Picking out batteries for my new van, Optima or Diehard?

[Basement Yeti]

I'd go with the group 34/78DT for under the hood, and a group 31 marine for my coach battery.

So, Diehard or Optima?

Thanks,
-Kyle

 

[UNI]

Basement Yeti,

I have one Optima D34/78 on the Jeep and two Optima D34/78 Batteries on the trailer. I have had NO problems with these batteries at all.

UNI

 

[Basement Yeti]

Ok, thanks. I have used Optimas before, with absolutely no issues. I just wonder if I should stick with them or go with Diehards. I like Diehard 34M because it's 100AH vs 75AH.

When creating a dual battery system is there any issue with using two types of batteries, like an AGM coach battery and a flooded chassis battery?

-Kyle

 

[McZippie]

Ok, thanks. I have used Optimas before, with absolutely no issues. I just wonder if I should stick with them or go with Diehards. I like Diehard 34M because it's 100AH vs 75AH.

When creating a dual battery system is there any issue with using two types of batteries, like an AGM coach battery and a flooded chassis battery?


-Kyle

Should use the same type of batteries, so they both have the same charging regiment. But in the real world different types should be OK, risk is, one battery will always be undercharged. The same thing can happen even with the same size and type of batteries if the wiring between the batteries isn't the exact same length and gage.
Batteries can handle these less than perfect set-ups because when they are at rest, they balance out the charge between them.
I'd go with AGM Diehards because they have more amps for the same size case.
.
Good luck with your new Rig and keep us updated with a lot of pictures.

 

[Basement Yeti]

Was leaning toward Diehards, so Diehards it is. Thanks! I go an get her tomorrow. Pictures will flow.

-Kyle

 

[1911]

It's your van, but how many threads/posts do you see of people complaining about Optimas versus how many people complaining about the Diehard Platinum (re-badged Odyssey)? Not that it's the be-all and end-all answer, but where there's smoke there's usually fire...

 

[Basement Yeti]

If I have learned anything since beginning my DIY lifestyle it is that you should generally listen to people older and wiser than you or else you will never be wiser, just older...

-Kyle

 

[dwh]

If you are isolating the engine and aux batteries like you did with your other van, then there is no problem mixing AGM and flooded.

Also, if you're using the same solar setup you had, the Sunsaver Duo uses the same settings for AGMs and flooded so no worries there.

And yea, I'd go with the Odyssey/Diehard just for the extra amp*hours density.

 

[Basement Yeti]

Same setup. any issues with getting 1 Diehard for now then a second a year from now? Or should I try and get batteries around the same age?

Thanks.
-Kyle

 

[dwh]

You mean one for engine and one for aux?

Batteries only need to be identical if they are A) wired in series, B) tied in a permanent parallel bank or C) tied together during charging and being charged with a 3-stage charger (your Duo doesn't count since it does both batteries independently).

So if one engine and one aux, then no worries.

 

[Basement Yeti]

Gnarly. Because I think she comes with a new-ish flooded battery and funds are tight.

Thanks for the help. Will post up with updates.
-Kylehhhhhhhhhhhh

 

[Jeff@QuadShop]

I work at a place that sells both Optima's and Odyssey's, the Odyssey/Diehard is the better battery for sure.

 

[Basement Yeti]

Those H's aren't part of my name. Sometimes when I use the red nub on my think pad I hit the h key. :snorkel:

I'm going to order some Diehard's when I get back to CA before I head to CO.

 

[Basement Yeti]

I just bought the Diehard 31M. It's 100Ah, double the capacity of my old Blue Top camper battery. Probably a bit over kill, I could have gone with Blue Top 31M at 75Ah and been Ok. I thought this capacity was important considering I'll eventually be adding a Propex heater and hot water heater which require 12v ignition, plus a fantastic fan, a 30Qt fridge, my LP/CO alarm, and a water pump.

I also think since the roof on my new van tilts up unless I add a system to my solar panel to raise or lower it to sit flat at high noon I will get less efficiency.

The only thing I noticed was the battery has a 36mo warranty, I saw nothing about that pro-rated 100mo warranty. ):

 

[dwh]

I also think since the roof on my new van tilts up unless I add a system to my solar panel to raise or lower it to sit flat at high noon I will get less efficiency.

Just always park facing north.

The only thing I noticed was the battery has a 36mo warranty, I saw nothing about that pro-rated 100mo warranty. ):

Sears I think is 1 year replacement, and 3 years prorate. The other day at AutoZone, I saw they had 1 year replacement and 4 year prorate.