Need a new battery

[shreadhead]

My second battery is toast in my '99 2.7 Tacoma. I already run a stereo system & listen to a 10 meter radio on road trips. I plan on getting a 2 meter radio soon, & passing my exam, so I want a more reliable battery for the backcountry. I've only looked at Optima as far as prices', but I have no idea what it is I need or what options there are as far as quality. Any help is appreciated as colder weather approaches.
Thanks,
Brent

 

[shreadhead]

Decided to get a D35 Optima. This will be perfect for my intended vehicle upgrades. Eventually we'll be getting a Xantrex or something similar to have something we can use anywhere.

 

[dms1]

I picked up a Sears Platinum battery for my 99 4Runner two weeks ago and so far I am very pleased with it - it turns my engine over much faster than my Optima ever did.

 

[shreadhead]

Hey there. I guess what sold me was the claim that search & rescue vehicles use these batteries. Once I get the mechanical parts of my truck upgraded, and then my radio situation completed, I'll want a one battery system that has duel function. If I go two batteries some day, then that'll mean that I can afford a winch too. Oh to dream.:ylsmoke:
Brent

 

[off-roader]

I've owned 3 Optima yellow tops. Won't by another. Too sensitive to being drained. My 3rd which was a replacement from them for a battery that died too early died within 10 months. I didn't try to get another one.

There are other gel cell technologies if that's what you're after. I'd check out those alternatives as well. For me, I own a basic deep cycle battery with enough cca's to start my rig. Purchased it at costco for less than half the cost of the Optima.

 

[Antichrist]

Hey there. I guess what sold me was the claim that search & rescue vehicles use these batteries.

Search and Rescue personnel are no less susceptible to marketing hype than others.
When I chose Exide Spiral Cell over Optima 8 years or so ago, it was based on battery specs and warranty. Same reason I chose a Diehard Platinum (Odyssey in Sears clothing) over both of them this past spring.

 

[05LR3AZ]

Battery choice

I've seen and mostly heard of quite a few Optima failures which is surprising to me probably because of the marketing hype mentioned above.

Based on my LR Tech's recommendation based on experience I went with the Interstate batter for my LR3. We'll see how much it can handle and for how long.

 

[shreadhead]

Wow, looks like when/if my Optima fails, I'll be in really good company. All the more incentive to get a Xantrex with jump start sooner than later. Could'nt help to notice that in many builds people mention Optima. Anyway, my wife's tire was flat today & she had to drive the truck to work. I just love the thought of her having to shift through traffic, especially with the new & bigger tires.