AGM Batteries for the CT230

DaveK OR · Jan 17, 2017

Any advice on AGM battery brands? My original battery (from about 2011) is finally reaching it's life's end and I need to find a good, non-leaking replacement. I don't need a super-duty for cold climate, as temperatures here rarely get low enough for that to be a problem.

I've read that Optima makes a pretty good battery, but have also heard some good things about the Exide AGMs. Any thoughts on these or other brands?

Thanks!

Garandman · Jan 17, 2017

I think Odyssey is better for heavy applications. The primary benefit of the Optima technology is light weight.

Haven't owned an Exide AGM.

powerscol · Jan 18, 2017

For the price of the AGM you could get two regular ones. If you worded about spills just wrap the battery in a HD garbage bag. I just treat the base with battery terminal cleaner. I also changed terminal positions to the front to get the positive terminal away from the cooler line.
Hope this helps

1stDeuce · Jan 18, 2017

I bought a Deka Intimidator AGM through Oreilly's and it's been a good battery for my truck camper. It's branded as "Super Start", but it IS a Deka Intimidator, which is a great AGM battery, and it's quite a bit cheaper.

To be honest, I would just get one of Oreilly's Marine/Starting batteries. They're also made by Deka. They have HD plates inside, so they'll take a beating better than a standard car battery. I've been using them wherever I can find one that fits, and I've not had any issues with them making a mess. I do wash the engine compartment of my vehicles, including the battery a couple times a year, and that may help keep the batteries from building up crud. I'd recommend you occasionally do the same if you see junk on top of the battery. FWIW, the optima in my Jeep builds up junk too if I don't rinse it off every once in a while...

Also FWIW, the Yusa flooded lead acid battery in my tractor is ~14 years old, and still cranking it over just fine. I doubt it has much reserve left, but it has no problem with 10 seconds of glow and then crank till it starts.

Good Luck!

MESSMAKER · Jan 21, 2017

Picked up a battery at Rural king. It was made by Exide. I think it was only $60. Seems as good or better than the one that it came with, and it was very good.