Which Batteries?

[jrollins]

OK, My batteries have seen there better days and are about to be replaced, But I don't know Which ones to go with, so here is a poll to see what everyones favorite is!Oo.

 

[Chipstien]

What I look for in a battery is Reserve Capacity. Cold cranking amps are just a advertising gimmick that doesn't means crap. Needless to say that the Optimas do not cut it with regards to RC. My choice, Trojan Commercial group 27 with 170 min of Reserve and a measily 60 bucks each.



FWIW, if I could get my hands on the Optimagroup 31 yellow tops than I might consider the Optimas. Unfortunatly the Post Office has bids on almost all that are produced currently so they are close to impossible to get.

 

[Loren]

jrollins,



I have the Optima blue tops because I use the old batteries from my trucks for other, less critical applications.



The yellow tops and blue tops are identical batteries except for their electrical connections. The yellow tops have added side terminals, while the blue tops have the added screw-post.



I use mine in the RV, so I went with the screw-post.



Loren



P. S. I hope you know what a can of worms you've opened here asking about batteries. It's almost as bad as asking about oil.

 

[wrk2mtch]

I agree with Chipstien. The Trojan commercial batteries have a huge reserve and are not much more expensive than the cheap junk they carry at the local Schucks.

 

[illflem]

You only need huge reserve capacity if you live where it's cold and don't plug in, otherwise you really only need one battery.

I like Optimas because they are truly maintenance free and don't corrode.

 

[sdalton]

Wally World special. Maxx-1 . It has worked fine for me, over the winter. $59 each, and 3 years free replacement, and prorated after that until 6 or nine years. I cant remember which one.

 

[jrollins]

Well we also have a home in Colorado and its not uncommon for us to see temps in the -5 deg range so reserve is important to me, where are yall getting these Trojan commercials?

 

[LSMITH]

Mine has sat in weather with an average temp of about 5* for over 3 weeks, cycled the grid heaters at least 9 times over about an hour and a half without starting, cycled them again and it started just like it was the first time I had cycled the heaters. Temp when I started it was -5. That was all done with the Optima Red Tops. The Optimas have PLENTY of reserve, they are under rated if anything. Needing more reserve is highly unlikely.

 

[wrk2mtch]

I've always felt that you can never have enough reserve capacity. Sitting with the headlights on and the engine off, or playing the radio while working under the hood (if you heard Chipstiens system you'd know he needs it!), extra capacity when camping, or getting you home when the alternator dies-which is always when it's dark and cold out!



I buy Trojan batteries locally through a place called Atomic battery company. Look in the phone book under batteries or try:

http://www.trojanbattery.com

 

[Chipstien]

I am not saying that Optimas are not good batteries ... . look at their following. However I can get so much more battery for so much less money that it really make it not worth it just to not have to check the water every year. The only exception is if you do serious offroading. With Optimas there are no plates to "shift"..... tend to take more abuse.



FWIW, if you are going to run Optimas, get the yellowtops. Better reserve (120 minutes).



I have used a Redtop and it didn't last 6 months. Different application though. (Boat)

 

[me4osu]

I've had my red tops for a year, and I think they are good batteries. The main reason I bought them is that they don't bleed acid all over my fenders (and cruise control).



For as little as we see cold temps, they work great. I was in Colorado in Dec. of last year, and the temp was around 12 deg. F when I woke up. I had not plugged in, so I let the grid heater cycle twice; it cranked as fast as usual and lit on the third roll.

 

[BillGotthelf]

sdaltons right wally world's are everywhere. Best Batt is only $59 per for our trucks. 3 year exchange and 6 years after that prorated. Can't beat that price. Batts look cool with yellow tops too.

 

[lgibson]

Anyone ever use the Black Panther batteries. Opps they are now called Odyssey from Hawker.





http://www.odysseyfactory.com/ody_why.htm



and here is a good article.



http://www.off-road.com/isuzu/womb_hawker.html

 

[JSmith]

Red Tops

 

[eGarwood]

I run optima Blue tops and love them!!!!