Battery choices/options for reliability and safety?

Clifford

Clifford

Member
A dead battery alone in the middle of the desert would really be a bummer. Also don't think there is any hope of bump starting an automatic tranny. So I am looking for input on battery choice and/or backups. I saw a silly little battery backup thing at Target but found it hard to believe it would work. I plan on replacing my battery soon- was in the car when I bought it almost 2 years ago and when they fail they just fail- not much if any warning. I have seen some debate over the MEX made Optimas etc. I've no idea other then maybe just replace every 4 years maybe. Your thoughts appreciated-
C

2001 SR5 4x4
 
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i have a yellow top optima. it hurt my bank account alot, but this thing is a beast. I left my headights on for at least 4 hours if not more one day at work, started right up. I hook up water pumps at the cabin with it to shower and 5 other guys will use the pump too. talk about another solid hour of use.

we used to use my dads truck to do the water pump but it always drained his battery. he would have to keep the truck running. I made him a bet my battery wouldnt die, and it didnt.
 
man i've heard nothing but bad news about the Optima's I almost bought one but then heard all the bad reviews on the newer ones.

Im currently using AutoZones Duralast Gold Top battery and so far its been great! I used to have the red top Duralast and it lasted a little over 3 years with 0 problems
 
Optima's have gone way downhill over the last few years, I would no longer recommend one. I went with Costco batteries as they have the best warranty I've found, and no hassles, along with a good price. I'm running 2x 850cca models in mine.
 
Thanks for all the feedback- I will def look for biggest/highest rated I can fit and I think I will look into supplemental options as well. My solo adventures are special and as wise as the advice is to travel with others I know that most of the time it will just be me. I usually think about things like if I could make it out the 50-100 miles on foot or whatever if the truck dies. An emergency mylar "blanket" covered umbrella is a good thing- hiking at night- tools- parts- and most of all food/water/clothing- etc.

Things like this are good idea but the whole made in China thing is actually becoming a concern for me for both quality and basic economics.
http://www.amazon.com/Rally-7471-Portable-Jumpstart-Generator/dp/B002NGCO30

There are others but hmm- heh-
Universal Porta Jump Battery Booster | Overstock.com

Opentip.com: Viatek Mighty Jump Emergency Jump-Starter

emergency jumpstarter - Google Search
 
read through BigFishAllDay's thread. He went over the specs of 5 different batteries.

Personally I have a Yellow Top Optima but I can't really vouch for them since my Red-Top died after 18 months. Also, since I have 200,000 miles I doubt my alternator is performing fully.

:girl:
 
Personally I don't think Optimas have been good for years. Really since interstate bought them out. I haven't tried a recent one, so maybe they have fixed some of the issues.


As far as exploring by yourself... well my solution was this ....

4r01b.jpg


Still have some work to finish up on, and then I'll update my build thread with more info again.
 
Hah- right on. Big ass batt and bye bye air box. Well I did the deck plate mod and thats about as far as I want to go. I do need gas storage and an under the hood compressor would be great for air downs. That is a really good idea though- esp as an old style batt can be maintained and tested.

I could not find the thread mentioned above by BigFishAllDay- I looked- a link would be appreciated.

Stick Figure said:
As far as exploring by yourself... well my solution was this ....
Click to expand...
 
I bought my red top in 2009 and it's been a beast. I shredded the alternator belt in the middle of nowhere, and that red top gave me spark for another hour and a half until I could find a replacement belt. I'm still using it, a year and half later. It rocks.

But I've heard the stories too, and I expect I'll be going with an Odyssey when it's time to replace mine. The Sears Platinum are supposed to be rebadged Odysseys.
 
Talking about batteries, do any of you ran into problems with the battery holder? In mine the bottom tray is some sort of thin plastic, sooo slipery that it looks like teflon material. The top holder is not enough to keep it from moving side to side, so I had to put some nylon fasteners to help... I was wondering if people use some aftermarket battery holder or some sort.
 
Clifford said:
Hah- right on. Big ass batt and bye bye air box. Well I did the deck plate mod and thats about as far as I want to go. I do need gas storage and an under the hood compressor would be great for air downs. That is a really good idea though- esp as an old style batt can be maintained and tested.

I could not find the thread mentioned above by BigFishAllDay- I looked- a link would be appreciated.
Click to expand...

An air box is coming back, but that intake was easy to make to keep it drivable while I finish up the second battery tray and cruise control brackets.
 
I think it is kind of a chance game with optimas. My red top didnt last long at all. Not to sure they are worth the extra money. The one thing i really like about them is that temp doesnt effect them.
 
I have been using an Interstate Mega-Tron battery for the past few years. I honestly have to say that it kicks butt. I would for sure get another again. Probably going to last me another 4-5 years no problem.
 
FWIW, Odyssey Batteries are made by Enersys. Enersys also makes the Diehard Platinum batteries sold at Sears.

According to Enersys, the Diehard Platinum batteries they make for Sears, are just their Odyssey batteries re-badged for Sears.

I recently replaced my 13+ year old yellow top Optima, with a group 34 Diehard Platinum.

The Optima's from the late 90's were highly regarded, and reliable. As my 13+ years of service indicates. Ever since they moved production to Mexico, I've been hearing far too frequent complaints online and from people in person, about how short-lived the Optima's are these days.

For nearly the same cost as a questionable longevity Optima, I went with the re-badged Odyssey, aka the Diehard Platinum.

Sears: Online department store featuring appliances, tools, fitness equipment and more
 
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