I did a "FIND" on replacement batteries which left me more confused than when I started. The general concensus seems to be Optima - but which one? I wanted dual (quad) posts, but the one with those posts may not have sufficient CCVs. The 31 has 900CCV, but only single posts. And I can't find the difference between the D31T and the D31A. AAAARRRGGGHHHHHHHHH! What are you guys using, or what would you LIKE to be using, and why? I now have many lights and will be adding an electric winch soon.....

I did a "FIND" on replacement batteries which left me more confused than when I started. The general concensus seems to be Optima - but which one? I wanted dual (quad) posts, but the one with those posts may not have sufficient CCVs. The 31 has 900CCV, but only single posts. And I can't find the difference between the D31T and the D31A. AAAARRRGGGHHHHHHHHH! What are you guys using, or what would you LIKE to be using, and why? I now have many lights and will be adding an electric winch soon.....

When you vote, PLEASE chime in and tell me "why?"
THANKS!

im using a stinger SP1700 here are the details
internal resistance 3.5mohm
5 second cranking: 1700a
short circuit current: 3500a
weight: 58.5 lbs.
temperature range: -40 c to + 60 c
reserve capacity: 72ah
dimensions: 6-3/4"hx13"wx6-1/2"d
stingerelectronics.com
what all that means i dont know but i have 2 power hungrey amps and my volt meter stays put.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by rocketw19:
im using a stinger SP1700 here are the details
internal resistance 3.5mohm
5 second cranking: 1700a
short circuit current: 3500a
weight: 58.5 lbs.
temperature range: -40 c to + 60 c
reserve capacity: 72ah
dimensions: 6-3/4"hx13"wx6-1/2"d
stingerelectronics.com
what all that means i dont know but i have 2 power hungrey amps and my volt meter stays put. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


Thanks rocket. I don't know what it all means either. lol Anybody wanna chime in and tell us why this is a good or bad battery option?????

Sean

can't help without more info.

You have a winch? If not, no need for yellow top.

Post up more info

De... err, Bondage, I clicked on the Yellow top 900 before I saw the NW set up option. Go with that. DO NOW!!!!

Cranky - I have a lot of lights, and WILL be adding a winch this year. I also like running the DVD player at night while camping after a hard day of wheeling.

DRTY - I am seriously thinking about the NW Wrangler setup, but I'm a little concerned about the individual batteries - is each one, independently and on its own, powerful enough? If I run for a while at night with full on lights, then camp and watch a movie, etc before going to sleep, will that one battery last through all that or will I have to switch over to the second BEFORE wanting it for a cold start in the morning? Does that make sense???

Sean


Phil - I read about your Optima problems during my "Find." YOU are the reason I am confused. Have your problems been resolved? Is your Optima now working up to your expectations? Is the NW Wrangler dual setup the best one out there without going really custom?
Thanks,
Sean

Yes, but call them and ask for technical details.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by DRTYFN:
Yes, but call them and ask for technical details. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Will do. Thanks. How long have you been running yours? ANY problems to date?
Thanks again,
Sean

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
FWIW I still like the idea of having having two Optima yellow tops linked together and having an ignition controlled solenoid between them, so when you turn the ignition off the 2nd battery is isolated and all accessories that are used with the ignition off are routed to the 2nd battery. This gives you the benefit of two batteries while running, a dedicated isolated battery for "engine off" accessories and the safety of always having one fully charged battery to get you going. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


That sounds like the ideal setup. So make one and sell it to me.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bondage:
That sounds like the ideal setup. So make one and sell it to me.
</div></BLOCKQUOTE>That would be the obvious solution, but seeing as I don't have time to do anything these days, it is likely not going to be forthcoming anytime soon. Although I will get around to trying it one day... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



So would you have any objections to me taking your idea to a local off road shop (ORU in Burbank) and seeing if they would fabricate and install it for me?

BTW, I'll be placing an order later tonight for some rear door gas shocks and a Gobi tool box. After Christmas, I'm damned near broke. LOL Gotta start with some of the small stuff.

Sean

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bondage:
So would you have any objections to me taking your idea to a local off road shop (ORU in Burbank) and seeing if they would fabricate and install it for me? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't see why he should. It's not a patented idea, and certainly has been done before as a custom solutions on many vehicles. A couple of us on this forum have dreams of doing it ourselves...someday It's just one of those things where you have to hunt down all the right components and spend the time experimenting.

Although, if you do get something nice fabbed with good components that you decide to get manufactured and sell to the rest of us, I'm sure many of us would be willing to try it out

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by ree:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bondage:
So would you have any objections to me taking your idea to a local off road shop (ORU in Burbank) and seeing if they would fabricate and install it for me? </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Don't see why he should. It's not a patented idea, and certainly has been done before as a custom solutions on many vehicles. A couple of us on this forum have dreams of doing it ourselves...someday It's just one of those things where you have to hunt down all the right components and spend the time experimenting.

Although, if you do get something nice fabbed with good components that you decide to get manufactured and sell to the rest of us, I'm sure many of us would be willing to try it out </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Yeah, I know, but, patented or not, I like to ask. If I do it, I'll certainly let you know!

Sean

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
No patent, no claim to have even thought of it, just sounds like the right approach to me. Nice to be asked though </div></BLOCKQUOTE>Phil, can I have your lion.

Can I have your GARAGE????

Sean

I just replaced my factory battery a few weeks back with an Optima Red top (4post) from Sams. It had a longer warranty than the Yellow one plus I plan to go with a Hydraulic winch so deep cycle performance isn't as important to me.

It looked very small compared to the factory batt. but the cranking amps were higher. I would like to run all my accesories (amp, lights) off the top post and just the starter off the side mount so thing aren't so cluttered. Right now, the connections are all back to back with ring terminals.

We'll see how it performs overtime, I've never had an optima in a Truck. . .

I run an Optima Blue Top - Start/Deep Cycle combo on the Boat. It holds a charge very well (over several months) and will run the stereo for hours.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
Damn, look what I started. The only thing anyone can have is my bills! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Okay, okay, I'll take your bills. Just the 100's 50's and 20's though, k?

Sean

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Longhorn:
I just replaced my factory battery a few weeks back with an Optima Red top (4post) from Sams. It had a longer warranty than the Yellow one plus I plan to go with a Hydraulic winch so deep cycle performance isn't as important to me.

It looked very small compared to the factory batt. but the cranking amps were higher. I would like to run all my accesories (amp, lights) off the top post and just the starter off the side mount so thing aren't so cluttered. Right now, the connections are all back to back with ring terminals.

We'll see how it performs overtime, I've never had an optima in a Truck. . .

I run an Optima Blue Top - Start/Deep Cycle combo on the Boat. It holds a charge very well (over several months) and will run the stereo for hours. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


That's weird - what was the difference in the warranty between the red top and yellow top? I'm going to Sears or Sam's tomorrow, and STILL haven't decided which way to go! LOL

Sean

Yes, Sams offered a 36 month free replacement on the Red and Only 12 months on the Yellow (to the best of my recollection). Both had additional prorated coverage beyond the initial term.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
No patent, no claim to have even thought of it, just sounds like the right approach to me. Nice to be asked though </div></BLOCKQUOTE>All this polite niceties is making me sick . Give me the good 'ol rudeness and nastiness anytime . Where the f are the trolls? Someone tell em Christmas is over!!

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
No patent, no claim to have even thought of it, just sounds like the right approach to me. Nice to be asked though </div></BLOCKQUOTE>All this polite niceties is making me sick . Give me the good 'ol rudeness and nastiness anytime . Where the f are the trolls? Someone tell em Christmas is over!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



GFY

Sean

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bondage:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
No patent, no claim to have even thought of it, just sounds like the right approach to me. Nice to be asked though </div></BLOCKQUOTE>All this polite niceties is making me sick . Give me the good 'ol rudeness and nastiness anytime . Where the f are the trolls? Someone tell em Christmas is over!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



GFY

Sean </div></BLOCKQUOTE>That's the best you can do? Lame. Try this: "Roger Moore was the best Bond ever!!"

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Bondage:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by H2Finally:
<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by PhilD:
No patent, no claim to have even thought of it, just sounds like the right approach to me. Nice to be asked though </div></BLOCKQUOTE>All this polite niceties is making me sick . Give me the good 'ol rudeness and nastiness anytime . Where the f are the trolls? Someone tell em Christmas is over!! </div></BLOCKQUOTE>



GFY

Sean </div></BLOCKQUOTE>That's the best you can do? Lame. Try this: "Roger Moore was the best Bond ever!!" </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


OMFG!!!!! Only a ghey asian man would think such a thing. BTW, I heard Chakra was boarded up and condemned due to rat droppings in a pile of unrefrigerated dog meat. True?

Sean
ps - you're right, Horace - this is MUCH better conversation! LMFAO

BTW - you havn't answered my PM.................


Sean

Dog meat is delicious! Specially poodle... hmmm... finger lickin' dawg!!

Okay - I went with the Optima 34 with the goal of eventually fabbing a dual Optima 34 setup. I took the idea to ORU (Off Road Unlimited) in Burbank. Once they saw the Hummer, they got really weird. What a strange place to experience Hummer Hatred or, in this case, I think it was some bizzare kind of snobbery where they think H2's are shopping mall vehicles. It was strange. I talked to the guy about the idea and he pointed out the front window and said, "For that? I said yeah and he responded with a snide little grimace and, "Oh no. Those things have enough electrical problems as it is." I know my face got a little red. I was pissed. I smiled and said, "Oh, okay. So I guess I should save the few thousand I was gonna spend with you on a winch and some more lights and stuff. I mean, they're all electric, right?" He stammered. I smiled and left. WEIRD!

I have another avenue to explore so HOPEFULLY I can get this dual battery setup going eventually.

Sean

Had a similar situation when I was out shopping for rims and tires. Went to a local off-road shop and was talking to them about what I wanted to do and they were not to friendly about doing it. They kept brushing me off almost like they thought I couldn't afford it and was just wasting their time. So I left and went down the street to another shop. I ended up getting everything I wanted with discounts from these guys. It was great because they were all about stealing business from the other guy.

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by GLBLWARMR:
Had a similar situation when I was out shopping for rims and tires. Went to a local off-road shop and was talking to them about what I wanted to do and they were not to friendly about doing it. They kept brushing me off almost like they thought I couldn't afford it and was just wasting their time. So I left and went down the street to another shop. I ended up getting everything I wanted with discounts from these guys. It was great because they were all about stealing business from the other guy. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


God bless capitalist competition!!! Good for you!

Sean

I too have had issues with the optima red top not holding a charge, but it was easily replaced under warranty. The problem was discovered right away(next morning) so I was not left stranded high and dry. Have not had a problem with the battery since then. Although, My factory battery served just fine for my lights, stereo, DVD player, and winch. It never let me down, until it went completely dead 2.5 years later. It actually has more cold cranking amps than the red top, and IMO is a good all around battery! So unless you are just having battery problems, just run to fail, and carry a portable battery jumper when you go out into the booneys(or atleast a good set of jumper cables).

Ric

Really dumb suggestion (someone educate me as to where I am going wrong).

Whenever I've needed to replace a car battery for the last 20 years, I've gotten the biggest, most expensive M***** F***** Sears DieHard that would fit in the bracket and I've never had a problem.

What am I missing here?

Thanks,

George SSSS

Heres a setup some of you might be interested....I'm getting the dual alternator doen and second battery....on my H2...shoudl be done by end of the month...

My brother has the same setup for his Escalade...with factory battery and second optima yellow top running a 3000watt sound system and hasnt had one problem...

http://www.davesdcelectric.com/pages/1/index.htm



H2 HUMMER W/ 130-160AMP ALT............................................... ...............$675.00

DUAL AC/ALT H2 HUMMER W/ 140A ALT ..............................................$925 .00