just because he gives someone three minutes on air doesn't mean there is any basis of fact behind what they are saying. Optima's parent company has been consistently named one of the most-ethical companies in the world. Their investment in Optima more than ten years ago, their investment in our brand-new production facility, their support of enthusiasts through countless sponsorships and their investment in continual product development has all the makings of a long-term acquisition, not someone looking to make a quick buck off an established name.
Packetstormin, batteries that are physically larger or smaller than typical automotive sizes will tend to have shorter warranty periods for different reasons. Larger batteries are often used in commerical applications or those that see infrequent or seasonal use (boats, RVs, tractors, etc...) and many of those batteries are not properly-maintained when in storage. Battery manufacturers will take the warranty hit for a certain period of time to make customers feel comfortable with their purchases, but most don't want to deal with excessive returns due to what they consider “abusive” applications, even if the abuse is passive over several months and not through active use.
Physically smaller batteries are popular with enthusiasts who are looking to shave weight off their vehicle, but those batteries are also more susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), as well as the issues relating to improper storage, if the vehicle isn't a daily driver and that is also reflected in the length of many of their warranties. Cranking amps only need to meet or exceed the specs for the engine. Some folks will shop for the most cranking amps they can find for a deep-cycle application, when they really should be looking at the reserve capacity of batteries designed for deep-cycle use, that also offer enough cranking amps.
YellowTops and BlueTops (except for the 34M) are designed for deep-cycle applications, but they do work better and last longer when they are properly-maintained. When I first started this job, I asked a friend of mine if he charged the batteries on his bass boat as soon soon as he came off the water or if he waited until right before his next fishing trip. He answered, “I'm supposed to charge my batteries?” which helped me understand the basic level I would be starting from for at least a few folks.
I believe I already mentioned it in this thread, but when most folks do have trouble with our batteries, it is when they are deeply-discharged, usually below 10.5 volts. That is because many chargers will not recognize or charge batteries discharged below a minimum voltage threshold. My truck starts every day on one such “dead” YellowTop that was returned to us under warranty. This is not a problem unique to Optima and other manufacturers have addressed it by simply voiding the warranty on batteries found to be discharged below a certain voltage level. We didn't do that, but we did make this YouTube video, which explains how to recover these batteries.
If you do end up using batteries in a vehicle that are not identical in age, size and type, they need to be properly isolated from each other. The key to long battery life, regardless of brand, is proper voltage maintenance. When any battery is discharged below 12.4 volts and allowed to sit, sulfation will begin to diminish both capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery maintainer or tender an excellent investment for any vehicle that doesn't see daily use.
Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
www.facebook.com/optimabatteries
I do represent Optima, but not in the sense of a traditional vendor, who might start threads promoting their own products or offering special deals or discounts. I don't think locking that thread really benefited Optima, as there were people like Spike, who had unanswered questions or wanted to voice their concerns about our products. I encourage all feedback about our batteries, both good and bad, because it helps us better understand how to address issues our customers and our company is facing. Locking that thread may have also given the appearance to some, that we wanted or asked for it to be locked, which wasn't the case. I've been active on automotive message boards for more than a dozen years, so if I stopped working for Optima, I'd probably still pop in on my favorites and try to help folks, as I have done in the past.
Frankly, I would welcome more corporate participation on message boards, as other battery companies face the same issues and challenges we do, although perhaps not on the same scale, and more voices addressing the same issues will only end up helping more people. Unfortunately, other companies do monitor message boards and they see the tone of some conversations and frankly, it scares many of them. I haven't been doing this work for Optima for two years, but I am constantly approached by “vendors” who pepper me with questions about what I do and how I do it. Ultimately, most realize this is a full-time gig and unless they are able to find the right person (or people) and are willing to commit to hiring them to do this full time, they'd rather continue to lurk and take their lumps.
While some vendors may expect editorial oversight with sponsorship of a board and some sites do offer that (no sponsor-bashing rules), I think Optima has a good understanding of how these communities function and we're not trying to silence anyone with advertising dollars. We print an 800 number (888-8OPTIMA) and our website on every battery we sell, hoping that folks will contact us if they have questions or concerns. What we've found is that many will turn to message board communities, so we want to be available to help them in that forum as well. Frankly, most of what I post regarding proper voltage levels, charging procedures and maintenance techniques is universal information, applicable to all batteries. I'm happy to provide it to people who are using other brands, because even if they never buy one of our batteries, they might end up passing on good advice to someone else who does.
Spike, to answer your previous question (I think), if someone googles the Optima name long enough, they'll find all kinds of information, some of it true, some of it false. Using bold font or italic print doesn't make a false statement true, nor does repeating it over and over again. We simply do not use recycled lead in our batteries, which is standard practice for AGM battery production. I understand folks love conspiracy theories and guys like George Noory make a living giving folks a national stage to present their stories. Just because he gives someone three minutes on air doesn't mean there is any basis of fact behind what they are saying. Optima's parent company has been consistently named one of the most-ethical companies in the world. Their investment in Optima more than ten years ago, their investment in our brand-new production facility, their support of enthusiasts through countless sponsorships and their investment in continual product development has all the makings of a long-term acquisition, not someone looking to make a quick buck off an established name.
Packetstormin, batteries that are physically larger or smaller than typical automotive sizes will tend to have shorter warranty periods for different reasons. Larger batteries are often used in commerical applications or those that see infrequent or seasonal use (boats, RVs, tractors, etc...) and many of those batteries are not properly-maintained when in storage. Battery manufacturers will take the warranty hit for a certain period of time to make customers feel comfortable with their purchases, but most don't want to deal with excessive returns due to what they consider “abusive” applications, even if the abuse is passive over several months and not through active use.
Physically smaller batteries are popular with enthusiasts who are looking to shave weight off their vehicle, but those batteries are also more susceptible to damage from extreme temperatures (both hot and cold), as well as the issues relating to improper storage, if the vehicle isn't a daily driver and that is also reflected in the length of many of their warranties. Cranking amps only need to meet or exceed the specs for the engine. Some folks will shop for the most cranking amps they can find for a deep-cycle application, when they really should be looking at the reserve capacity of batteries designed for deep-cycle use, that also offer enough cranking amps.
YellowTops and BlueTops (except for the 34M) are designed for deep-cycle applications, but they do work better and last longer when they are properly-maintained. When I first started this job, I asked a friend of mine if he charged the batteries on his bass boat as soon soon as he came off the water or if he waited until right before his next fishing trip. He answered, “I'm supposed to charge my batteries?” which helped me understand the basic level I would be starting from for at least a few folks.
I believe I already mentioned it in this thread, but when most folks do have trouble with our batteries, it is when they are deeply-discharged, usually below 10.5 volts. That is because many chargers will not recognize or charge batteries discharged below a minimum voltage threshold. My truck starts every day on one such “dead” YellowTop that was returned to us under warranty. This is not a problem unique to Optima and other manufacturers have addressed it by simply voiding the warranty on batteries found to be discharged below a certain voltage level. We didn't do that, but we did make this YouTube video, which explains how to recover these batteries.
If you do end up using batteries in a vehicle that are not identical in age, size and type, they need to be properly isolated from each other. The key to long battery life, regardless of brand, is proper voltage maintenance. When any battery is discharged below 12.4 volts and allowed to sit, sulfation will begin to diminish both capacity and lifespan. That makes a quality battery maintainer or tender an excellent investment for any vehicle that doesn't see daily use.
Jim McIlvaine
eCare Manager, OPTIMA Batteries, Inc.
www.facebook.com/optimabatteries
Wow. If you don't like Optima batteries, don't buy one. Please keep your whining bitching internet "me too" un-provable blather to yourself. Buy a wonderful Checker Auto (oh wait, O'Reilly?) Heatbeater or whatever they're called. I'm sure they will be happy to sell you one. Kinda like people complaining about a TV show. Pretty sure your TV comes with a channel changing device and a power switch.
Oh and yes, I've owned, and currently do own, three red tops. Replaced the factory battery in the Tacoma 3 days after I bought it. The factory battery was fine. But it wasn't an Optima.
Oh and yes, I've owned, and currently do own, three red tops. Replaced the factory battery in the Tacoma 3 days after I bought it. The factory battery was fine. But it wasn't an Optima.
So I ended up with the interstate Megatron Plus. It has 710 cca and it cost 130 out the door with a 30 month free replacement and 84 month prorated. The lady at the interstate store did keep trying to push the Optimas on me which I thought was odd since its an Interstate store. The Optima has a 3 year replacement warranty and no prorated warranty after that. Interestingly enough she said if an Optima is going to die it will be in the first two years and she if you make it past the 2 year mark you should be good for a long time.
Sears
The RX300 I bought a year and a half ago from from my neighbor had the battery go bad. I remembered that is was a Sears Gold Diehard and had a 3 year free replacement. It was purchased 10/31/09 and the paperwork says 36 month full replacement warranty - 46 months prorated - 100 month total warranty.
So...I get my free battery today (cool!) but the new paperwork says this:
"New warranty period based on original purchase date. 6 months full replacement warranty. 64 month prorated warranty. 70 months total warranty remaning."
All battery warranties I am familiar with have the free replacement warranty period start all over again. I understand that once the Sears batteries once you pay some kind of prorated amount, the full free repalcement period starts over. Just FYI.
The RX300 I bought a year and a half ago from from my neighbor had the battery go bad. I remembered that is was a Sears Gold Diehard and had a 3 year free replacement. It was purchased 10/31/09 and the paperwork says 36 month full replacement warranty - 46 months prorated - 100 month total warranty.
So...I get my free battery today (cool!) but the new paperwork says this:
"New warranty period based on original purchase date. 6 months full replacement warranty. 64 month prorated warranty. 70 months total warranty remaning."
All battery warranties I am familiar with have the free replacement warranty period start all over again. I understand that once the Sears batteries once you pay some kind of prorated amount, the full free repalcement period starts over. Just FYI.
PM1
I've had my Sears PM1 for 2 years now.. replaced after 6 months because of a broken cell!!
they replaced it under warranty no charge, and the rep said it's the first time he'd seen one fail below 3 years, must've been a maufacturind defect he claimed! 
Don't know if it's BS? but anyhow it's got a 5 year full replacement and 7 year pro-rated guarantee so if it fails at 4.9 years I'll be happy to get a new one!
Now 18 months on the replacement fingers crossed for the 4.9 year failure! ;p I guess to early to tell how good the replacement will hold up, but I do like the double posts for the accessories.
I've had my Sears PM1 for 2 years now.. replaced after 6 months because of a broken cell!!
they replaced it under warranty no charge, and the rep said it's the first time he'd seen one fail below 3 years, must've been a maufacturind defect he claimed! Don't know if it's BS? but anyhow it's got a 5 year full replacement and 7 year pro-rated guarantee so if it fails at 4.9 years I'll be happy to get a new one!Now 18 months on the replacement fingers crossed for the 4.9 year failure! ;p I guess to early to tell how good the replacement will hold up, but I do like the double posts for the accessories.
Those Gel PM1's are usually pretty durable from what I hear.
I've had my Sears PM1 for 2 years now.. replaced after 6 months because of a broken cell!!
Now 18 months on the replacement fingers crossed for the 4.9 year failure! ;p I guess to early to tell how good the replacement will hold up, but I do like the double posts for the accessories.
Not true if its a Marine Platinum...you have a 3 years to the day full replacement from day you purchased it. It does not matter how many time Sears replaes it you only get 3 years from the original purchase date! The Marine Platinum does pro-rate at all after the 3 years. After 3 years they are done with you.....
https://forum.ih8mud.com/az-copper-...sears-platinum-do-die-hard-2.html#post6686765 <link to my experience with a POS Sears Marine Platinum battery
.
Do'h
I could swear that it was 5 years!! 
Oh well Maybe I'm getting Alzheimer's in my late 30's :whoops:
I could swear that it was 5 years!! Oh well Maybe I'm getting Alzheimer's in my late 30's :whoops: