I remember a conversation about batteries - there are some alternatives to Optimas that are the same battery but cheaper, but then somebody else said maybe gel cells are overrated... Opinions?
Optima etc. Batteries
- Thread starter SteveLCetc
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i have the NAPA "Orbital" verson that was a bit cheaper. just don't let it go completely dead or it's ruined.
Juane has used the Odyssey brand. I think they are a similar construction to the Optimas, but if I recall, they are more expensive than Optimas, not cheaper. But, their advantage is that they pack a lot of power into a very small size. I think you could even fit two Odyssey batteries into the space that one "normal" Cruiser battery would occupy. Check out their website for more info.
I ran an Optima red top for two years in my 80. One night, a door didn't get closed all the way and the dome light was on overnight. That was enough to kill the battery. I was able to jump it, but when I had the battery checked out, it was shot. I'm back to a big traditional lead acid battery - an Interstate Mega-Tron Plus with an 84 month warranty. I've had it about a year with no issues.
I ran an Optima red top for two years in my 80. One night, a door didn't get closed all the way and the dome light was on overnight. That was enough to kill the battery. I was able to jump it, but when I had the battery checked out, it was shot. I'm back to a big traditional lead acid battery - an Interstate Mega-Tron Plus with an 84 month warranty. I've had it about a year with no issues.
If you go Optima, get a yellow top. For the most part the red tops can't handle a deep discharge. I do have a 7 year old Optima red that sat in the backyard for two years. I trickle charged it and it's held the charge. It's currently sitting in da'40.
Odyssey is NOT cheap. IIRC the Odyssey is a dry cell, and the Optima is a gel cell. Looking at the specs for Odyssey is deceiving. For the size I don't think they pack more punch. I have a 925 as my aux battery in the 4Runner. In a pinch I might consider using it to start the truck, but with little 6mm terminals I would have to be stuck in Baja on a beach someplace, and desperate. It's listed at 925 cranking amps (for only 5 seconds), but has a CCA of ONLY 380amps. Try starting your 1FZ with that.
They have bigger batteries, of course. I considered the PC1500DT (group 34/78) for the 4Runner (CCA=825A), but it costs $250. Maybe when my Optima red dies I'll think about it.
Odyssey is NOT cheap. IIRC the Odyssey is a dry cell, and the Optima is a gel cell. Looking at the specs for Odyssey is deceiving. For the size I don't think they pack more punch. I have a 925 as my aux battery in the 4Runner. In a pinch I might consider using it to start the truck, but with little 6mm terminals I would have to be stuck in Baja on a beach someplace, and desperate. It's listed at 925 cranking amps (for only 5 seconds), but has a CCA of ONLY 380amps. Try starting your 1FZ with that.
They have bigger batteries, of course. I considered the PC1500DT (group 34/78) for the 4Runner (CCA=825A), but it costs $250. Maybe when my Optima red dies I'll think about it.
I'm running 2 optima blues. Exact same specs as the yellow just different post config and has an extra post. The blues are sometimes cheaper thant he yellow if the posts work for you. I got them because I planned to run them down on occasion and needed a deep cycle.
1 year on mine and no probs with a number of full discharges, flip my switch, run the truck, flip the switch back, isolated battery works fine.
G
1 year on mine and no probs with a number of full discharges, flip my switch, run the truck, flip the switch back, isolated battery works fine.
G
Yes, I've got an Odyssey in the 80. Had two Black Panthers (predecessor to the Odyssey) in the 60.
Never had a lick of trouble. Like Evan says, very compact and you can mount them sideways or upside down if you want.
Lovely batteries.
juane
Never had a lick of trouble. Like Evan says, very compact and you can mount them sideways or upside down if you want.
Lovely batteries.
juane
Dome light left on is a similar a similar story for me. The only difference for me is cause someone picked the lock on my 4Runner to try to steal my radio. I did not notice it for about two days, but the red top charged back up and is still doing fine. Funny thing is the pry marks around the stereo, but if that jack a** can pick a lock and not read up that if only pull out the ash try and unscrew one screw???? It still cost me a new radio cause he kept the face plate. Oh well, lesson learned.
Rudy
Are you thinking Mor-co Battery? If so, I think they moved.
Maybe, I remember they had a fence with gate and it was close to the Harwood.
I had two red tops, and one yellow top battery for my FJ; all died, even with a new wiring harness.
I decided to go with a Interstate and havne't had a problem since. Optima Batteries seem to be better for later model vehicles that have good grounding thorughout the electrical system.
I decided to go with a Interstate and havne't had a problem since. Optima Batteries seem to be better for later model vehicles that have good grounding thorughout the electrical system.
alia176
SILVER Star
My ONLY reason for going with AGM batteries is the corrosion caused by leakage. Wet cell batteries wreaked havoc on the paint job around the battery trays so I switched to the AGM batts. IMHO, they're not worth the money they ask for and will probably go back to the traditional wet cell batts once these die.
With that said, if I were to have limited space for a single battery only and my power consumption is huge, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to go with the Odyssey 2150 mondo battery from hell. Sure, you get a hernia lifting this bad boy but it'll be the only battery you'll need for a long time (design life 12 years).
PC2150 S and PC2150 T - Odyssey batteries
With that said, if I were to have limited space for a single battery only and my power consumption is huge, I wouldn't hesitate for a moment to go with the Odyssey 2150 mondo battery from hell. Sure, you get a hernia lifting this bad boy but it'll be the only battery you'll need for a long time (design life 12 years).
PC2150 S and PC2150 T - Odyssey batteries
- Thread starter
- #13
I Went down to Mor-Co Batteries and bought a group 24 Interstate Mega Tron "blem" for $35. They have indeed moved - they're on 1st street about one block south of !-40.
That's a bargain - I'll have to keep that in mind next time I'm in the market for a battery.
alia176
SILVER Star
Ditto, I'll do the same when it's time to upgrade. Let me just make a note to ask Steve in about two years.....
alia176
SILVER Star
I was at Mor-Co batteries yesterday and they have a boat load of wet cell batts and a Red top for $50 with 2yr warr. FYI.
I get all my beater batteries from there. $20 - $30 with 1 year replacement for their 'blems' or 'seconds'. I figure they'll probably last at least a couple years and costs 1/4 the price of a new one.
anyone passed by Mor-co lately? I want to get a larger capacity battery for my trailer
