Optima vs. Odyssey and what model?

[robert j. yates]

Well....I have not really had a chance to really put the dual kit to the test yet where there was a serious discharge of the batteries. I've winched with it but it was no big deal as it was a short pull. I've pulled them both once to use my Readywelder and again....no big deal.

FYI, I also run a Mechman 220amp alternator along with the isolator so that might be affecting my outcome. Eitherway....I have a ton of power *and* reserve. I'm plenty satisfied with my choice.

Edit: I paid $140 ea. for the PC1200's.

 

[Redline]

Some good posts/info here. I really like the idea of running dual PC1200s, particularly if you separate them so you always have one for starting. But my 4Runner doesn't have the space to turn the PC1200s sideways (7.8-in.) so I will stick with my plan for one PC1750, and maybe add a much smaller back-up later?

 

[HongerVenture]

We switched from an Optima to dual Odyssey 1200MJT about a year ago. Running our Engel MT45 on the lowest setting was draining the Optima overnight. No need to worry about excess weight, the Odyssey 1200 is the size of a motorcycle battery, so we were able to fit dual batteries in the stock location.

We haven't had a single issue since upgrading to dual. We run the Engel, gauges, compressor and Camera System on the Taco!

I can't say enough positive things about the Odyssey Batteries!

Excellent! I've been really happy with the PC1200 I got from you guys at Sierra. I'm planning on going the dual PC1200 route in the coming months.

 

[HongerVenture]

I was looking into the dual Odessy 1200 set-up after reading about it on a Land rover web site.

I was slightly worried about the reserve capacity but with the double 78 (78x2)=156 that's fairly substantial. Although with two 1500 @ 135 each that's a wopping 270.

The fact that you can get the 2 batteries side by side, plus the lighter weight issue makes it attractive.

I've been giving this a lot of thought myself. The single PC1200 will keep the Engel running for a day with no problem... truck starts right up.

However, as I add accessories I'm concerned about the reserve capacity being enough. I've been toying with getting a PC1500 to supplement the PC1200. The idea would be to keep everything powered off the PC1500 as the main with the PC1200 as my reserve so I can start the truck with it if I draw down the PC1500.

In any case, I've been very satisfied with the Odyssey.

 

[taugust]

Well, I see that others have taken the same route I did. I bought two Odessy 1200's and mounted them side by side in the stock location in my Tacaoma with a custom fabbed tray and holddown. Used the Hellroaring isolator. By the way, the Hellroaring site is a wealth of info on theory of dual battery systems. Good info.

I have to 2nd battery as backup only. Nothing attached to it directly. So far so good.

Tim

 

[hoser]

I'm not sure what you mean by a battery tender but Odysseys require a specific charger that will charge them at the required 14.3 volts. Anything less does not deliver them back to a fully charged state.

Thanks, I am using the VDC Battery Minder that charges between 14.2-14.4 VDC. I have been using it for two years now on my sports cars that rarely move and am satisfied with it.

 

[Dave Bennett]

One Battery to Rule Them All

After tons of research and many hours of weighty deliberation... I finally went with a single Odyssey 1700MJT for my 05 Tacoma from Sierra Expeditions

Simple, heavy duty, less wiring, less connections to troubleshoot down the road. It should handle my Engel and other small draws with ease.

 

[Sloan]

There is an article in the March Off Road magazine where they insatalled the Odyssey PC680 as their main battery, used a Power-Gate switch and then an Odyssey PC1700 for the accessories. I was thinking of going this route and then I saw the price tag on the Power-Gate.

 

[Mlachica]

There is an article in the March Off Road magazine where they insatalled the Odyssey PC680 as their main battery, used a Power-Gate switch and then an Odyssey PC1700 for the accessories. I was thinking of going this route and then I saw the price tag on the Power-Gate.

That's what I had in my taco before I sold it, except my starting battery was the 1200mjt. I was very satisfied with the setup. In my 80 I have the perfect switch and two 100ah lifeline deep cycle batteries, I just need to install the second battery still The reason I went with lifeline is because I have the space for them...

 

[Sloan]

Is the perfect switch worth the money?

 

[vcsnover]

There was a little article/editorial/ interest piece at the end of the Summer Overland Journal that touches on batteries and personal preference, but I believe he swears by the Optima. This is a great thread, you guys know a lot of stuff. At least compared to me... not that you have to work real hard to know more than I do, but I learn a lot everytime I get into one of these threads. Keep it coming!

 

[FlyingWen]

Excellent! I've been really happy with the PC1200 I got from you guys at Sierra. I'm planning on going the dual PC1200 route in the coming months.

Glad to hear it!

I was looking into the dual Odessy 1200 set-up after reading about it on a Land rover web site.

I would like to know from flyingwen or Robert a little more about how their systems worked out on trips, any issues?

We have been very pleased with our Odyssey 1200's. We run a MT45 (usually on the coldest setting) overnight on trips. Toss in a winch, power inverter for Margaritas, axillary lights, and an Extremeaire Compressor and you would think we would have a lull in power, but NOPE! I can't say enough good things about these batteries regardless of the size you choose. They are a great, dependable product!

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