Odyssey PC1700 battery

[Greg B]

So, you're saying my idea is ghetto huh? Fine then be that way!

I could probably get one of those distribution blocks that split the power to four different accessories. Then attach the power wire from the dist. block to the bolt on top of the post. Should be a little more elegant method.

 

[calamaridog]

I was very diplomatic

 

[justimaginejack]

Newbie Question. What is the benefit of having this specific battery and since I am still learning, I see alot of the more experianced guys with dual setup's What are the pro's and con's of each. and How much of what ever do I need to run a HD Winch, Light rack and fridge???

 

[Augie]

The Odyssey are supposed a combination deep cycle and starting battery. You could not get both with regular automotive battery. Odyssey are designed to withstand a lot harsher condition like high vibration, extreme low or high temp and extended high current use.

My reason for getting it are just because I am very disappointed with Toyota True start replacement battery. They just does not seem well made. The casing are really thin and flex a lot when I handle it.

For most people the regular car battery would be fine. Its the same as logic as corolla would be fine for most of our use but we get Land Cruiser instead.

 

[spressomon]

A couple different battery decision strategies:

Big enemies of batteries: Extreme temperatures; intense draw down cycles; vibration; age.

1: Utilize more advanced designed batteries (Optima, Orbital, Lifeline, Odyssey).

Hopefully these types of batteries will last alot longer than typical batteries...at $175++ each they had better...but still no guarantee you will get say 5+years out of one; typically not available everywhere...so if you need to exercise the warranty this may (or may not) be an issue.

2: Utilize a good readily available battery and replace it every 12-36 months.

The benefits for some with #2: Always having a relatively fresh battery that more than likely won't fail during it's relatively short period of usage (12-24 months); easily warrantied IF a problem occurs (buy at Walmart, AutoZone, PepBoys, etc.); these types of batteries are generally in the $50-$75ish range; over a say 5-year period you'll spend about the same or less than one of the #1 batteries and probably have a more reliable battery experience.

Now...if you truly spend alot of time upside down in your rig then maybe a battery type from #1 is better .

Just my $.02.

 

[Jim_Chow]

I'd rather have a battery I know will last 4+ yrs than one that might fail any given year. If that were the case, I'd never have the confidence to take a road trip w/o bringing a spare battery, so in that sense, you've diminished the "reliability" of the 100. Just view the $200 for a quality battery as one of the expenses in having the priveledge of driving a 100.

 

[spressomon]

I'd rather have a battery I know will last 4+ yrs than one that might fail any given year. If that were the case, I'd never have the confidence to take a road trip w/o bringing a spare battery, so in that sense, you've diminished the "reliability" of the 100. Just view the $200 for a quality battery as one of the expenses in having the priveledge of driving a 100.

FYI: I had an Orbital DC battery that had to be warrantied after 8-months of use. I know a few guys that have had Optima's go south less than 1/2 way through their warranty period. The point is spending several times more doesn't necessarily guarantee a batteries longevity. And if you are on the road somewhere when it needs to be replaced having a national dealer available for exchange might be a benefit to some. And the Odysesy, when I checked for my 100, were closer to $300 each.

 

[SWUtah]

I would think a good interstate battery would serve most owners that just DD their LC/LX's, plus they should last 4-5 years.

 

[dclee]

FYI: I had an Orbital DC battery that had to be warrantied after 8-months of use. I know a few guys that have had Optima's go south less than 1/2 way through their warranty period. The point is spending several times more doesn't necessarily guarantee a batteries longevity. And if you are on the road somewhere when it needs to be replaced having a national dealer available for exchange might be a benefit to some. And the Odysesy, when I checked for my 100, were closer to $300 each.

I paid $125 for a PC1200 on the 80 Series. But I do agree that more money doesn't always equal longevity, however I think that is more defined by manufacturer. I've had everything, and agree with Jim, in general you get what you pay for, though there are exceptions for certain makes. So far I have had two Optima Red Tops go bad, one within a single year of purchase, both within the warranty period. Third one has so far held up, but I only use it in the backup starting position, so it doesn't see much use (but gets fully charged by the alternator so it doesn't go bad). BTW, the other two Optimas were also used in the same position. Odyssey batteries, on the other hand, have never failed me. Also, if you will do a lot of camping with a fridge and camp lights and who-knows-what-else hooked up overnight, or over several nights, then you want a high quality AGM or similar battery, not a standard lead acid from Sears.

As for being able to get a quick replacement on the road, well, I guess that's why I love my Hellroaring dual batt system. Flip a switch, go to the backup battery, and keep driving until you get a chance to replace the bad one!

My $0.02,

 

[Greg B]

I paid right around $200 for my PC1700. It went bad after about 8 months due to a bad Negative post. I haven't been able to find my reciept so at this point, I'm screwed. I guess that'll teach me to be more careful with my reciepts.

I've been considering a dual battery system. I will probably continue to use a starting type battery and when I add the dual battery system, I'll add an Optima yellow top.

 

[dclee]

I paid right around $200 for my PC1700. It went bad after about 8 months due to a bad Negative post. I haven't been able to find my reciept so at this point, I'm screwed. I guess that'll teach me to be more careful with my reciepts.

That sucks Greg. That's the first report I've heard of an Odyssey going bad, but I guess nobody's perfect!

Good luck!

 

[Augie]

Greg,

Didn't you get it from the same place as I was? Did you save the email from them? I don't think I get the paper receipt since they ship from different location.

 

[hoser]

That sucks Greg. That's the first report I've heard of an Odyssey going bad, but I guess nobody's perfect!

Good luck!

I had an odyssey battery that went bad too but I think I may have overdischarged it--just sitting too long. They replaced it without hassle. I would buy again.

As for the warranty, I bought mine online and they already had records of my purchase. No receipt necessary.

Edit: I've killed two Odyssey batteries. I had a Black Panther battery which is a rebadged Odyssey. Died the same way. Out of warranty on this one though.

 

[DMX84]

Here is a picture of my install. If interested you can search for a full write up.
DMX

 

[Jim_Chow]

Warranty on the Optima red top (7 yrs prorated) is far better than on the Odyssey (2 yrs). I'll keep my fingers crossed. FYI, I paid $198 + $25 shipping to AZ two weeks ago from West Coast Batteries in CA for the PC1700MJT. Everywhere else was more.

For the install, I took one 1/2" 5-ply sheet of exterior plywood cut to the length & width of the battery, then cut 1/4" deep slots near either end. The slots then fit over the lips of the plastic OEM tray so it doesn't slide around. I then took a second sheet of 1/2" ply cut the same size and glued it to the first w/ tight-bond waterproof wood glue (weight of the battery keeps the wood together while it sets), so a total of 1" of shim on the bottom. For the top pieces, I used left over 9/16" thick MDF baseboards and beveled the sides 1.5 degrees to exactly fit the channels and flush with the top. It's a perfect fit, rock solid and won't budge. Just remember you need to shim the battery 1" total in height. You could probably ditch the plastic tray, but by cutting the channels in the wood and using the plastic tray, it prevents the plywood from sliding.

 

[97 FZJ80]

Thanks John,
I am going to try Bateries are us $179.95 + $5 fuel surcharge.

I would be careful of this vender. In the miataforum, this vender has a very bad reputation of charging the CC and not shipping the battery.

 

[calamaridog]

Jim, I've had very good customer service from West Coast Batteries in Corona, CA and I hope you do to. They are one of the largest Odyssey dealers in the country. They have good prices and resonable shipping. They also have a great website with specs and information on the Odyssey batteries.

www.odysseybatteries.com


The Odyssey warranty is as follows:

WARRANTY: 2 - year full & 3 - year full Replacement

ODYSSEY® Batteries of Hawker Energy Products Inc. (Seller), warrants its batteries to be free of defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is effective for 2 years in motorcycle, personal watercraft, ATV, snowmobiles and 3 years in automotive / commercial / industrial (red case only) from the date of purchase with original receipt, 2 & 3 years respective from manufacturer’s shipping date if no original receipt is available. Within the warranty period, the battery will be replaced free of charge if adjustment is necessary due to defect in material or workmanship (not merely discharged). Simply return the battery to any authorized ODYSSEY® dealer with the original receipt for a replacement.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Seller has no obligation under the limited warranty set forth above in the event the battery is damaged or destroyed as a result of:
willful abuse or neglect or if the top decorative cover has been removed.
· natural forces such as wind, lightning, hail; damage due to fire, collision, explosion, vandalism, theft, penetration or opening of the battery case in any manner.
· overcharging, undercharging, charging or installing in reverse polarity, improper maintenance, allowing the battery to be deeply discharged via a parasitic load or mishandling of the battery such as but not limited to using the terminals for lifting or carrying the battery.
· failure to properly install the battery, lack of metal jacket for high temperature or vibration applications.
· normal deterioration in the electrical qualities or the acceleration of such deterioration due to conditions that accelerate such deterioration.
· if the battery is used for an application that requires higher cranking power or a greater reserve rating than the battery is designed to deliver or the battery capacity is less than the battery capacity specified by the vehicle manufacturer or the battery is otherwise used in applications for which it was not designed.

To Obtain Warranty Service:
1. Return battery to any authorized ODYSSEY wholesaler or dealer.
2. If the battery is determined to be defective for material or workmanship under terms of this warranty, it will be replaced.

 

[DMX84]

Jim, I've had very good customer service from West Coast Batteries in Corona, CA and I hope you do to. They are one of the largest Odyssey dealers in the country. They have good prices and resonable shipping. They also have a great website with specs and information on the Odyssey batteries.

www.odysseybatteries.com


The Odyssey warranty is as follows:

WARRANTY: 2 - year full & 3 - year full Replacement

ODYSSEY® Batteries of Hawker Energy Products Inc. (Seller), warrants its batteries to be free of defects in material and workmanship. This warranty is effective for 2 years in motorcycle, personal watercraft, ATV, snowmobiles and 3 years in automotive / commercial / industrial (red case only) from the date of purchase with original receipt, 2 & 3 years respective from manufacturer’s shipping date if no original receipt is available. Within the warranty period, the battery will be replaced free of charge if adjustment is necessary due to defect in material or workmanship (not merely discharged). Simply return the battery to any authorized ODYSSEY® dealer with the original receipt for a replacement.

GENERAL PROVISIONS

Seller has no obligation under the limited warranty set forth above in the event the battery is damaged or destroyed as a result of:
willful abuse or neglect or if the top decorative cover has been removed.
· natural forces such as wind, lightning, hail; damage due to fire, collision, explosion, vandalism, theft, penetration or opening of the battery case in any manner.
· overcharging, undercharging, charging or installing in reverse polarity, improper maintenance, allowing the battery to be deeply discharged via a parasitic load or mishandling of the battery such as but not limited to using the terminals for lifting or carrying the battery.
· failure to properly install the battery, lack of metal jacket for high temperature or vibration applications.
· normal deterioration in the electrical qualities or the acceleration of such deterioration due to conditions that accelerate such deterioration.
· if the battery is used for an application that requires higher cranking power or a greater reserve rating than the battery is designed to deliver or the battery capacity is less than the battery capacity specified by the vehicle manufacturer or the battery is otherwise used in applications for which it was not designed.

To Obtain Warranty Service:
1. Return battery to any authorized ODYSSEY wholesaler or dealer.
2. If the battery is determined to be defective for material or workmanship under terms of this warranty, it will be replaced.

+1 for odysseybatteries.com. That's where I got mine.

 

[dfmorse]

Greg;

This doesn't apply directly to ur situation; but is an example of a dual odyssey [small batts] that fit in the stock batt location. I've run this as an experiment since 2001.

http://homepage.mac.com/dfmorse/BattProj2/page1.html

...

 

[Jim_Chow]

One can fit dual PC1200's in place of the OEM battery, but you need a custom battery tray/hold down. I'm surprised Slee doesn't offer one.