2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Gel Batteries

[SMacLeod]

I am thinking about going to gel batteries. The reason I don't have to worry about the acid dripping out. Any comments?

 

[fkovalski]

I am looking into batteries for my TC... . Not sure what to get... I have been reading RV sites and thier comments. Here is some discussion on RV batteries on RV. Net-->BATTERY



ON EDIT: Are you looking at these for your truck? I saw "gel" battery in your post and immediatly thought RV application but then saw the thread is posted in 2G not RV forum. ) Anyway... hope the link provides some information even in a truck situation.



.

 

[GCordrey]

Gel Battery

I can't speak on automotive gel batteries, however the experience I've had with them in small aircraft was not all that appealing. They do not seem to hold a charge. Life expectancy was not what I expected, especially for how much they cost! The one thing I did learn is to put them on a SLOW charge for a while when you first get it. That time period for us was a ten hour day. This type of battery has a memory, so it is critical to "train" it. At least that somewhat works for us. Just my. 02.

 

[GCordrey]

Also, you mentioned that you were concerned about acid dripping out. Is this a problem that is occurring, or prevention of things to come, i. e. offroading and roll overs?

 

[Nate]

I've been using Optima batteries for a couple years without any problems. I have a Blue Top in the Jeep as a matter of fact.

 

[abrankod]

I agree with GCordrey's assessment. I have tried Optima Yellow top deep cycle/starting batteries and the Exide spiral gel-cells in both some of our fleet's buses in Group 31 size, and in my truck, and I've found that they fail just as fast as a normal wet battery, and have an extreme tendency to short internally when used to jump-start or even BEING jump-started. I was rather disappointed with their real-world performance compared to the white papers and all the marketing info. They might be great if you dont do anything with your truck but start and run, but in any severe service environment, they've proven to be poor replacements for wet cells that cost less than half of the gel cells.



-Dan

The Truck & Bus Stop Inc. Brooklyn, NY

 

[Cooker]

FWIW - Optimas are not a gel battery.

 

[Regcabguy]

Optima red tops=two thumbs up!

My original Mopar's were fine at four years but I replaced them with Optima red tops. Fred Swanson of Desert Diesel Parts recommended them saying they were the only type that can survive the hot climate of the desert where he lives. So far so good.

 

[SMacLeod]

yes ths is for just diesel truck use offroad. My other truck the "top post" battery leaked all down the inside of my truck and had to replace all the cables,battery box, etc. to the tune of $600. 00 transmission started acting up after that. Anyway thanks for the tips will go with the red top optima's for my ride.

 

[bmoeller]

I have the Optima red tops as well. Acid leaking was a big factor in getting them. Big problem when we are doing fieldwork in the spring and fall.



Have jump started quite items. The Ram in the winter, if the batteries weren't being charged enough on my short trip to/from work.

 

[EricBu12]

I have the Odyssey 1700 Battery. .



Down in Florida, you can get away with only 1 of these batteries to start... I was here in 20 degree weather with 1 battery and it was able to start... Sometimes. . so down there it would be good.



They also have a 2100 amp battery that would no doubt be good enough with 1 down there. . Mr Bob's has them and he can ship them fully charged. 'sposed to be a 7 yr warranty.



So no complaints on the Odyssey... on that battery, like the Optimas, you can mount them any direction. .

 

[Nate]

What are they then?

FWIW - Optimas are not a gel battery.

 

[Cooker]

What are they then?

It is a lead/acid battery like any other battery. It is just designed differently with Optima's Spiralcall Technology.

 

[Jefff929]

I have the Odyssey 1700 Battery. .

...

anyone else have experiance with the Odessey <<--clickey link?

 

[WestTN]

I think the technical term for the spiral cell technology is starved electrolyte.

 

[bmoeller]

Do you mean a gel cell, not spiral cell? Spiral shaped plates allow for more surface area of the lead.

 

[PRout]

IMO. Gell cells dont seem to handle hard work like good lead-acid batts do. Have also seen the optimas die when needed most (like out in the desert after running inverters they couldnt handle high current/heat). The only batteries I will spend my money on are A: A pair of 6v Trojan Deep Cycle batts wired in series. or B: Delco Voyagers. I like the Delco Voyagers in our trucks because they are maintenance free (no leak - no filling), they have built in spark arresters, built in hydrometer (red/black/green), and they are a "Marine" battery for trolling motors (thicker plates for charges/discharges). They are a compromise between a deep-cycle batt and a starting batt. Long story short, they work when they have to (winching, off-road lights, heavy inverter use, big radio transmitters - 1600 watts out (about 150 amp draw) in this case, etc). My last set just got lazy at 11 years old (5yrs in last truck where they got worked hard due to some heavy current loads , ran 3 in parallel - and 6 yrs in the cummins - light load). The set before this lasted 8-9 yrs and they were run hard. The price is reasonable on them, so they are simple and sweet. Hey there are lots of batts to choose from out there, some very good, most are overrated. Ive seen Trojans work hard with reliable results, and Delco Voyagers.

 

[EricBu12]

Heres the specs on the PC1700 Battery I have...



PC 1700T Specs:



* 1700 cranking amps for 5 seconds

* 1540 cranking amps for 10 seconds

* 1355 cranking amps for 20 seconds

* Short circuit current over 3500A

* 68 amp hours

* 142 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load

* With SAE automotive terminals

* Length 13. 0"

* Width 6. 5"

* Height 7. 5" including terminals

* Weighs 59 lbs







Odyssey design:



* 3 year full warranty

* Rugged Drycell sealed design

* Military grade

* Vibration resistant

* 60% more starting power

* Deep discharge reserve power

* 2 year storage life

* 8-12 year design life

* Can be mounted in any orientation

 

[RDelissen]

after the batteries went out on mine I also went with Optimas Redtop (dark gray casing) and couldn't have been happier



Just make sure if you get them that they're the dark gray case ones, since these have higher cranking amps

 

[HoleshotHolset]

I installed one Odyssey PC1700MJT in my '98 QC... do a search and you'll find a thread that has a few pics and a description of my quickie install.

After fixing a bad ground connection, it seemed to start the truck fine in any weather - including below freezing.



The new owner in MI hasn't reported any ill effects - he's had the truck for almost a year now, but I'm not sure if it sees any cold weather.



It is simply amazing how much room under the hood you gain by only running one battery.



Matt