Time for purchasing a battery

[NViejeP]

Hey,

It's time for a new battery. I'm looking at the Optima Red top and the optima yellow top.

Right now, I dont have anything special except a new head unit, but I plan on purcahsing one or two amplifers, a subwoofe,r nad new speakers and I plan on cranking the music pretty loud sometimes.

Would a Optima Red top handle this or would you guys recommend a yellow top?

Whats the difference between:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/25-R...ewItemQQcategoryZ33574QQitemZ8037818137QQrdZ1

and this

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/34-R...ewItemQQcategoryZ33574QQitemZ8037818238QQrdZ1

I know ones mroe expensive. But what do the numbers mean, what does 34/78 mean?

sorry for all the questions, bUt I want to make sure I get the right one that fits and works. This is my first car so I'm a little bit shaky. I have a 2000 t4r.

thanks

 

[NViejeP]

No one?

 

[ovrrdrive]

Well for starters, your links are bad and I don't know anything about Optima batteries other than that they are supposed to be premium batteries.

Any good battery will be capable of handling a few amps plus the truck. I've had 2 or three amps in my vehicles almost my entire driving life and have never spent more than $59.99 on a battery.

About the only concern you should have is that if you plan on running the steereo and amps for extended periods of time with the engine off, then you should consider a deep cycle battery or possibly even adding a second battery for more reserve time. If you're only going to be playing it while you're driving, any good battery will do.

 

[hossmaster]

Just keep in mind that the battery terminals are reversed on our Toyotas. So when you order/buy one make sure you get one with /R or the same in the model number.

The yellow top is a deep cycle battery, not needed unless your running a lot of aux lights and or a killer stereo system.

 

[Spider5]

Optima red top = standard cycle.

Optima yellow top= deep cycle.

Both are good batteries when you have heavy vibration while using your Runner (off road, etc.).

 

[Koz]

If you're going to run the stereo with the motor off for periods of time you may want the yellow top. The red top is a replacement for the OEM. If you plan on keeping the vehicle a long time you could use the red top. Just remember the Optima batteries cost twice as much as a regular battery. The latest CR rated the Dura-last battery best over Die-hard and Interstate, and it is very cheap. I have a red top in my Taco for about 5 years so far, works great.

Koz

 

[boston_kevin]

I had a red top optima in my jeep several years back. Ran the winch and compressor with the engine off, even used the starter crank crawl feature (never firing up the engine) to power over extremely difficult rocks. Red Tops are awesome batteries, Yellow tops are overkill for a truck. The biggest advantage is something you'll hope you'll never use, since they are sealed, nothing can leak out of the battery.

 

[Koz]

I had a red top optima in my jeep several years back. Ran the winch and compressor with the engine off, even used the starter crank crawl feature (never firing up the engine) to power over extremely difficult rocks. Red Tops are awesome batteries, Yellow tops are overkill for a truck. The biggest advantage is something you'll hope you'll never use, since they are sealed, nothing can leak out of the battery.

There is a difference between the red and yellow that may be desirable. The red top is an OEM replacement, which because of its design and materials could last 2 to 3 times longer, depending on the application. The yellow top is the same as the red top but also can be discharged to 60% to 70% or more of its capacity, it can accept a rapid re-charge, it will recover from discharge many more times, without losing its capacity. The yellow top should be used in vehicles that have heavy accessory loads where the alternator cannot maintain the battery in a fully charged condition. The yellow top will give you the freedom to use accessories without the engine running and its life will not be compromised.

Koz

 

[NViejeP]

I see thanks.

But what about the size, I need to know which one to purchase? Will a 34/78 fit?

 

[NViejeP]

Let me rephrase, which battery size will fit?

 

[hossmaster]

I see thanks.

But what about the size, I need to know which one to purchase? Will a 34/78 fit?

I believe that is the correct size, just remember to make sure that the posts are reversed so if fits in the tray correctly. Also if you can get the spacer with the battery that would be great, it allows you to use your stock battery holder better. The Optima batteries are a little bit shorter that OEM.

 

[NViejeP]

I believe that is the correct size, just remember to make sure that the posts are reversed so if fits in the tray correctly. Also if you can get the spacer with the battery that would be great, it allows you to use your stock battery holder better. The Optima batteries are a little bit shorter that OEM.

Sorry this is my first car and first time changing a battery. What are the posts, do I have to purchase a certain battery that has the post reversed or can I do it myself to any ordinary one. How hard is it to change hte battery?

 

[Koz]

Sorry this is my first car and first time changing a battery. What are the posts, do I have to purchase a certain battery that has the post reversed or can I do it myself to any ordinary one. How hard is it to change hte battery?

Get your battery from a retailer that installs, they will make sure you get the right one and it is installed correct. If you connect it wrong you could do serious damage to your vehicle and could get hurt in the process.

Koz