Batteries

[Pathrat]

Anyone know anything about this one? According to some guy on IH8MUD, this is the rebranded Exide. Exide? Optima Red Top? Equal, better or worse? I will, at some point, be replacing mine with one of these.

[Patrolman]

Is there a link missing? Just so everyone knows, Optima has a $25 off deal through end of September. Good anywhere, I think it is a MIR. Costco sells Optima redtops for just over $100.

[Pathrat]

Patrolman previously posted:

[Chris]

So Dave, are you saying I need one of these pricey batteries when I go to a dual setup? I've always been pleased with whatever's a deal at Batteries +

[Patrolman]

After going through a LOT of dual battery research, it depends on how your setup is and what your application is. You may want an Optima, you may not. Will post more specific info when I have more time.

[Chris]

I have a Painless dual battery kit I picked up from brody. I don't know anything about it but plan on using it as a backup and for the winch and accessory stuff. Probably get to it this Winter.

[Pathrat]

Here is the link I was missing:

http://www.4wheelparts.com/Off-Road-...&t_pn=EXP34XCD

The promotion seems to be no leaking and more than one set of terminals. Anybody tipped enough to cause a battery to leaK?

[Pathrat]

Telly thanks for the info on your pick and Jimmy thank for the link. Everyone's input is appreciated.

[Pathrat]

Nay previously posted:

[Patrolman]

So here is the "lowdown".

Optima's are sealed batteries. They are good for 2 things really. Primarily for mounting on its side so it won't leak, but also for fitting into areas where venting may be a problem. Miata guys often use Optima batteries since the battery is located in the trunk. You don't want the gases to build up in the trunk area.

Optima also makes a deep cycle. Deep cycles are good at recovering after complete discharges. A regular battery may not take a charge again. If it does, it likely won't have as long a life as a deep cycle. Other companies make a deep cycle. If a battery is needed that can run all the way to a discharge and then re-charge, a deep cycle is in your future.

Regarding dual batteries, there are a couple ways to wire them together. There is parallel which is just hooking them together with cables. There is no electronics which divide the batteries up. As one discharges, so does the other. Both batteries can run all the way down to empty. It is also apparently important to have identical batteries. Same age and size. Otherwise the better battery will try to help keep the no-so-good battery charged, putting too much strain on the better battery.

The other way to wire up duals is to put an isolator in. This automatically charges both batteries as needed. The car basically operates on one battery and "accessories" such as a fridge, winch, lights, etc all run off the second battery. If the second battery drains down, the primary battery still holds a charge. The vehicle can still start and then re-charge the secondary battery. There are 2 basic types of isolators. There are automatic ones which are common as maintenance free basically. There are also manually controlled switches. That allows for each battery to be on a different circuit just like the automatic isolator, but the driver decides which battery gets the charge. Simple as that! Since the batteries each operate on a different circuit, there is no need to have the same size/age battery. Simply install any size battery as the secondary.

Did I mention that I had done my homework?

[Pathrat]

Wow. This is why I ask. Thanks! :clap:

[Chris]

Good info Jeff, thanks! I have a Painless kit sitting in the garage, I'll be getting to that one of these weeks!