Battery Suggestions Needed

xtn · Dec 30, 2014

I won't use anything but Optima yellow top once an OEM battery gives up (and assuming one will fit). Repeat discharges and recharges doesn't seem to hurt them. Yes, I'm in Texas.

xtn

tomcat7359 · Dec 30, 2014

One of the tools I find very handy when working on anything electrical, Home or on vehicles.. simple amp clamp, shows charging amps of an Alt by clamping on Positive battery cable or alternator "+" cable. This and a digital volt meter tells you a lot of information about the electrical system. MA120 is only rated for 200 amps AC or DC, and it is small enough to get into tight places, much smaller than the big 400 amp style.

Bought mine from amazon... about 75.00
Amazon.com: Extech MA120 200 Ampere AC/DC Mini Clamp on Current Detector: Home Improvement

Coyote machine · Dec 30, 2014

Interstate in everything I own. 4 Toyotas, 2 in my boat, 1 in my Kioti DK-40, 1 in each of my Dr. mowers, 1 in Suzuki ATV. I used to sell them when I owned my foreign auto shop. Run then, check level at split rings, fill only with distilled water, NEVER add electrolyte. Battery Tender if they go low or sit for long periods of time. Letting any battery get below 80% charge on a regular basis shortens the overall life of same.

xtn · Dec 30, 2014

Coyote machine said:
Letting any battery get below 80% charge on a regular basis shortens the overall life of same.

Right. But with the Optima Yellow Top (or others designed for deep discharge duty) that eventuality is greatly reduced/postponed.

xtn

Billrog · Dec 30, 2014

I've had good luck with a variety of battery's & I do put deep cycle battery's in all the heavy equipment that sits for a while most use 2 and I try and get the battery minder on them every 30 days or so for a few days. I've not used the Optima yet but may some day. Anything that gets ruff treatment or lots of bouncing around I'd recommend jell battery's especially in the smaller sizes for longevity.

Coyote machine · Dec 30, 2014

xtn said:
Right. But with the Optima Yellow Top (or others designed for deep discharge duty) that eventuality is greatly reduced/postponed.

xtn

Agreed; but at a premium price. I haven't succumbed to gel/mat batteries to date because lead acid works well if maintained properly.
My boat would be the perfect candidate, but so far two Interstate batteries cover the start and house duties no problems. I don't use deep cycle batteries because I have a BEP/VSR switch which reads both batteries state of charge and uses the engine's alternator to maintain the start and then the house battery's output voltage in that order. If for some reason I need both batteries to start the engine if one battery is in failure mode I can then manually switch both to work together to provide adequate voltage. Boats aren't like a car, or tractor. You can't get out or off a boat and walk home! And if you can, you don't need a battery anyway.