Buying a battery!

notjustatoy · 05-23-2008, 02:30 PM

I need to get a new battery so now is the time to upgrade to a better one. Just lookin for a little input.

I've been leaning towards the Optima's but ive been reading a couple threads that have complaints about them.

904_runner · 05-23-2008, 02:34 PM

Optimas are nice, i would have bought one when mine died, but i couldn't afford one.

Imo, the only benefit to a optima is that you can mount it in any position, and honestly i wouldn't mount it anywhere but the stock location. Thats the only place ive seen any battery for that matter, but i think people buy them for the bling factor

I ended up buying a $70 one from napa, works for me.

nick-m · 05-23-2008, 03:11 PM

Odyssey (Enersys) hands down. PC1700 and PC1500 will fit your truck.

I have two (had) one in my truck at present and one in the Civic I sold. They're expensive but will never ever leave you stranded and are super-solid, both in build and reliability.

Hilux808 · 05-23-2008, 03:13 PM

I've been running Optima red tops for years. They're the best batteries I've ever used.

Texas_Ace · 05-23-2008, 03:15 PM

Odyssey BY FAR. I have the pc1700 as well and could not be happier. Left my lights on 1 night and next morning it started right up like nothing happened.

grovedogg · 05-23-2008, 03:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hilux808

I've been running Optima red tops for years. They're the best batteries I've ever used.

x2

norcalsvx · 05-23-2008, 04:33 PM

i run a red top optima with a WabFab batt. mount and its been working great i was having a lot batt. problems (batt. coming loose,etc..)

hmmwv15 · 05-23-2008, 04:36 PM

O'rielly's has a super start battery that I'm trying. I said I would be running a lot of lights and acessories off of it and they reccommended the one that I have. Haven't had the chance to see what it's made of yet, but at $80 it's a lot easier on my wallet than an Optima.

4x4 · 05-24-2008, 08:36 AM

Just a FYI - An Optima will die without warning. Completely dead. No jump starting, no bump starting.

An old school lead-acid battery will generally give you months or at least a few weeks of slow starting before it dies. And even then you can usually jump or bump start it a couple of times before it completely gives out.

For a truck that's going to be out 4x4ing in the boonies, or on expedition runs.. I'm not taking a battery that has the bad habit of just dying on you.

Consumer reports does testing of batteries. Thier number #1 pick was the Sear Diehard Platinum. The "Quick picks" were the Autocraft Titanium (Autozone - made by Johnson Controls), Sear's Diehard Gold, and the Napa Select. Hmmm.. all lead-acid batteries.

CJM · 05-24-2008, 08:41 AM

Seeing as I sell them for a living for AAA:

The only thing you gain by using an optima is it isnt a lead acid battery and its sealed. Furthermore your paying for the name more than anything.

So long as you buy a decent battery made by one of the major makers (exide, diehard, napa, etc-which are all made by the same plant anyways!) you will be fine.

I have an exide in my truck and in every one of the work trucks we have b/c thats what we sell (rebadged with AAA logos but the same), no issues at all. Other people seem to, but then again the idiots dont run the car for months or leave stuff on. I left my truck for over 2 months, and it turned right over. My old work van which were putting back on the road we boosted and let run and no issues, it hasnt been on the road for a year.

1stgen4gunner · 05-24-2008, 09:15 AM

as long as your alternator is good and you buy the right size battery for your truck, it shouldn't really matter what brand you buy. I got the cheapest one I could find which happened to be a die hard.

SForrester · 05-24-2008, 09:47 AM

Yeah, Optima's are mostly "go fast" marketing. Unless you're going to mount it on the interior of your vehicle, like in the trunk of the car, they're not worth the trouble. They're pretty unreliable. Look cool? Oh Yeah. Reliable and long lasting? NOPE!

The guys at the part's store I go to always do "Special Ed" impersonations whenever people come in and buy this crap, as they're walking out the door. It's funny as hell, but to be fair they usually do try to warn the customers about how many of the Optima batteries come back.

Belize Off Road Team · 05-24-2008, 09:58 AM

Optima are great for heavy loads an looks. it will be what i buy next.

but for everyday use i highly recommend a CAT battery. i had one i mine when i bought it and it took alot of load and didn't drain over night with the lights on (oops). plus it does not need spacers to fit it. the battery fis perfectly under the battery holder.

bigdaddy87547 · 05-24-2008, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CJM

Seeing as I sell them for a living for AAA:

The only thing you gain by using an optima is it isnt a lead acid battery and its sealed. Furthermore your paying for the name more than anything.

So long as you buy a decent battery made by one of the major makers (exide, diehard, napa, etc-which are all made by the same plant anyways!) you will be fine.

I have an exide in my truck and in every one of the work trucks we have b/c thats what we sell (rebadged with AAA logos but the same), no issues at all. Other people seem to, but then again the idiots dont run the car for months or leave stuff on. I left my truck for over 2 months, and it turned right over. My old work van which were putting back on the road we boosted and let run and no issues, it hasnt been on the road for a year.

cjm nailed it right on the head. about 80% of batteries made today are made by the company johnson controls.

rowdy235 · 05-24-2008, 06:43 PM

Running a Les Schwab Xtreme Power here. Got like 900 CCA which is a bit much but is great for camping where the truck may not be started for a few days but the radio/dome/etc. is used.

And its got a warranty for 6 years

Midget96 · 05-24-2008, 09:03 PM

I've had the Exide Orbital XCD "Jimi Hendrix" battery for a few years now. It's seen 120° summers and 30° winters (I know, not arctic, but still chilly). It's been thrown around the engine back due to my worthless battery tie down. Used it to listen to music for 2 hours+ while sleeping in my truck. Functions flawlessly. I have not been able to drain it ever.

Odysseys are also top notch, but you do pay for it. Had the PC680 in my Integra and it must have been totally drained a dozen times (left lights on a lot) but never faltered once I trickle charged it back to life.

Optima is junk. I would tape together a hundred AA batteries before I put one of those overpriced heaps in my truck. Garbage. Marketing is all they have going for them.

4Crawler · 05-25-2008, 06:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Texas_Ace

Odyssey BY FAR. I have the pc1700 as well and could not be happier. Left my lights on 1 night and next morning it started right up like nothing happened.

I have Odyssey's in both my 4Runner and my VW. They are great, almost impossible to kill. The last set in my 4Runner lasted nearly 10 years and I swapped them out since I needed to drop the gas tank and that is where I have the batteries mounted:
http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/CheapTri...atteries.shtml

But after cleaning the old batteries up I find they still work fine, I now use them in my solar powered ventilation fan I have in my house. And those batteries had been drained dead many times over the years and they just come back like nothing happened.

offroadie · 06-23-2008, 08:27 PM

I agree with most that just charging the old battery, checking the cells, and making sure the grounds are connected right.

I'm running a 1000w cca from Interstate, I bought it from them as a reconditioned battery for ~$65. It was a good deal, and no lack of power whatsoever.

I'd like an Optima too...but the $$$...

brooklee1000 · 06-25-2008, 04:19 PM

Nobody seems to be addressing the issue of cranking amps. The higher the better. When its real cold outside (-33), higher cranking amps are what will turn the engine over more than the name on the side. If you are running a winch, then definately look at this first. Second, look for higher reserve capacity numbers. I have looked at the optimas, and others, and will be replacing my battery with a $100 battery that has 850 cold cranking amps(different from just "cranking amps"), and 120 min. reserve cap. More than the optima red top for half the price and 5years of warranty.

05-23-2008, 02:30 PM	#1 (permalink)
notjustatoy Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Posts: 26	Buying a battery! I need to get a new battery so now is the time to upgrade to a better one. Just lookin for a little input. I've been leaning towards the Optima's but ive been reading a couple threads that have complaints about them. __________________ 93 P/U Stnd Cab 5spd Centerforce Stage II 4" Superlift Kit 33x12.50 BFG's

05-23-2008, 03:11 PM	#3 (permalink)
nick-m Registered User Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: NYC Posts: 359	Odyssey (Enersys) hands down. PC1700 and PC1500 will fit your truck. I have two (had) one in my truck at present and one in the Civic I sold. They're expensive but will never ever leave you stranded and are super-solid, both in build and reliability. __________________ 1996 4Runner SR5 V6 3.4L 57,890 miles Odyssey PC1700T profile

05-23-2008, 03:13 PM	#4 (permalink)
Hilux808 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Glendale AZ Posts: 118	I've been running Optima red tops for years. They're the best batteries I've ever used. __________________ 1991 22RE 5Spd 4WD left hand drive "Hilux Surf", a.k.a "*4Runner". I currently use & abuse: MSD 6A wires & coil NGK PermaCool oil cooler K&N 3001 TrueFlow EdelbrockIAS NipponRacingAlumRad Cragar15x8soft8, BFG 31x10.5AT Dynomax Optima RoyalPurple PanasonicRFosgateInfinityKappaPerfectStinger "She'll make point five past light speed. She may not look like much but she's got it where it counts, kid. I've made a lot of special modifications myself." H. Solo*

05-23-2008, 04:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
norcalsvx Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Alpine--GRASS valley, CA Posts: 2,148	i run a red top optima with a WabFab batt. mount and its been working great i was having a lot batt. problems (batt. coming loose,etc..) __________________ 1994 toy 22re- http://www.yotatech.com/f86/nocalsvx-s-94-toy-104593/ 2006 Subaru Forester XT -some mods/awd 5spd 1994 Subaru SVX- hwy runner 84 RX7- drag car build

05-23-2008, 04:36 PM	#8 (permalink)
hmmwv15 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Good 'ole Georgia Posts: 1,670	O'rielly's has a super start battery that I'm trying. I said I would be running a lot of lights and acessories off of it and they reccommended the one that I have. Haven't had the chance to see what it's made of yet, but at $80 it's a lot easier on my wallet than an Optima. __________________ Sean What I be drivin': Weekend/fun rig: 85 4runner in the building process, so far welded rear and a wee bit-o-lift. (thing 1) Daily Driver: 87 extra cab long bed deluxe 2wd p/u (thing 2) Is this going to be an Obamanation?

05-24-2008, 08:36 AM	#9 (permalink)
4x4 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NC Posts: 22	Just a FYI - An Optima will die without warning. Completely dead. No jump starting, no bump starting. An old school lead-acid battery will generally give you months or at least a few weeks of slow starting before it dies. And even then you can usually jump or bump start it a couple of times before it completely gives out. For a truck that's going to be out 4x4ing in the boonies, or on expedition runs.. I'm not taking a battery that has the bad habit of just dying on you. Consumer reports does testing of batteries. Thier number #1 pick was the Sear Diehard Platinum. The "Quick picks" were the Autocraft Titanium (Autozone - made by Johnson Controls), Sear's Diehard Gold, and the Napa Select. Hmmm.. all lead-acid batteries. __________________ '98 Toyota Tacoma regular cab 4x4 SOLD '04 Toyota Tacoma extended cab 4x4 V6 TRD, OME suspension - 881 coils, 265/75r16 Maxxis Bighorns SOLD '98 Toyota 4runner 4x4 V6, 5 speed, RR DIFF LOCK, 265/75r16 BFG AT KO Last edited by 4x4 : 05-24-2008 at 08:49 AM.

05-24-2008, 08:41 AM	#10 (permalink)
CJM Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Central NJ Posts: 4,580	Seeing as I sell them for a living for AAA: The only thing you gain by using an optima is it isnt a lead acid battery and its sealed. Furthermore your paying for the name more than anything. So long as you buy a decent battery made by one of the major makers (exide, diehard, napa, etc-which are all made by the same plant anyways!) you will be fine. I have an exide in my truck and in every one of the work trucks we have b/c thats what we sell (rebadged with AAA logos but the same), no issues at all. Other people seem to, but then again the idiots dont run the car for months or leave stuff on. I left my truck for over 2 months, and it turned right over. My old work van which were putting back on the road we boosted and let run and no issues, it hasnt been on the road for a year. __________________ 96' T100 SR5 4x4, ISR mod, Custom ABS snorkel, KC 57's Hella optilux el cheapo backup lights. Cobra 19III CB, Firestick 4ft antenna, Bilstein shocks. Be polite. Be professional. But, have a plan to kill everyone you meet.

05-24-2008, 09:15 AM	#11 (permalink)
1stgen4gunner Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Connecticut Posts: 284	as long as your alternator is good and you buy the right size battery for your truck, it shouldn't really matter what brand you buy. I got the cheapest one I could find which happened to be a die hard. __________________ -Dave NOBOMBA '08 "It is possible to store the mind with a million facts and still be entirely uneducated." A Man Without His Yota- PM me if you have anything for sale 2003 KTM SX125, V-Force Reeds, FMF Pipe an Silencer, Pro Taper Bars, Factory Connection Suspension, It is a Factory Bike Right out of the Box Thook- Sure....I'll be your brother. Thook is my brother, and all because of a methane driven, turbo charged outhouse.

05-24-2008, 09:47 AM	#12 (permalink)
SForrester Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 13	Yeah, Optima's are mostly "go fast" marketing. Unless you're going to mount it on the interior of your vehicle, like in the trunk of the car, they're not worth the trouble. They're pretty unreliable. Look cool? Oh Yeah. Reliable and long lasting? NOPE! The guys at the part's store I go to always do "Special Ed" impersonations whenever people come in and buy this crap, as they're walking out the door. It's funny as hell, but to be fair they usually do try to warn the customers about how many of the Optima batteries come back. Last edited by SForrester : 05-24-2008 at 09:51 AM.

05-24-2008, 09:58 AM	#13 (permalink)
Belize Off Road Team Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Corozal Town, Belize Posts: 2,369	Optima are great for heavy loads an looks. it will be what i buy next. but for everyday use i highly recommend a CAT battery. i had one i mine when i bought it and it took alot of load and didn't drain over night with the lights on (oops). plus it does not need spacers to fit it. the battery fis perfectly under the battery holder. __________________ -Phyl 1991 Hilux Surf SSR-G Petrol 3.0L V6 192,000kms l 3.4L V6 264,000kms to be rebuilt then installed! l Rancho RS5000 l 31"x10.50"xR15 Pro Comp Xterrain l K&N Drop in filter l PP 1" Lift Coil Springs l TRD shift knob l Lv. 3 First Aid Kit l White Gauges & Temp Controls l LED conversion l 80/100W Hella H4 l Hella Black Magic l 1st Gen Roll Bar Mod l FT/RR Diff. Breathers l Smittybilt XRC8 Winch l TOYOTA TOUR 2008 トヨタ\|NEVER QUIT

05-24-2008, 06:43 PM	#15 (permalink)
rowdy235 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Sweet Home, OR Posts: 1,369	Running a Les Schwab Xtreme Power here. Got like 900 CCA which is a bit much but is great for camping where the truck may not be started for a few days but the radio/dome/etc. is used. And its got a warranty for 6 years __________________ Daily Driver: 1982 Toyota Pickup Base 2WD 22R, TRD Cam,5-sp Manual, Toyota Truck Nation High Miler- 300k+ MPG: 25/32 Off-roader: 1990 Honda H3011SA Riding Lawnmower, 11hp OHV engine, Carlisle SNOW-HOG Tires MPG: 1 Day of "Wheeling" per gallon Come to the 2nd Annual Oregon Yotatech Meetup! June 26-29, 2009: Browns Camp OHV Park http://www.yotatech.com/f5/oregon-yo.../#post50902592

05-24-2008, 09:03 PM	#16 (permalink)
Midget96 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Posts: 252	I've had the Exide Orbital XCD "Jimi Hendrix" battery for a few years now. It's seen 120° summers and 30° winters (I know, not arctic, but still chilly). It's been thrown around the engine back due to my worthless battery tie down. Used it to listen to music for 2 hours+ while sleeping in my truck. Functions flawlessly. I have not been able to drain it ever. Odysseys are also top notch, but you do pay for it. Had the PC680 in my Integra and it must have been totally drained a dozen times (left lights on a lot) but never faltered once I trickle charged it back to life. Optima is junk. I would tape together a hundred AA batteries before I put one of those overpriced heaps in my truck. Garbage. Marketing is all they have going for them.

06-23-2008, 08:27 PM	#18 (permalink)
offroadie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: North FLorida, practiaclly Georgia. Posts: 44	I agree with most that just charging the old battery, checking the cells, and making sure the grounds are connected right. I'm running a 1000w cca from Interstate, I bought it from them as a reconditioned battery for ~$65. It was a good deal, and no lack of power whatsoever. I'd like an Optima too...but the $$$... __________________ Try to keep the rubber side down... '88 SR5 Xtra Cab, 3VZ-E/5-spd, Marlin Crawler shifter kit, ASIN hubs, Pro Comp 31x10.50 A/T's, LEER topper, 156,xxx miles, Radio? CD player? Bah! Daily Driver: '90 Honda Civic Hatchback a.k.a. "Goldie" - 98k orig miles! 36mpg

06-25-2008, 04:19 PM	#19 (permalink)
brooklee1000 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: ontario Posts: 99	Nobody seems to be addressing the issue of cranking amps. The higher the better. When its real cold outside (-33), higher cranking amps are what will turn the engine over more than the name on the side. If you are running a winch, then definately look at this first. Second, look for higher reserve capacity numbers. I have looked at the optimas, and others, and will be replacing my battery with a $100 battery that has 850 cold cranking amps(different from just "cranking amps"), and 120 min. reserve cap. More than the optima red top for half the price and 5years of warranty. __________________ Toyota does it Better, Longer, Faster, Stronger.

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