Replacment Battery

[Chomondely]

2010 Limited, stock, only recharge cell phone and GPS. 86,000 miles.

I want to replace the battery before this winter.
I am considering the Optima Red Top or the Sears Die Hard Platnum.

I actually go off the road so I am looking for a gell battery.
Thoughts?
Experiance with either one?
Thanks,
Chomondely

 

[thebwlife]

I think a gel battery is overkill for your needs. They typically don't have as good of a warranty as a quality top tier lead acid battery. I've owned optima batteries (yellow/red) and have had mixed results with both.

I would recommend something equivilant to a Duralast Gold. But if your dead set on a AGM battery just take your pick of the two you've listed above.

For me - I always plan on what would happen if it went bad while I'm out of town. Not many sears around so I'd eliminate that one. Optima can be bought all over the place. I'd prefer a 27 group gold from autozone cause the stores are all over and easy to swap out if something goes wrong with it.

 

[Stifler]

diehard platinum/odyssey FTW

I had a red top explode under the hood of my jeep that was enough to keep me away from optima

 

[vicpick58]

My last two Duralast Gold batteries only lasted a couple years each. Of course the first one was replaced free, but the replacement failed after two years as well (group 65 in a Grand Cherokee).

I am thinking about an Odyssey battery for the 4Runner when the time comes. Odyssey Batteries

I have had fairly good luck with Costco batteries too.

 

[phillyd2]

I think a gel battery is overkill for your needs.

No such think as overkill when it comes to batteries. Get the best you can afford and will fit. If it takes a extra month to save a few more bucks to buy better, do so.

 

[thebwlife]

diehard platinum/odyssey FTW

I had a red top explode under the hood of my jeep that was enough to keep me away from optima

I've had a couple optima battery's explode also. I've handled almost every major brand after working in part sales for 7 years (through HS and college). AGM batteries a great for vibration and mounting options but as a general battery for "normal" use my sampling shows they really don't hold up much better than a normal battery especially when you factor in they cost about double.

Batteries last about 3 years in my climate cause it's 5-110 deg range.

 

[Stifler]

while I agree for the most part the CCAs on the die hard, dual batt posts and warranty make it a worthwhile purchase IMO

 

[Chomondely]

2010 Limited, stock, only recharge cell phone and GPS. 86,000 miles.

I want to replace the battery before this winter.
I am considering the Optima Red Top or the Sears Die Hard Platnum.

I actually go off the road so I am looking for a gell battery.
Thoughts?
Experiance with either one?
Thanks,
Chomondely

Thanks for your thoughts. I had not heard about the problems witht he Optima.
The Platnum shows a 4 year free replacement warranty from Sears so I think I will go that route.

 

[eddiebx]

I've had a couple optima battery's explode also. I've handled almost every major brand after working in part sales for 7 years (through HS and college). AGM batteries a great for vibration and mounting options but as a general battery for "normal" use my sampling shows they really don't hold up much better than a normal battery especially when you factor in they cost about double.

Batteries last about 3 years in my climate cause it's 5-110 deg range.

I don't mean this offensively but, do you have any actual experience with how the Odyssey/Diehard Platinums hold up in your climate? I would imagine that they would last longer than a conventional lead acid battery seeing as they have a 4 year free replacement warranty, but of course real world operating conditions are not always idea.

In my experience I've noticed that the Optima battery quality seems to have taken a turn for the worse, and are not the top notch battery the used to be 10 years ago. Certainly won't be buying those anymore. I've since hopped on the Diehard Platinum bandwagon, lol.

 

[The Waco Kid]

Thanks for your thoughts. I had not heard about the problems witht he Optima.
The Platnum shows a 4 year free replacement warranty from Sears so I think I will go that route.

I live in Houston and use the die hard (although not in a 4runner...yet). Haven't had any issues.
They've last me about 3 years as well, like mentioned above. The heat is the killer down here.

 

[phillyd2]

dual batt posts

Just be careful how you wire using them. If it's too extensive and need to replace the battery when out and about where you can only fine the standard type, you may be in some serious trouble rewiring everything.

Keep it simple and leave the extra posts as unmolested as possible. I only have battery charger / solar leads on mine.

 

[thebwlife]

I don't mean this offensively but, do you have any actual experience with how the Odyssey/Diehard Platinums hold up in your climate? I would imagine that they would last longer than a conventional lead acid battery seeing as they have a 4 year free replacement warranty, but of course real world operating conditions are not always idea.

In my experience I've noticed that the Optima battery quality seems to have taken a turn for the worse, and are not the top notch battery the used to be 10 years ago. Certainly won't be buying those anymore. I've since hopped on the Diehard Platinum bandwagon, lol.

Odyssey/DH Platinum -no because they we're not very popular 10 years ago when I worked in parts. Your welcome to believe what you want but through my experience I've seen Optima (really the only ones that were popular at the time) last 1 year or 10, but the same with regular batteries. When they would blow up was typically due to the voltage regulator went bad in the alternator.

For me there are not many sears around here that's why I would steer clear of them. There are tons of AutoZones (I worked at one from 1999-2006), which has a similar platinum level AGM battery that is probably the same as the sears one. But I would rather have the 30% increase in reserve hours of the 27 group gold than a minimal increase in CCA's.

Do what ever you want, it's your truck. The OP came on here asking for opinions - I've now given mine.

 

[eddiebx]

Odyssey/DH Platinum -no because they we're not very popular 10 years ago when I worked in parts. Your welcome to believe what you want but through my experience I've seen Optima (really the only ones that were popular at the time) last 1 year or 10, but the same with regular batteries. When they would blow up was typically due to the voltage regulator went bad in the alternator.

For me there are not many sears around here that's why I would steer clear of them. There are tons of AutoZones (I worked at one from 1999-2006), which has a similar platinum level AGM battery that is probably the same as the sears one. But I would rather have the 30% increase in reserve hours of the 27 group gold than a minimal increase in CCA's.

Do what ever you want, it's your truck. The OP came on here asking for opinions - I've now given mine.

I did not mean for it to come off as me attacking your opinion. I was merely curiously if you knew how those handled in your hotter climates. Fortunately for me, I'm in a mild area so I don't have to deal with either extremes.

It's actually quite interesting to read about how people in different geographical regions deal with things as simple as even a truck battery. FWIW, I completely agree with you that if they all crap out in 3-4 years there's really no sense in spending extra $$ since it seems like you would really benefit more from a fresh new battery replacement in shorter intervals than a more "durable" battery so to speak. :cheers:

 

[thebwlife]

It's actually quite interesting to read about how people in different geographical regions deal with things as simple as even a truck battery. FWIW, I completely agree with you that if they all crap out in 3-4 years there's really no sense in spending extra $$ since it seems like you would really benefit more from a fresh new battery replacement in shorter intervals than a more "durable" battery so to speak. :cheers:

If someone is going to be using their rig as a true trail rig then yes I'd agree an AGM is the way to go.

I've heard stories of people in S. CA keeping batteries for the entire life of their vehicle. I typically change my battery from the factory to a better quality battery at 2 years, then every 3 years after that. To me it's just a mantience item for my wife and two small children to not have to sit in the cold or heat waiting on me to change or get a battery.

 

[NYRunner]

I just replaced mine with a Costco battery. 100 month warranty, 875 cranking amps / 700 CCA and Costco is widespread anywhere I expect to be~

Give me a few years and I'll let you know how it holds up! LOL

 

[philsey]

I just replaced mine with a Costco battery. 100 month warranty, 875 cranking amps / 700 CCA and Costco is widespread anywhere I expect to be~

Give me a few years and I'll let you know how it holds up! LOL

FWIW, Costco (Kirkland) is the #1 rated battery by CR. And, at a far better price point than the #2 Diehard.

No first-hand knowledge as I never seem to keep a vehicle long enough to need a battery.

 

[Antman]

I just replaced mine with a Costco battery. 100 month warranty, 875 cranking amps / 700 CCA and Costco is widespread anywhere I expect to be~

Give me a few years and I'll let you know how it holds up! LOL

FWIW, Costco (Kirkland) is the #1 rated battery by CR. And, at a far better price point than the #2 Diehard.

No first-hand knowledge as I never seem to keep a vehicle long enough to need a battery.

Costco batteries are Interstate batteries.

I have been running them in my boat for years with no problems. They see lots of abuse too- rough water impacts and constant discharging/charging from the trolling motor.

I just installed one in my 4Runner too.

 

[thebwlife]

Costco batteries are Interstate batteries.

Both are made by Johnson Controls. Same as Duralast, Diehard, and Optima.

Johnson Controls, Exide, and I can't remember the other brand make like 95% or lead acid batteries in North America.

 

[Antman]

Both are made by Johnson Controls. Same as Duralast and Diehard.

^^^^True.

 

[philsey]

More FWIW:

"Johnson Controls entered the battery business in 1978 upon acquiring Globe-Union Incorporated. Globe-Union was a Wisconsin based manufacture of Automotive batteries for both the replacement and OEM markets. Today, Johnson Controls is the largest producer of private label lead acid batteries in North America, and is becoming a leader in Asia and South America. In 2000 Johnson Controls acquired Gylling Optima Batteries AB of Sweden. The Optima Gel Battery is well known for its quality and longevity. Johnson Controls completed the acquisition of German automotive battery maker HOPPECKE Automotive GmbH & Co. The company has a excellent customer base that includes many of Europe’s leading auto manufacturers. Johnson Controls also produce batteries for other applications such as marine, lawn and garden, commercial, motorcycle, wheelchair, and golf cart use. Most consumers have no idea of the size of the battery giant. When people think of Johnson Controls, they think of thermostats for HVAC purposes not batteries. Johnson Controls is not only the largest North American battery manufacture, but they literally control the North American battery market.

Johnson Controls manufactures batteries for the following private labels:

- Interstate
- Diehard
- Kirkland
- Duralast
- Everstart
- Prostart


Source: Who makes Interstate batteries « Batteries | Compare Reviews and Trusted Advice from Battery Experts