Dual Battery Management

[Desertdude]

The optima yellow tops are suppose to be somewhere in the middle of the starting and deep cycle

I am not too impressed with Optima - but I still by their products - I guess I like the colors

 

[Mlachica]

It is true that the odyssey is a more balanced battery that is why they don't use the different color tops game. Another nice thing is that they are covered in a metal jacket for durability. I use a 1200mjt for my starter and a 1700mjt as an aux.

About two years ago I remember reading a comparison on batteries in one of the US 4x mags. I can't remember all the details but the jist of it was they used the same winch equipped vehicle and pulled a load until the battery died. The odyssey won...

all though it is said that is is better to have the same batteries

That is correct, the reason is the internal resistance of the battery. If they are equal then they will charge equally. If they are unbalanced, the battery with the lesser resistance will charge faster.

Here's a good informational on battery systems by sure power: HERE

 

[Desertdude]

I had a issue with two yellow top optimas - they won't hold a charge anymore - only a year old - could be the heat in AZ - I am writing to Optima to find out what they think

 

[RAM5500 CAMPERTHING]

I had a issue with two yellow top optimas - they won't hold a charge anymore - only a year old - could be the heat in AZ - I am writing to Optima to find out what they think

had the same problem with a red and a yellow within months of each others, wont EVER use them again, also had several friends have problems with them as well. overhyped in my opinion!

 

[Scott Brady]

Me too: Killed the blue top in 8 months...

I am just finding that optimas are good for starting batteries only

I am going to try the Oddyssey (sp?) next.

 

[rgsiii]

I just put in an Odyssey PC2150 Battery in my 1997 LC as the starting battery a type 31 battery. It is an extremely heavy battery and seems to take up more space than a 31 type Optima yellow top. The Optima slipped in easily on the passenger side which is a mirror image of the driver's side compartment. For the Odyssey, the cross bar that holds the battery had to be modified as did the battery compartment. No mods were needed for the Optima.

The Odyssey battery comes with a post that can be adapted to accept a standard Toyota terminal. The sleeve that is put on it has instruction not to torque over 200. I was unsure how I could torque it that high--my torque wrench just goes up to 78 ft pounds. Then saw it was in INCH pounds.

 

[Desertdude]

yes it is time for a switch if you really use the batteries- I am looking into other options as well

 

[asteffes]

The big Odyssey 2150 is definitely a big'un. I think their Group 34 1500 is closer to the size of a standard Toyota battery and should be a drop-in. It's also closer to the weight of an Optima (vs. the 2150's nearly 80 pounds of heft.)

 

[rgsiii]

The big Odyssey 2150 is definitely a big'un. I think their Group 34 1500 is closer to the size of a standard Toyota battery and should be a drop-in. It's also closer to the weight of an Optima (vs. the 2150's nearly 80 pounds of heft.)

It really is a big battery--I was unsure of which way to go and since bigger is always better deided on this.

I have a lot of weight up forward in the 1997 with the two 31 type batteries. I have two 34's in my 1994--I guess it is nearly 100 lbs less in just battery weight. :smileeek:

 

[Mlachica]

a general rule of thumb is the heavier the battery the greater the ampacity...

 

[BajaTaco]

How would solar charging factor into the equation, and would one system be better than another in that context. I can definitely see how each system takes a different route, and I think I prefer the BajaTaco answer for my needs.

Adding solar would be a fantastic addition for a vehicle that sees plenty of sunny trips and enjoys being parked at a camp for any length of time. If you can get past the high cost, they are a fairly simple and effective way to extend your remote camping with a fridge and other accessories.

How would it factor into the equation? Basically, you would just connect the solar panels to the battery that will handling your auxiliary loads (i.e. parked with engine shut off). A charge controller may be necessary (simple in-line device that regulates the solar charge to the battery). There is no need to connect it to the battery that will only be used when the vehicle is running.

We discussed some solar issues in this thread.

 

[bigreen505]

Thanks, I'll check that out. What I meant was that of all the systems being discussed and compared, would the plan to use solar tilt the scales toward one particular type of system, or manufacturer for that matter, or not?

I know most large sailboats use a combination of solar, diesel and occasionally wind power to charge batteries, so I know many manufacturers cater to that market.

 

[BajaTaco]

Thanks, I'll check that out. What I meant was that of all the systems being discussed and compared, would the plan to use solar tilt the scales toward one particular type of system, or manufacturer for that matter, or not?

Hmmm... I would say probably not. By using solar, you would just be adding the capability to recharge the battery (or batteries) while the engine is shut off. I can't really see how it would really have any bearing on system choice, other than maybe a Xantrex system which likely has an integrated solution where solar is a component and you could control charging and monitor the loads and charge (comprehensive one-stop shopping type of thing). The Earthroamers have this setup and it is super sweet. You can see just how many amps are going out (loads) and just how many are coming in (solar), and what the current battery bank state of charge is.

 

[BajaTaco]

Me too: Killed the blue top in 8 months...

I am just finding that optimas are good for starting batteries only

I am going to try the Oddyssey (sp?) next.

Scott, I have been suspicious of my Optima ever since we did the Climb n' Crawl earlier this year and the thing went flat while I had it parked in camp. I just ran a little test with it (Optima group 31 yellow - the big one) using my fridge. I started off yesterday with pre-cooling the fridge on shore power to 34.5° F and ambient temp in the cab was 94.5° F. I loaded the fridge (60L) to about 60% capacity. I switched over to the Optima and ran it overnight. I started on a dial setting of about 2.5 (1-4 dial) and a batt. voltage of 12.89V. By 11:00pm, the fridge temp was at 30.3° F and ambient cab temp. was 76.4° F. I adjusted the dial setting to 1.8.

Checked it this morning (7:20am) and fridge was at 39° F, running very quietly. I checked the battery voltage and it was at 9.98V :smilies27 So that was only 14 hours with a cool evening, and it's a goner.


I got about 3 years of good use out of it. I didn't exactly treat it well either. Many deep discharges and I probably didn't put it on a charger as often as I should have. I am thinking the Odyssey deserves a try now.

 

[Desertdude]

Chris - yes Optima appears to be on their way out of the community...