Battery - Optima or other deep cycle options?

[Sprockett]

So, getting a new battery for the Tacoma ('01 DC). Since I'm running a winch, I think I want a hybrid deep cycle battery. Are there other options in a hybrid battery?

So, where in town does one get a yellowtop? Is there a reverse post Yellowtop? Does anyone know the correct part no for the Taco?

[Kroll]

I'll answer one question for you....Costco has Optimas.

[oriontaco]

If you are looking for a serious battery look at the Odyssey batteries.

http://www.odysseybattery.com/battspecs.html

Not the cheapest battery but the only battery that will last as long as Taco.

[freeze]

Chris K. Definitely knows his electrical stuff... Next battery will be an odyssey from what he's described.

I run an Optima Bluetop as it's the same as the yellow but has an extra set of posts as it's a marine battery. It's sat dead quite a few times and doesn't have an issue re-charging and holding a charge.

[Sprockett]

Right, Odyssey. I remember using one in a old race car...not sure why I didn't think of them. Where can they be purchased locally?

PC1400?

Thanks,
Ryan

[Dante's Taco]

That was my question too - which Odyssey would be a replacement (or better) than the Group 27F Johnston Control OEM battery? I seem to remember that our terminals are opposite to the usual? I am still on my original from May 2006 so haven't done my homework yet...

Thanks

[Doc McCoy]

A pretty comon thing to do for the older Taco's is to put 2 1200's in. They (pretty much) fit in the stock location.

http://lh6.google.com/flyingwil/RpC_vYiwQTI/AAAAAAAAAv8/9URwzNGblG8/s800/IMG_2118.JPG

[Sprockett]

FYI, Local odyssey dealer:
A.N.D Batteries Ltd
535 Manitou Road S.E
Calgary, AB. T2G 4C2 CA

Telephone: (403) 214-7717

35-PC1400 which apparently is the correct dimensions and terminals to drop in to early taco is a pretty steep $289...in stock.

[freeze]

Hey thanks for the info Ryan!

[Sprockett]

Happened to be at knowledgable calgaryjeep guy's place on the weekend when his buddy was bringing over a battery to install. It was a Motomaster Nautilus Gold. Non spillable, deep cycle marine battery. It measures an almost perfect drop in for my taco, just ~1 shorter. $210.

Why does he recommend these batteries? He says no matter the battery, you're gonna kill it if you are seriously winching...and you can't beat the 18month full replacement warranty from CadTire.

So i went to go buy one...to get the warrenty sheet I went to talk to the guy at the parts counter...his first question, what are you using it for? Truck, I reply. He says for 'unintended application' they can only oiffer a 6month warranty. So I didn't buy it.

Debating wether to hit up another Crappy Tire and either the don't ask or I lie, or just go get an Odyssey

EDIT: I just called and spoke with A.N.D. Battery...to my surprise, the Odyssey offers a 4 YEAR full replacement warranty!

[freeze]

I believe Tent (David E.) just got he biggest and baddest Odyssey for his TT FJ. The fellow calculated that at max load and five wraps on the drum he'd be able to winch for 45 min straight and have one crank left.

Under heavy winching it's good to let the winch cool down after a short period which call allow for the battery to recharge.

I'd imagine it boils down to specs and again intended use. If you're always going to be around people when you're out in the backcountry or remote roads then you'll always be able to get a boost. If you're sometimes not around people...perhaps spending a little more money on a higher spec'd battery is the way to go.

[Sprockett]

Just edited abouve post before I saw your reply...Found out Odyssey offers a 4 year full replacement warranty on the PC1400. I'm going to grab one at lunch.

[Andyl]

Watch the optima's - they aren't what they used to be... Quality has erroded dramatically compared to the units from the <2004 period.

Personally I like kirkland (costco) - They've always been really good & I had the GMC's replaced under warranty (just shy of a year) after the starter failed again (dead short; meter said batteries were down to ~60% capacity) - virtually no questions asked exchange...

[freeze]

The Odyssey is a much different battery from the Optima. The Optima still has a bit of fluid in it where the Odyssey is completely dry.

Oriontaco has a much deeper explaination than what I can provide.

The Optima Bluetop that I run in the 81 has been great so far. It's been killed many times and left for dead more than once and keeps on staying healthy. The Redtop I've had less luck with in the past. They'd leak out the top and die quickly.

[Krazie Sj]

Just an FYI. The Sears Diehard Platinum series is a rebranded Odyssey.

Save ya some dough.

[Sprockett]

You know, I found that out last week and attempted to track down a die hard. Apparently, Sears Canada sold off the auto line in 2004 and don't sell the batteries anymore. Kal Tire bought the DieHard line but when I called, they don't carry the platinum series?

[Krazie Sj]

F^&*$@s.

[BeachBoy]

go Orange.. Odyssey

some say the Die Hard (Sears) Platinum are the same,. they are made by Odyssey but I wouldn't bet they are exactly the same batteries.. They are still very good I read. and cheaper.

[Sprockett]

I picked up the Odyssey a couple days ago. $284 at the location above. Comes with 4 year full replacement and 3 year pro-rated after that. Can't beat that.

The 35-pc1400 fit perfectly in the OEM location and even the posts are reverse style (positive are on the left on the close side). The guys there seems knowledgable and were accomodating. They also threw in some huge solid brass positive post clamp with two connectors so I could easily wire in my winch.

[tacotaco]

Somebody is selling some blue top optima battery on kijiji for $120 each. Turns out the lady was using them for some solar panels to power her RV during the summer. She has 10 batteries, I'm thinking of picking up a pair myself as I don't want to spend too much right now as I would like to see if the optimas blue top is any good.