Off Roading Recommended battery for Winching/AUX.?

[willy1947]

I am trying to find the optimal battery setup for my jeep. Currently I use a normal 12v starting battery as my main battery and a deep cycle for my aux. battery. This has worked for about 3 years, but the deep cycle doesn't hold up.



The main battery starts the jeep, runs headlights, and gauges. The aux. battery runs my CB, off road lights, and my winch. They are seperated by an isolator block and are charged with a 100 amp alternator. When not in use for long periods of time, I keep the deep cycle battery on a automatic trickle charger, that shuts off when it is fully charged.



My issue is my deep cycle battery doesn't hold up very well. I have to replace it each year. Should I be using a starting battery instead? A friend mentioned that a winch would work better off a starting battery. Is there any battery maintenance practices I should be following?



I know the gel cell batteries would be better, but I haven't had the extra cash to spend on one. Each battery replacement has fallen under warranty. But are they really worth the extra money?



I also power my cargo trailer with a deep cycle. It powers the lights and inverter that powers the fridge. It's life cycle has also been short. It is charged through the truck and is also kept on a automatic trickle charge when not in use.



Thanks,

Dave

 

[JFitzgerald]

But are they really worth the extra money?

I use an Optima yellow top in my CJ. It has been in the Jeep at least six years. The Jeep is off road only, and may sit 1 week or 8 weeks between play times. I use it with a Warn 8274 and a 100 amp alternator. The Jeep gets wheeled hard and gets into some bad "stucks" at times. It's not light either, with 1-tons and 38's. I don't know if it's the battery or the winch, or both, but the combo works quite well. In my opinion, the battery was well worth the money, and it's still going strong.

 

[fj40charles]

I had a Optima red top on my FJ40 (offroad rig) for about 2 years. After 4-6 battery dischages from sitting it died. I got a yellow top now. I asked around found out that a red top will not tolerate multiple dischages like a yellow top.

IMHO, the best battery is the Odyssey battery. More money, but very small package and can tolerate up to 1000 discharge cycles.