So my red top died when I was overseas. My father in law put a not very big and not very cheap Walmart battery in before I got back. I just isn't handling electrical load of 4rnr. I've been scared to even try winch. Yes I do have a constant draw on battery: radio and e-fan is wired hot with thermo switch and a LED idiot light. Same as the red top managed for years.

Now after reviewing Optima reviews after management and production location changes I'm not impressed. So battery plus has their store brand AGM that's more amps than the optima and longer warrantee also. Any one tried one???

So far I like what I see and am days away from committing just wanted to throw this out to y'all for thought, opinions, or gripes.

 

Like you I used to believe in Optima but it seems all they care about anymore is advertising. Screw making a reliable product.....

I think I would look into the name brand Odyssey or the Sears/Odyssey AGM. Alot of people are moving from the Optima to them.

 

Salesperson at batteries-plus said this battery was made by Northstar made in US. They are plate AGM not spiral like optima and exide orbital. Will check out Sears see what they have. With luck I can find more about odessey.

Gonna need to make a choice as starting 4rnr is gettin iffy.

 

Don`t really know for sure how much of a real test it was but the North Star Batteries were said to win some kind of over all test winching.

I came across this while researching AGM batteries.

 

the duralast agm batteries aren't too bad. i have one in my dd car, and it starts right up in the cold. would i prefer a better brand? probably. but i like it and have no complaints so far.

 

Thanks so far the Northstar (batteries-plus store brand) is looking better and better with the more researching I've done. The price is much better than Odessey plus a good warrantee. Down side is warrantee is only good at batteries-plus...

Just did a google search on them. Consumer reports doesn't speak highly of there AGM batteries but did mention some of there lead acid batteries out performed the AGMs.


So after looking at Northstar I'm a little excited!! And the batteries plus price can't be be as of now. Will search that a little more. There is a marine application that is to drool for but weighs in at 78lbs that would expedite my my battery relocation but I am just hestitant to give up anymore room in the cargo area. You know always enjoyed being able to have a bit of truck capabilities. Still need the rear seats for kiddos and exhaust routing, drive shaft, and gas tank prevent under bed before axle mounting. I'm not in favor of mounting in spare tire location. Anyone got any other ideas on mounting?????

 

It comes down to a warranty question.

With the Sears Oddessy any Sears

Interstate is Nationwide

Deka /East Penn is Nationwide.

Not sure of North Star and to tired to really look If you need to ship on your nickle gets real expensive!!

 

Probably a hazardous materials charge on top of the weight.

 

The downside of batteries plus is that even though the battery is made by Northstar only batteries plus cover free exchange.

 

That is pretty much a given.

Have any idea where your going next??

 

Fingers crossed for Ft Carson, Colorado. Second is Ft Drum, NY. I called branch and talk to guy doing assignments not much open for my class. I do not want Ft Hood, TX. But really not much available for this class. Wish I knew were who was up for Afganistan next, would like to deploy as a new critical care flight paramedic.

 

Fort Drum your only about 5 hours away in good weather.

 

Marine application with dual post. We'll see how it goes.

 

Best of luck!!

 

Have time to get it put into the vehicle yet.

With all that winter weather down there.

 

So far so good

Thought you'd be getting more winter stuff than us. I don't care for San Antonio winters, mid 70's one day mid 30's the next and no snow so no snow wheelin.

 

Is that the batteries plus brand?

 

Yes, made by Northstar