Batteries

[tbangert]

Well it seems that just about everything else is covered here, but no info on batteries. I just looked up the Optima yellow top battery and at $215 there has to be a better option. I have read about others having problems with Optima batteries. Primarily I am looking for a deep cycle battery because I plan on having a winch and some auxiliary lighting.

Just looking for other options if there is something better than the Optima.

[The Roadie]

Overland Journal just had a review on batteries in the Fall 2010 issue. I have an older red top Optima built before the recent quality reduction, and need to replace it soon. I was going to go with the OJ recommendation of the Sears DieHard Platinum P4. It has the AGM design we all need for vibration-resistance, and the top terminals good for high current winching.

If you plan to discharge a battery a lot for fridges and lighting, you should also consider a dual battery system like a few of us have. And carry an emergency jump box if you go out solo. I've rescued two vehicles who had run their batteries down by dome light and radio use, both of them over 10 miles from pavement.

Big plug here for the Overland Journal. http://www.overlandjournal.com/

[janesy86]

http://forums.offroadtb.com/viewtopic.php?f=26&t=103&hilit=diehard

A few guys are running these (Diehard)... I would have gotten one had Autozone down the street carried them. I just needed a quick replacement so I could go to work, so just grabbed the best they had at the time.

[TangoBravo]

I have always used diehard and don't have anything bad to say about them, But nothing great either.

[fishsticks]

Diehard Plats are rebranded Odyssey's correct?


While wiring up the mains for the winch, I noticed my battery is leaking slightly from the terminals. It's been 3 years since I replaced it... guess it's time again.


I used sidepost adapters to wire up my winch... They are plenty beefy and I don't really see a reason to switch to top post. What am I missing?

[The Roadie]

1) Yes, they are rebranded Odysseys.

2) The side posts in almost all internal construction, including Optimas, were not rated for 300-500A winch (or maybe stick welding) loads. Only the top terminals are. Recommend checking out the battery literature. This may have changed in the last five years.

[irishboy02]

+1 for Diehard platinum

Im running it and loving it. Not even the slightest hesitation on starts. I had my truck off, system bumpin' (touch screen pioneer with 800w amp a 12" and components in the doors), roof lights on (front and rear) as well as headlights and phone charging and ipod charging for about 35min. As per scangauge this dropped my voltage to ~11.8 and i started right up no problem. Also, it has the top posts which makes jumping other people, as well as the possibility of expansion for winch and other accessories easy.

Cant wait to see cold weather performance.

[Philberto]

Diehard Platinums offer us (IMO) the best value and construction for the money, and the massive warranty doesn't hurt either

[KE7WOX]

+2 for the DieHard Platinum

[fishsticks]

So the P-4 series... (the one that supposedly fits in our truck) is "Temporarily Unavailable"...

[Zero]

that sux, cause ill be looking for a new one soon.

[Trail X]

Another for the platinum. I'm going to get another for the rear.

[irishboy02]

So the P-4 series... (the one that supposedly fits in our truck) is "Temporarily Unavailable"...

Whered you see that? Just call your local sears, they should have them in stock. If not, they can typically have one shipped from another store to their store, or tell you another local one. Also, Kmart stocks them as well so you can give a try there too

[fishsticks]

So the P-4 series... (the one that supposedly fits in our truck) is "Temporarily Unavailable"...

Whered you see that? Just call your local sears, they should have them in stock. If not, they can typically have one shipped from another store to their store, or tell you another local one. Also, Kmart stocks them as well so you can give a try there too

The Sears website.

(Sears and KMart are the same company now BTW)

[irishboy02]

Yes im aware thats why im saying to try both. Kmarts are typically a little more local than sears so im just throwing the options out there

[SteveTB03]

I like optimas I got a yellow top myself. But they are expensive. How much are these plats?

[Trail X]

http://lmgtfy.com/?q=sears+platinum

Around $200.

[SteveTB03]

But why and how are people having problems with their optimas?? I've never had a problem with mine nor have I seen people firsthand have a problem.

I've left mine on while camping in the cold in vegas with headlights on, radio blasting, phones (3) charging for a little over 5 hours and it started my truck right up.

So I'm just curious to see how many people here have had problems with an optima firsthand or anything.

I know around here I've seen a few places that have remanufactured optimas (any color) for 85$ you know new innards old case.

[bartonmd]

But why and how are people having problems with their optimas?? I've never had a problem with mine nor have I seen people firsthand have a problem.

I've left mine on while camping in the cold in vegas with headlights on, radio blasting, phones (3) charging for a little over 5 hours and it started my truck right up.

So I'm just curious to see how many people here have had problems with an optima firsthand or anything.

I know around here I've seen a few places that have remanufactured optimas (any color) for 85$ you know new innards old case.

"es sony guts"

I've heard that the yellow and blue top Optimas are apparently still good...

I ran a buddy's red top optima out of his show car, for a while, when I wasn't sure I was going to keep an S-10 Blazer I had... Ran it for a couple months, and it always cranked slow enough that I figured I had a starter going, because the battery read 12.5V when the vehicle was off... Put a new Duralast in it, and cranked fast... The red top was about a year old...

Mentioned that to the guys at the local Advanced Auto, and they said they have gotten quite a few red tops back since they went big-time and started getting made in Mexico... (though, as of a year or so ago, all Optimas are made in Mexico, so who knows...)

Mike

[bartonmd]

Anybody who's got the Diehard Platinum P-4, how do the top terminals do with the support that goes across the top of the battery, there?

Thanks,
Mike