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Exide Orbital battery owner's speak up.....

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Old 10-19-2005, 11:25 AM
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Exide Orbital battery owner's speak up.....

I've been researching these today and they appear to be a very good battery. I found several threads on here where folks recommended them. Here's the two I'm looking at.....

Model 9934/DC: 935CA, 750CCA, and 100Rc This is their deep cycle/starter battery model. Very similar dimensions to the Yellow Top Optima. Price is $165.99 at NAPA

Model 9934/78: 950CA, 770CCA, and 95Rc This is their basic starter battery model. Again, similar dimensions to the Yellow Top. Price is $125.99 at NAPA

I do have alot of accessory lighting and stereo equipment that is run when the truck is on, but that's not really my concern. My question is about the inverter. When tailgating, I want to power a 20" TV through my inverter and not have to worry about cranking the truck every 20-30 minutes like I do now with my stock battery. I've read several threads on here where folks' Optimas crapped out on them prematurely. That scares me. Granted they have a good warranty, but that's alot of head ache. I also don't like the fact that the cables won't reach on the Optima. I'm going to go by NAPA tonight and measure the distance between the terminal and the edge of the battery to see if it will be a direct replacement for what I've got without having to extend any of the cables. I will of course need a spacer since these, like the Optimas, are shorter than stock.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

Matt
Old 10-19-2005, 11:39 AM
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Matt,
I have the "Orbital" battery and the model I got is a direct bolt-in. No lengthening of the cables or spacer. I have had it for about nine months now and have no problems.
I also have aftermarket stereo equipment and a winch.

I am sure Joey (netwt12) will chime in as he just bought a new Orbital after his 7yr old Orbital finally crapped out.

**edit**
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/question-optima-batteries-69328/
Also- looking back I got the 9934/78.

Last edited by terryjmatthew; 10-19-2005 at 11:43 AM.
Old 10-19-2005, 04:05 PM
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TerryJ,
Any idea what the Amp/Hr rating is for your battery?

Matt
Old 10-19-2005, 04:12 PM
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Not the foggiest clue??
Old 10-19-2005, 06:04 PM
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I have one in my Jeep Wrangler. It lasted 3 years then went bad. It still had part of the prorated warrenty left. Cost me $82 to get a new one. The battery in my Jeep sees a lot of abuse bouncing around of road. Overall I can recommend it although I thought it would have lasted longer. Also heat can kill a battery and here in Az. it gets to 120 in the summer.

Last edited by 03_4x4Runner; 10-26-2005 at 04:08 PM.
Old 10-19-2005, 07:34 PM
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Hey LSU if you have any real plans as far as stereo/lights etc you will have to replace every part of your wiring to the battery, commonly called "The Big 3". With that, why not just get a standard sized battery (IE not backward terminals) knowing you'll have to upgrade anyway. I can link you to my pages where I put a 200 amp GM alternator in where the stocker used to be for $200. I'm not an expert, but I have a LOT of experience in the 12 volt world. Good work checking on the Exide. Heavy=good in the world of batteries.
Old 10-20-2005, 08:18 AM
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I have an Exide orbital. I love it! I lengthened the ground wired from the side wall, but I haven't lengthened any other wires (I probably should)... it's in there pretty tight.
Old 10-22-2005, 06:04 AM
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Originally Posted by terryjmatthew
Matt,
I have the "Orbital" battery and the model I got is a direct bolt-in. No lengthening of the cables or spacer. I have had it for about nine months now and have no problems.
I also have aftermarket stereo equipment and a winch.

I am sure Joey (netwt12) will chime in as he just bought a new Orbital after his 7yr old Orbital finally crapped out.

**edit**
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=69328
Also- looking back I got the 9934/78.
As stated i have no complaints. it's an easy install, it bolts right up and lasts a good while.
Old 10-22-2005, 08:36 AM
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i have one, but i got a killer deal on it.....

i have heard form a very rtusted friend that used to work @ kragen's that they were notorious for having bad calls... you gotta watch out for that....

opima is the way to go in my poninion, and considering you can get an optima at costco for $100 there really isnt a reason not to get one
Old 10-22-2005, 11:33 AM
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bad calls? Huh?
Old 10-22-2005, 11:37 AM
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Originally Posted by LSUMatt1514
bad calls? Huh?


ops that was a typo... it was bad cells
Old 10-22-2005, 01:15 PM
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TerryJ and Netwt,
I just don't see how it will just drop in. There's hardly any slack at all on those two smaller cables going to the fuse box and the terminals on the Exide Orbital are in the center of the battery, unlike my stock one which has the terminals right at the back of the battery. Are your cables stretched tight as a drum to make them fit?

Matt
Old 10-22-2005, 03:40 PM
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Optima and be done with it.I have one thats 8 and 1/2 yeras old and it dosent eat my battery cables and frame up!
Old 10-22-2005, 06:14 PM
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I will post up some pics when I get a day off and its light out.
The battery cables are not stretched too tight and IIRC it just dropped right in.
Old 10-26-2005, 11:45 AM
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Loosened the "+" battery cable and turn it 90 degrees and everything works just fine.

And YES, I know my ground strap is fried. It had nothing to do w/ the battery install.
That's what happens when you dont properly ground a winch thats pulling some serious juice!
Old 10-26-2005, 01:40 PM
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Thanks TerryJ!!

Matt
Old 11-18-2005, 06:29 PM
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Matt,
Did you ever decide on a battery?
Old 11-18-2005, 10:54 PM
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my dad has them in two of his mustangs. he's never had to charge them and the cars sit maybe they get started every other few months. good batterys
Old 11-19-2005, 08:21 AM
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TerryJ,
Kind of ironic. A week before the LSU/Alabama game, my stock battery died on me. I know my wife thinks I did it intentionally, but I didn't. Yeah, I got one and I love it. I ran my TV and amplified antenna for about 2 1/2 hours before the game and no problems at all. I love the battery. Thanks for the advice.

Matt
Old 11-20-2005, 08:38 AM
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I've got one in my land cruiser, the primary of my dual batts. So far so good.. chose it over Optima because I know a lot of folks that have had Optimas die on them, mostly reds & yellows.

oh yeah, first post! where's the flipoff icon..


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