Battery

[Ldub]

Tom--- Don't feel bad. I was in the second wave of Covered Wagons behind your main lead caravan with the Lewis & Clark expedition. Yes, my vintage (circa 1994) marine/watercraft "Battery Buddy" on my ski-boat has an actual "button" (circuit breaker) that has to be physically re-set by pushing down on the re-set button. It's kinda' a pain in the neck to remove the engine cowling cover, but the peace of mind is always worth it when you re-try the starter and it fires right up. Plus, I always love the look on my friends faces when they say "Oh Boy, now we're really stranded without a prayer." I just smile and say "Not so fast boys with your judgement, just give me a quick moment and we'll be on our way".

That...and the fact that it's kinda hard to flash the high beams, or tap the brake pedal...on a boat...

[tom4bren]

That...and the fact that it's kinda hard to flash the high beams, or tap the brake pedal...on a boat...

Dam ... I must be getting old ... that one slipped right by me.

[Ldub]

Dam ... I must be getting old ... that one slipped right by me.

Prolly from lack of nicotine more than age...,

[tom4bren]

Prolly from lack of nicotine more than age...,

May be from too many lightning bolts down my shorts lately.

BTW - I've cut my Baccy use in half lately but haven't quit yet (I'll get there).

[pbkid]

Running a lead-acid battery to dead reduces its life dramatically.

more than 50%....

[circmand]

more than 50%....

replacement vs the prorated warranty

[Moonrover]

which red top would fit as there are for different ones listed on their website

[etlsport]

a group size 34 is what ive got

[Mark B]

Thanks for all the help.
I can't decide between the Die Hard or Optima.
The Optima has a $ 25.00 rebate.
Will do some price shopping this weekend.

[VX KAT]

FYI- Don't forget to check out Amazon.com as they have some really good prices, FREE shipping, and you still can send in for the rebate. I got 2 blue tops from them a few months ago, killer prices, free shipping, no sales tax, plus 2 rebates from Optima.

[VX KAT]

Wanted to revisit & get new opinions on Optima batteries as they've gotten older...
Our FJ needs a new battery, we figured we'd get an Optima Yellow top. Called around, looked online for pricing. Called local "Batteries Plus" ....salesguy says "Optimas are made in Mexico as of about 3 yrs ago, they've taken back about 10,000 bad ones, stopped carrying them since quality problems and they've had so many problems with them." Tried to sell us another AGM (I think their house brand, but didn't catch the brand), more CCA, more reserve. Meanwhile, they still sell Optimas on their website....hmmmm,

Optima's site says FJ takes a Group 35.
Sales guy rattled off some rapid fire stuff about the physical size of a Group 35 being smaller than the other AGM he recommended, and we'd need that adapter thing to fit (no big deal in my mind) and recommended a different size (can't recall which one), said it would fill up the battery holder area, so it's a "bigger" more powerful battery....

~We figure we don't need tremendous CCA as our climate is pretty mild. (Yellowtop has 770 @ 32 degrees)
~We don't need a ton of reserve as no monster stereo, amp or winch, etc... (Yellowtop has 100)

I've had a Redtop for 18 months, 0 probs. (Theoretically mine would have been made in Mexico, but I haven't verified that yet)

What's everybody else think / know about Optimas (specifically the yellowtop)?
Anybody know if the ones made in Mexico are really showing higher problems?
Eric do you get to hear the scoop on this kinda stuff from work?
I know several of you mentioned the Diehard Platinum, has more CCA & reserve I believe, and circ pointed out it had a better warranty....but, we're still most interested in the Optima Yellowtop.

Thoughts? Experiences? Problems?

[Marlin]

Hmmm, I guess it's true what they say. Anyone who lives in the State of Arizona don't like anything from Mexico.

Anyway, I have a yellow top in the F150 that has made its way through my last three trucks. I got it in 06, never had a problem. I got it to support my 06 Explorer that I added a fridge, inverter, dvd and so on.
The problem of the optimas not filling your factory spot are easily solved. Its 1/8" steel and he will cut just about whatever pattern you want in the top, just make sure you tell him which way you want it oriented If looks are important, and I have seen your hubby's FJ, looks are important, the optima with custom tray is the way to go. Here is a link to the dealer I used for the tray. As I said, it's definitely high quality, and he cuts the top for free within reason, so if he wanted "FJ" or some such, it would be no problemo.

http://cgi.ebay.com/Optima-Battery-B...item41494ff42a

[Gussie2000]

Thanks for all the help.
I can't decide between the Die Hard or Optima.
The Optima has a $ 25.00 rebate.
Will do some price shopping this weekend.

I bought an die hard platinium series and let me tell you this...you can't go wrong with this one.

This is my 2nd die hard & never had any issues with them.

Mines have 880 CCA with 1000 reserve. My horse fires up like a rocket

[vt_maverick]

Ditto on the recommendation for the Diehard Platinum, although I do kinda regret not having a gel-cell like the Optima. The wife's Axiom has a no-name brand battery in it, so when her's goes out I may trade batteries with her and pick up an Optima for the VX. You can't argue with the super-high CCAs on the Diehard though; we did trade batteries for the trip to Wisconsin last winter, and it started up her Axiom in -17 degree weather on our last day there.

Honestly I don't think you can go wrong either way.

[habs10]

Anybody have any feedback on Odyssey batteries?