best battery (1 Viewer)

[ELW2]

I have an Odyssey 35-PC1400 installed in my FZJ80. Fits great with room to spare, no cable extensions needed, factory hold down clamp functions properly. $240 delivered.

PC1400 - Odyssey batteries

In keeping with the title of the thread, the 'best battery' is the Odyssey 31M-PC2150. $324 delivered. Nice to have the extra stud terminals for easy/clean attachment of accessories.

PC2150 MS Odyssey Battery

For $250 with exchange plus tax, it looks like the Sears Platinum PM-1 - Group Size 31M is a re-brand of the Odyssey 31M-PC2150. Might as well save $75 (minus tax) and get it same day at the local Sears. Makes warranty exchange easier too.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_...e=Batteries+&+Chargers&sName=Marine+Batteries

 

[Filmpros]

A Group 31 does not fit without modification. I had to return the two (2) I purchased for my Dual Battery setup. For a main battery in an OEM Stock Rig, you do not need an Group 31 Size Battery.

If you are running a fridge or accessories that will be often left running, you should go with a dual battery setup.

Okay, I'm slightly confused... Bare with me please... I don't have access to my LC,, or the owners manual for that matter, and I'm making assumptions based on what I have read since I don't remember these things. (They weren't really important until I started on 'MUD!!)

First off, I'm assuming that the stock battery size that is supposed to go into the 1991 FJ80 TLC is a Group 27 from what I've read. When I put my truck into a database search for a compatible battery, It comes up with 34 and 34/78s. If that is the case, I should go with the Odyssey 1500DT / Diehard Platinum P-4 34/78DT, right? (I'm pretty set on Odyssey, and seeing as they make the Platinum, it'll be perfect.)

If the above is the case, why are some of you guys going one step further to the bigger battery? Just more power? How worth it is it to have the bigger batter, in this case the Odyssey 2150 / Diehard Platinum PM-1 Group 31M? I've seen several threads about upping to this battery, but what prompts that? Just increased amounts of power?

I'm looking at doing a Hellroaring dual battery rig with Odyssey / Diehard Platinums, and i'm curious as to what would be the best batteries to attach to that rig. I'm going to be running (at maximum) 6 Lightforce 240's, 2 Hella 550's, a HAM, a CB, and a Warn XD9000. With that I know i'll want a second battery simply as a backup, just in case. So back to my question as to why some of you are bumping up to the 31Ms...

Thanks

Pardon any stupid questions... I'm 7000+ miles from my Land Cruiser and any manuals or documentation.... Anyway, Thanks once again for your help...

 

[Appolyon]

A Group 31 does not fit without modification. I had to return the two (2) I purchased for my Dual Battery setup. For a main battery in an OEM Stock Rig, you do not need an Group 31 Size Battery.

If you are running a fridge or accessories that will be often left running, you should go with a dual battery setup.

I know that it's unnecessary for an OEM rig, but when I get home I'm going to be doing several of the mods mentioned above, and I'm weighing my options. What would be the recommended size then? What about using the Group 31 as the AUX?

 

[Ebag333]

First off, I'm assuming that the stock battery size that is supposed to go into the 1991 FJ80 TLC is a Group 27 from what I've read. When I put my truck into a database search for a compatible battery, It comes up with 34 and 34/78s. If that is the case, I should go with the Odyssey 1500DT / Diehard Platinum P-4 34/78DT, right? (I'm pretty set on Odyssey, and seeing as they make the Platinum, it'll be perfect.)

A group 27 is the OEM size, but a 34 fits just fine. A 34 should be a straight drop in.

If the above is the case, why are some of you guys going one step further to the bigger battery? Just more power? How worth it is it to have the bigger batter, in this case the Odyssey 2150 / Diehard Platinum PM-1 Group 31M? I've seen several threads about upping to this battery, but what prompts that? Just increased amounts of power?

The specs tell the story.

The 31 has quite a bit more power behind it. If you are planning on using your battery to run items while the engine isn't running, that's kinda important.

I'm looking at doing a Hellroaring dual battery rig with Odyssey / Diehard Platinums, and i'm curious as to what would be the best batteries to attach to that rig. I'm going to be running (at maximum) 6 Lightforce 240's, 2 Hella 550's, a HAM, a CB, and a Warn XD9000. With that I know i'll want a second battery simply as a backup, just in case. So back to my question as to why some of you are bumping up to the 31Ms...

Well, that's a heck of a lot of lights.

The HAM and CB aren't that much a power draw, but with that many lights you should consider the PM1 (31M) especially if you will ever be running them with the engine off. You shouldn't ever winch with the power off (or even low RPMs), but the larger battery will be able to take more abuse than the smaller one, meaning if you're winching repeatedly it will last longer.

A Group 31 does not fit without modification. I had to return the two (2) I purchased for my Dual Battery setup. For a main battery in an OEM Stock Rig, you do not need an Group 31 Size Battery.

If you are running a fridge or accessories that will be often left running, you should go with a dual battery setup.

The 31M can fit without modification--I have it in my truck now, straight drop in. It fits much better with a small modification, and that is to trim the sides. Not a big deal to do, and has zero impact on the life or durability of the battery.

You will likely need to fab up a new battery bracket holder, the OEM one won't fit and the standard aftermarket ones won't work as the J hook tie down will hit the hood. That's not a big deal though.

My rig is currently sporting a PM1, and if I were doing an expedition style rig (or running a fridge) then my second battery would also be a PM1. Next time the rig needs a new battery she'll be getting the PM2, but her truck is used pretty much as a street queen.

I know that it's unnecessary for an OEM rig, but when I get home I'm going to be doing several of the mods mentioned above, and I'm weighing my options. What would be the recommended size then? What about using the Group 31 as the AUX?

You aren't really supposed to run mismatched batteries. I've seen people do it without any (apparent) ill effects, but it's not recommended. If you are going to run mismatched batteries then you will want to handle them slightly differently, you won't want them connected all the time. Look at the way that boats run their house (deep cycle) and main (starting) batteries, that's one method to do it. You could also run a switch so that the two batteries are only tied together when you need them to be, and seperated when not.

However if you're already lookiing at the PM-1 and PM-2, I would personally justify the extra $50 and just get two PM-1's. So either dual PM-2's, or dual PM-1's, mixing and matching isn't really worth the $50 savings.

 

[Appolyon]

Okay so...

The specs tell the story.

The 31 has quite a bit more power behind it. If you are planning on using your battery to run items while the engine isn't running, that's kinda important.

Well, that's a heck of a lot of lights.

Ya... That is a worst case/ winning the lottery scenario... I'm probably going to end up going along the lines of the 2 Hellas as my fog lights on the ARB, with 4 Lightforce HID's on the roof... but that's when i can afford to get them... I'm looking heavily at the Lightforce 170 HID's- so instead of 100w each, they're only 35w. That, combined with the brightness of the HID as comparison has me sold....

The HAM and CB aren't that much a power draw, but with that many lights you should consider the PM1 (31M) especially if you will ever be running them with the engine off. You shouldn't ever winch with the power off (or even low RPMs), but the larger battery will be able to take more abuse than the smaller one, meaning if you're winching repeatedly it will last longer.

In another thread it was suggested that if I was broadcasting with the HAM with my battery off, I should install a dual battery system just to be safe....

My rig is currently sporting a PM1, and if I were doing an expedition style rig (or running a fridge) then my second battery would also be a PM1. Next time the rig needs a new battery she'll be getting the PM2, but her truck is used pretty much as a street queen.

So if I went with a single battery and was just really careful about turning lights and the other draining stuff, a single PM1 would be just fine? I shouldn't need to do a dual rig? (except for as a paranoia backup in my case) I really rarely go out and sit with things on and my engine off (except maybe the HAM and CB) Would a mobile battery jumper unit work just as well as the dual battery system?

You aren't really supposed to run mismatched batteries. I've seen people do it without any (apparent) ill effects, but it's not recommended. If you are going to run mismatched batteries then you will want to handle them slightly differently, you won't want them connected all the time. Look at the way that boats run their house (deep cycle) and main (starting) batteries, that's one method to do it. You could also run a switch so that the two batteries are only tied together when you need them to be, and separated when not.

However if you're already lookiing at the PM-1 and PM-2, I would personally justify the extra $50 and just get two PM-1's. So either dual PM-2's, or dual PM-1's, mixing and matching isn't really worth the $50 savings.

Ya... Not sure if it's worth the extra 75 pounds and $250 for a second monster battery... I'm exploring options right now, but this is intriguing to learn about.... Kind of a lapse in my education area... and if a second battery isn't necessary, then a Hellroaring rig wouldn't be necessary....

[Begin Off Topic Question (it's slightly battery related)]
I know it's off topic, but if I went with a Hellroaring rig, would I have to have matched batteries? I am still not sure on the technical aspect, but if I understand correctly, they are separated from each other unless you use a remote relay to connect them. In that case, I could use a smaller (lighter and cheaper) battery as a backup only. Is that correct?
[End Off Topic Question]

 

[Ebag333]

So if I went with a single battery and was just really careful about turning lights and the other draining stuff, a single PM1 would be just fine? I shouldn't need to do a dual rig? (except for as a paranoia backup in my case) I really rarely go out and sit with things on and my engine off (except maybe the HAM and CB) Would a mobile battery jumper unit work just as well as the dual battery system?

You would probably be fine. A jumper unit doesn't have the power to match to a PM-1 or PM-2, but it would help you get by.

[Begin Off Topic Question (it's slightly battery related)]
I know it's off topic, but if I went with a Hellroaring rig, would I have to have matched batteries? I am still not sure on the technical aspect, but if I understand correctly, they are separated from each other unless you use a remote relay to connect them. In that case, I could use a smaller (lighter and cheaper) battery as a backup only. Is that correct?
[End Off Topic Question]

That is correct.

 

[Dave 2000]

Twin yellow Optima's, one for normal running and the other for winching/fridge/radio/cooling fan ect. Now into three years and ZERO problems, would also like to add that I live in southern spain and 40+ C is not uncommon, car is used 7 days a week.

regards

Dave

 

[Rambrush]

Also a thought is 2 odyssey 1200's can fit sideways in the same space provided for a 27 series.

 

[Pin_Head]

In 40 years of driving, I have never had a battery that I was unhappy with and I have had all kinds. Sears, Delco, Autolite Pep Boys, Kirkland, Optima. Some just lasted a bit longer than others. They are all good.

Flip a coin.

 

[Atoyot1031]

I had another Optima crap out on me (I had two in years past that died in my minitruck).

I decided to go with an Interstate 31P-MHD.

Here's the specs:
Product ID:31P-MHD(Commercial)Amps:1190Cranking Amps:1190Cold Cranking Amps:950Voltage:12Termination:AWeight:60Width:6.75Length:13Height:9.38

Plus 190 reserve minutes. It cost me $100. It fit like the Diehards. It was tight, but I didn't have to trim anything so long as I installed it by putting the DS down first and angling it in. Like a glove.

Besides, I told the it was gonna cost about $250 having read about the Diehards, so I look like a hero. Now my windows are supercharged as well as my engine.