Optima Batteries....which one?

[Wanderlusty]

Red top, yellow top...which is best suited for what?

Right now, I am running everything completely stock, but plan on a winch in the hopefully not too distant future. Eventually, would like a dual battery set up, too, but one project at a time for me...

So what is the difference, and what would be the better battery to use for a daily driver that sees frequent trail duty and will eventually have some accessoried?

 

[asteffes]

The yellow top is considered a deep-cycle battery and can better withstand repeated deep discharging. Of course, any battery that is discharged completely many times will suffer from a loss of capacity, but the yellow top is designed to tolerate better. The red top is a starting battery, with slightly more cold cranking amps and a slightly lower reserve capacity in some cases, but it's also less expensive than the yellow top.

Another option you may want to consider is the blue top. This is larbeled a marine battery, but it has the capacity of about 1.5 red or yellow top batteries, can be used as a starting and deep cycle battery at the same time. It's expensive (around $200) but if you have the space it's a great super-battery for those who want the capacity.

 

[Nullifier]

I originally had a red top and ran the hell out of a wonch with issues. I eventually moved that into my daily and went to a yellow top. I can tell no difference since I'm not running fridges and other things with the motor shut off. I am about to do a dual batt set up with 2 yellow tops.


I think with eather you wouldbe fine. If you can aford ayellow I say go for it over kill can be good.

 

[Wanderlusty]

Sounds good. The blue top is intriguing, but probably more battery than I need at the moment.

I think I will price shop for a yellow top and see what local prices are. The red top would probably actually fit the bill, but from the quick search I have done on the net, I think the extra few $$$ for a yellow is probably a pretty good investment to make...

Thanks!

 

[BajaTaco]

Based on what you said, I would get the Yellow Top. The Optima yellow top has plenty of cranking power for starting, and doesn't require the typical trickle charging. It can tolerate unlimited charge current so long as the heat threshold is not exceeded.

Last time I checked, the specs on a blue top and yellow top of the same size are indentical. So I wouldn't pay more for a blue top if it were me.

 

[cshontz]

I ran a yellow with a winch and the fridge. It really held up well, and between active winching and "fridging", it has been discharged repeatedly. After two years of use, I did not perceive any deterioration, and it was sold with my previous vehicle. I expect to go this route again.

 

[Hltoppr]

I use a red top for starting and a blue top for my fridge and other excessories...

-H-

 

[Mike S]

I have been using two group 31 Optima Yellow Tops in my cruiser. They are actually a combination starting/deep draw battery. I have tons of strating power and can run accessories as well.

Mike

 

[calamaridog]

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

:shakin:

Open your mind to other options!

 

[91xlt]

yeah the odysseys are also good batts. but IMO the optimas are the omnly way to go!! if your rig is stock and staying that way save a couple $$$ and go with the red tops. if there is any chance of electrical upgrades the yellow tops are the way to go. i like dual set ups myself. in my rig i run a red top for stock electrics, except the radio, i moved that feed to the yellow top, and yellow top for anything i add, i also run a third batt, another yellow top in rear for camping, back up power and any electrics i add in rear.

 

[HongerVenture]

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

:shakin:

Open your mind to other options!

Hey Calamari,
How does the price of Odyssey compare to Optima? I read the webpage for Odyssey and I'm very interested in these as an alternative. My main qualification is that the battery be a "dry cell" or sealed battery.

Joel

 

[offroad_nomad]

A Blue Top D34M is going in the 4Runner next.

 

[calamaridog]

West Coast Batteries

These people really know their batteries and they are a major distributor of Odyssey batteries. Their website is fantastic too. They have all the specs and measurements listed.

http://www.odysseybatteries.com/

I believe they make a great product and perfect for a starting or single battery. Many of the race trucks and buggies I've seen are running the Odyssey batteries now. I also know several people with custom airplanes who are using them.

Search the web for pricing. Some places have free shipping sometimes.

I am currently using the 1200 MJT (metal jacket) as my starting battery. It has plenty of cranking power. I'm using the battery hold down tray sold by West Coast Batteries also. Several people are using the 1700 MJT who only run one battery and also have some accessories too.

Odyssey 1200MJT Specifications:

1200 cranking amps for 5 seconds
1090 cranking amps for 10 seconds
900 cranking amps for 20 seconds
Short circuit current over 2600A
44 amp hours
78 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load
With metal jacket and SAE automotive terminals
Length 7.87'
Width 6.66'
Height 7.55' including the terminals
Weighs 38.2 lbs

 

[calamaridog]

Odyssey Red Top - For comparison

"These batteries are designed for engine starting applications. They are NOT recommended or warranted for use in deep cycle applications."

MODEL NUMBER 34 & 34R
PERFORMANCE
Voltage 12v
Cold Cranking Amps @ 0F 800
Cranking Amps @ 32F 1000
Reserve Capacity 110
Capacity (C/20 Rate) 50
Internal Resistance (ohms) .0030

PHYSICAL SPECS

Length 10"
Width 6 7/8"
Height 7 13/16"
Mimimum Weight (lbs) 37.9
Type Post/Terminal SAE Post Dual
BCI Group 34 & 34R

 

[VikingVince]

The offroad community is more or less Optima "nuts":exclaim: (I do have a red top for my starter battery!)

IMO, there are much better ways to go for an AUXILLARY battery(depending on your needs)...batteries that utilize superior technology (AGM -Absorbed Glass Mat...withstands vibration better and recharges faster) and have much higher amp hours (100+). Optima batteries have only 45-55 amp hours, depending on the model...and, as per their website, they say their batteries withstand vibration 15 times better than TRADITIONAL batteries. Anyway... Odyssey is one alternative that has been mentioned here. Lifeline is another. check it out at:
www.lifelinebatteries.com
www.lifelinebatteries.com/rvcomps.php

If you're setting up an auxillary battery system for a frig/freeze and other stuff, I would say it's preferable to have as many amp hours as you can get within cost and size guidelines...especially if you like camping in one spot for 3-5 days...like I do. If you're just stopping for 1 night, or two...amp hours aren't that important a consideration.

I have a Concorde Lifeline 31T for my auxillary battery...it has 105 amp hours and cost me $130...it weighs 69 pounds...Optimas are around 40lbs...but for me the extra pounds are justified - higher amp hours, withstands vibration better, recharges faster, lasts longer.