Optima Batteries....which one?

[Wanderlusty]

Well, it took a little longer than planned, but I finally hauled home a brand new Optima Yellow Top!

Now time to start saving for the accessories that make such a battery a neccessity...

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

I don't have room for two normal size batteries.

So I wondered about this idea......

Use two.....

As seen in the pic below

PC 680MJT Specs:

680 cranking amps for 5 seconds
595 cranking amps for 10 seconds
525 cranking amps for 20 seconds
Short circuit current over 1800A
17 amp hours
25 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load
With metal jacket and automotive terminals
Length 7.27"
Width 3.12"
Height 7.42"
Weight 15.4 lb



I think I could fit two of these in the same spot (see size above) as my reg. size Sears Die Hard...and each one of these has the same crank power as my current regular battery. They also weigh only 15lbs. compared to the 38lbs. of the 1200MJT. I would rather have two 1200's.....but they won't fit.

Then do the switch thing like Boston Mangler and others. I would like to have the switch in the cab under dash though.

Now that I've looked at the Odyssey site more....two of the 925MJT's might fit if I tip them on their skinny side up.

Any thoughts........?

 

[david despain]

even 2 of the small batteries combined dont have the amp hr capacity of the 1200mjt. so if you could fit one of those in there that would seem to be a better option just off the top of my head. also then you wouldnt have the extra hassle of wiring them in parralllel or setting up a combiner or isolator.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

even 2 of the small batteries combined dont have the amp hr capacity of the 1200mjt. so if you could fit one of those in there that would seem to be a better option just off the top of my head. also then you wouldnt have the extra hassle of wiring them in parralllel or setting up a combiner or isolator.

Thanks for your input David. I know Nothing about electrical stuff!

I had this idea.....because I thought I could run my lights, TV for kewl kamping movies...and other things with one battery.....and still have a fully charged battery to start my truck in the morning.....that had the same 680 crank that I have now with one Sears battery.

Two would give me twice the power I have now....including a "back up". The thing is....even if I had one 1200MJT.....I would be screwed if I ran it all the way down!

The goal would be to try and have a back up battery to start my truck no matter what. If my second battery ran down because I watched too many 4x4 explorer movies (not that I'm a movie junkie...that's just an example)...no biggie.....I can still start in the morning with my back up.

The whole issue is...........no room for two 1200MJT's....which is what I really want!

I understand what you are saying though.

 

[BajaTaco]

I think your logic is correct (too many fun toys at camp = dead battery). However, the amp-hour capacity on those little batteries is not sufficient IMO. I think you would be better off just getting one of the deep cycle battery packs that has the 120w inverter and 12vdc adapters. Just charge it up before you go on a trip and then if you need to recharge it during the trip, plug it into your cig. lighter or 12v outlet from your main battery elec. system (while you are driving and the alternator is charging). It's not quite as seamless and convenient as a hard-wired dual battery setup, but at least is more flexible as far as if you take it with you and where you put it.

 

[Scenic WonderRunner]

OK....

So I guess I should be looking at amp hours....and not just "cold crank".

Like I said....I know nothing about auto electric.

Maybe I could put a 1200 in the slot.....and a 680 on the firewall?

Not sure if I want to add another thing to my back storage bins.

Maybe I can think better when my truck is working right!.........hehe


Looks like even this higher priced unit from J.C. Whitney Only has 19 amp hours.

START-IT® 450-AMP JUMPER STARTER / COMPRESSOR / POWER SUPPLY
JC Whitney Price: $79.99


THREE emergency tools in one affordable, portable, cordless, rechargeable unit!
450 amps instantly jump start a "dead" battery
260 psi 12V air compressor inflates almost anything (tires, sports equipment, etc.) quickly, easily
Two DC outlets power your 12V accessories (lights, appliances)
Ultra-bright 10,000-hour cold cathode light illuminates roadside emergencies
Ideal for heavy-duty vehicles. Features 26" heavy-duty welder type battery cables with spark resistant clamps. Alarm warns of reverse polarity hookup. Compressor includes 18" hose, universal adapter and pressure gauge. Automatic 110/120V AC adapter/charger. Built-in high density 19-amp-hour sealed no-spill battery. Manual on/off power control.

 

[BajaTaco]

(AGM -Absorbed Glass Mat...withstands vibration better and recharges faster) and have much higher amp hours (100+)

Vince, Optima is an Absorbed Glass Mat battery. They use the spiral wound AGM whereas I guess the Lifeline uses the flat plates.

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.

I couldn't agree with you more there. And the specs you listed for your Lifeline blow away my Group 31 Optima - and my optima cost more and weighs just about the same - around 70 lbs. I think. It looks like the Optima CCA is higher than the Lifeline, but the Lifeline AH capacity is MUCH better. I am really curious why the large differences in specs. And also - I'd like to know where you got one for that price - that is awesome. Thanks.

 

[BajaTaco]

Looks like even this higher priced unit from J.C. Whitney Only has 19 amp hours.

There are larger cap. units, they just cost more. You also could just make your own. The bottom line is if you want it permanently in the 4runner or not, and where you want to store it. Once you make that decision, then you can start determining what to get.

 

[david despain]

Thanks for your input David. I know Nothing about electrical stuff!

I had this idea.....because I thought I could run my lights, TV for kewl kamping movies...and other things with one battery.....and still have a fully charged battery to start my truck in the morning.....that had the same 680 crank that I have now with one Sears battery.

Two would give me twice the power I have now....including a "back up". The thing is....even if I had one 1200MJT.....I would be screwed if I ran it all the way down!

The goal would be to try and have a back up battery to start my truck no matter what. If my second battery ran down because I watched too many 4x4 explorer movies (not that I'm a movie junkie...that's just an example)...no biggie.....I can still start in the morning with my back up.

The whole issue is...........no room for two 1200MJT's....which is what I really want!

I understand what you are saying though.

ok so if the whole goal is to have a seperate and completely redundant source that you could start your truck then i think you should look at 2 seperate power sources. that is a sure method to make sure you can start. only you can decide which method best suits your needs though, power pack like you posted from jc whitney( you can get one really similar at home depot by the way) or a true dual batt setup with combiner/isolater. the former is a WHOLE lot simpler and cheaper and can be removed when you dont need it. the later is something you dont need to think about too much once its installed and operating correctly.

 

[BajaTaco]

...I'd like to know where you got one for that price - that is awesome. Thanks.

BUMP this one.

Vince, I'm in the market for a new battery. Where did you get your lifeline? Thanks

 

[Scott Brady]

I know Mario from adventure trailers sells them.

 

[asteffes]

How much room *do* you have? Take some measurements then get the largest Odyssey or Lifeline you can fit in that space. These two companies have at least one obvious advantage over Optima and that is they offer batteries in many different sizes. You can get the most battery for your available space, whereas an Optima might require you to compromise a little more - either fit a smaller cell than you could otherwise fit, or do some fabbing to accomodate a larger model. Maybe not a big deal but it's something to consider.

I really need to free up some weekend time to crawl under the truck and investigate a between-the-rails battery compartment.

 

[BajaTaco]

How much room *do* you have? Take some measurements then get the largest Odyssey or Lifeline you can fit in that space. These two companies have at least one obvious advantage over Optima and that is they offer batteries in many different sizes. You can get the most battery for your available space, whereas an Optima might require you to compromise a little more - either fit a smaller cell than you could otherwise fit, or do some fabbing to accomodate a larger model. Maybe not a big deal but it's something to consider.

I really need to free up some weekend time to crawl under the truck and investigate a between-the-rails battery compartment.

Thanks. I currently have a fairly large area, as I am using the big Optima 31 battery for my aux. I think I should be able to fit a 31 size from Odyssey or Lifeline without too much trouble. I am going to verify though.

 

[BajaTaco]

I know Mario from adventure trailers sells them.

Thanks for the tip

 

[Grim Reaper]

I am going to go against the grain.....I wouldn't (and didn't) put a Optima in my lawn tractor much less my vehicles. Only reason I would consider one is if I had no other choice but to mount it on it's side.

Problem 1. Cost to much
Problem 2. Sorry warranty (18 month on blue) (ZERO on reds used for winching or deep cycle) (12 month on Yellow)
Problem 3. I have a GM in the stable and the side posts are not suitable for winches of starters. They cannot carry the current. I have seen the Nut (yest regular grade 5 zinc coated nut in a depression in the lead strap) heat up and pull right out of the side..... And Optima will tell you that you cannot use it for starting or winches.

Connect high amperage accessories such as a winch to the top terminals only. Do NOT use the side terminals.

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publish/optima/americas0/en/config/product_info/technology/tips.html
Yes you read that correct. GET YOUR WINCH OFF THE SIDE TERMINALS.
problem 4. I have seen several belly up with no warning.

I run Duralast Batteries from Auto Zone. I buy the biggest that will fit with the longest warranty. Usually around $70 they will install it free and it comes with a 8 year warranty. First 3 are replacement last 5 are prorated. No questions asked. Never had one fail and have bought 7 for 7 different vehicles in about as many years. One my Wife left the parking lights on and we didn't find it for 2 days. FLAT dead showing less then 1 volt. Charged it up drove it 2 more years before selling it. Battery is 4 years old at that point.

The oldest 2 I have bought one is over 6 years old now and last I talked to the guy I sold the truck to it was still going strong. It spent the first 3 years with a Warn 9500i hooked to it in a 6,000+ pound truck. The other one is about 7 and as far as I know still going along fine. In the same time I know one of my buddies is on his 3 Optima in one vehicle 2 in another. I have bore witness too 2 lugs pulled out, and 2 others just fail.