Battery thoughts

[ROLAND1955]

Hello everyone, wanted to pick your brain about something. It is about time for me to replace the battery in my 2010 4 runner. It currently has an Interstate MTP-24f. Battery is now 5 years old.. Of course I'll test it before replacing it but I wanted to get your opinions just in case I do need to replace it. I have considered getting an AGM battery but two things have made me wonder if it's the right move.. one is I've read that agm batteries don't always get along well with the vehicles charging system.. Can any of you tell me if this is true or not. And the second thing is the price.. With the agm I could get a 4 year free replacement battery, but for the cost of the agm, I could almost buy two interstate mtp 24F batteries. But I've also read that AGM batteries handle the heat ( I live in Louisiana ) much better than wet cell batteries. Anyone know if that's true? Also, one other battery I've considered is the Deka 724 fmf.. Made in america, but not quite as strong as the Interstate.. My thinking is if it aint broke don't fix it - get another interstate.. but since it's something you only replace every 4 or 5 years I like to hear what others think since battery technology is changing all the time. appreciate your input.. Thanks in advance.

Roland

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Get an Odyssey AGM, they handle our charging system just fine, those rumors have been debunked by Odyssey. I was an optima guy for 15 years, but after putting the Odyssey in my 4Runner I'll never go back

 

[jhguth]

Get an Odyssey AGM, they handle our charging system just fine, those rumors have been debunked by Odyssey. I was an optima guy for 15 years, but after putting the Odyssey in my 4Runner I'll never go back

they haven't been debunked by oddyssey, oddysey's warranty is voided because the 4runner doesn't provide the voltage required explicitly in the warranty

 

[mteolus]

If your Interstate battery lasted 5 years, that is excellent, why not get another one?

 

[SlickTRD]

If you are not using the battery outside of normal parameters then stick with a lead-acid battery. If you need deep cycle purposes then get a agm battery and pair it with a voltage diode.

 

[ROLAND1955]

That is more than likely what I'm going to do.. like i said earlier, if it aint broke, don't fix it. Yes, 5 years old and still cranking like she was brand new, which is pretty good down here in this louisiana heat.

 

[ROLAND1955]

If your Interstate battery lasted 5 years, that is excellent, why not get another one?

That is probably what I'm going to do.. I was kind of torn between the interstate and the deka.. Deka batteries are american made, and supposed to be top of the line.. however I bought a marine battery from them two years ago and the damn thing wouldn't crank after one season, and this even though I had it on a battery tender in my shop all winter... The ISB MTP-24f has been good for me so far.. 5 years old and cranks like it was brand new... I can get a new one for less than 130 bucks out the door... Even if it tests okay I may still go ahead and get a new one... 60 months on the old battery in this terrible heat in Louisiana takes it's toll on a battery.. thanks guys for the comments. I appreciate it.

 

[Space King]

Deep deep thoughts indeed...

 

[<<<<]

If you do any off-road driving then AGM is far superior battery. I'm using Northstar but any brand AGM should do fine.

 

[MossJenks]

If you do any off-road driving then AGM is far superior battery.

Theoretically this is true, but I've been off-roading for over 30 years and have never actually had a problem with a conventional battery. Never had someone in my group have a problem either though I've certainly heard a couple of stories.

Not a bad idea at all to replace batteries as a matter of routine. 5 years is a good long life - you got your $120 out of it.

 

[Captsolo]

Many batteries

I've had dozens of 12 volt batteries - mostly in my boat with three F225 Yamahas (12 years old). I replace all 4 (boat) batteries every 4 years regardless of anything else, as that is about the life expectancy of a good battery IMO.

For the boat the battery has to say "Marine" on it - or don't buy it for that application.

I use a good deka or interstate (or anything the battery people recommend) in my car . doesn't have to be big brand names any more. I have 2005 4runner purchased new. Can't recall what type battery came with 4runner.

Battery&Tyre here in Nassau sell most batteries.

A battery lasts 4 years - then throw away.

 

[AMLOR]

just to muddy the water...

Theoretically this is true, but I've been off-roading for over 30 years and have never actually had a problem with a conventional battery. Never had someone in my group have a problem either though I've certainly heard a couple of stories.

Not a bad idea at all to replace batteries as a matter of routine. 5 years is a good long life - you got your $120 out of it.

I use a combination of the regular lead acid (Duralast Gold 750cca) as the main battery. It will have NO issues dealing with the Toyota smart (ass) alternator. In addition to it being the power battery for the winch.

I also run an AMG (X2 930cca/195ah) marine as my auxiliary battery.
I get that not everyone wants/needs to do this and without a switch or a DCDC charge unit the AGM, pared with a Lead Acid will not ever reach full charge, thanks to Toyota's better ideas. The auxiliary powers pretty much all other accessories, LED lights, fridge (future) etc.
Long story short, nothing wrong with a quality lead acid battery.
Good luck!

 

[mrblah]

If you drain your conventional lead acid battery in the middle of nowhere u r screwed. I’ll take any agm battery any day of the week for peace of mind, at least it’s jumpable when u need to.

 

[MossJenks]

If you drain your conventional lead acid battery in the middle of nowhere u r screwed. I’ll take any agm battery any day of the week for peace of mind, at least it’s jumpable when u need to.

Had to think about this for a little while before I realized it was a joke - drier than James Bond's martini, sir! Well played. AGM marketing comes up with some real whoppers, that's for sure!

 

[jhguth]

If you drain your conventional lead acid battery in the middle of nowhere u r screwed. I’ll take any agm battery any day of the week for peace of mind, at least it’s jumpable when u need to.

just buy a lithium jump pack to carry

 

[<<<<]

I had 3 y/old lead acid (DieHard) working perfectly in the morning and then Sudden death in afternoon. Bent or melted plates likely. I've no idea why it had no signs of weakness or going bad instead it just died. Old tech and bad brand I guess.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

they haven't been debunked by oddyssey, oddysey's warranty is voided because the 4runner doesn't provide the voltage required explicitly in the warranty

Here we go again. This subject has been beat to death on this forum. I asked Oddysey about these discussions on the forum and they told me not to overthink the voltage. They said they have no warranty issues with our 4runners and the slightly lower voltage is not a warranty issue with them. Mine has been in 2.5 years with zero issue and no voltage modifications.

 

[jhguth]

Here we go again. This subject has been beat to death on this forum. I asked Oddysey about these discussions on the forum and they told me not to overthink the voltage. They said they have no warranty issues with our 4runners and the slightly lower voltage is not a warranty issue with them. Mine has been in 2.5 years with zero issue and no voltage modifications.

Read your warranty

 

[MossJenks]

From the Oddysey warranty:

"For applications where an alternator is present, the alternator must deliver between 14.0V and 14.7V when measured at the Battery’s
terminals. Consult the ODYSSEY battery technical manual or owner’s manual for any necessary temperature compensation.
Alternators that do not have a regulated charge between 14.0V and 14.7V (no lower than 14.0V and no higher than 14.7V) will cause
early failure of the Battery. Use of such alternators with the Battery will also void the Battery’s warranty."

Toyota specs for the stock alternator is 13.2V to 14.8V. They typically run right around 13.8V which is the industry standard.

Maybe they don't really care but if what you're buying is a warranty then you might think twice. Personally when I buy a battery I'm looking to buy a battery, not a warranty so I just buy a good quality conventional battery and don't worry about it. Only battery I've ever had fail prematurely in over 30 years of driving was an Optima AGM.

 

[mrblah]

Had to think about this for a little while before I realized it was a joke - drier than James Bond's martini, sir! Well played. AGM marketing comes up with some real whoppers, that's for sure!

Believe what u want