Battery Replacement Time

[TxCowboy]

MY battery has let me down three times in the last two days so I am looking for a replacement. I'm looking at the yellow top Optima and was wondering if anybody has one mounted, and if so could you tell me/us if there is anything specific that needs to be moded for the battery to stay put. Also how long have you had it and are you happy with it, problems/etc.

[formerice]

I have Yellow tops in my Ram and Magnum. I never trust OEM batteries so I replaced when vehicles were new. Both of my vehicles are ocasionally driven by my crew and they have a propensity to leave the key in the acc mode then Monday morning the battery is dead. The yellow tops just take it, no complaint, put a charger on and there good to go. 125,000+ miles on the Magnum 83,000 on the Ram. You may have to adjust the hold down, but it's no problem. You won't be dissapointed.

[MagnumRT05]

I wouldnt go with an Optima. Go check out Powermaster batteries. The 2700 or 3100 should be a perfect replacement.

http://www.powermastermotorsports.com/mobile_audio.html

[TxCowboy]

So is it okay to just have the hold-down-strap holding the battery? The replacement battery is a few inches shorter and even though I still tightened the battery down with the bracket I think it could easily slide forward and work its way loose.

I know when I did a search on this topic their where several that have Optima's, Stinger's. etc. but how did yall mount/secure these because they are much smaller ( physical size)?

Some things I noticed after installing the new battery is the rear-driver's-side window now works all the time (so far) and the headlights don't dim/flicker.

Would it/ is it possible (read feasable) to install a second battery that powers your accessories and one strictly for starting? Or maybe a Power Capacitor or maybe just a better alternator??

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

kinetik HC2000 is the same size/dimensions as the OEM battery

http://www.kinetikaudio.com/hc2000.asp

the only issue is that the battery posts are mounted on top and not recessed like the oem battery. as seen in the above image.

that is easily fixed with these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/PAIR-KINETIK-SID...QQcmdZViewItem


which moves the mounting post from the top to the side..

pm audioman on this forum as he is an authorized Kinetik Dealer.

[TxCowboy]

I looked at those but they are just crazy expensive, although adding another battery in the mix /w battery isolator (if it could be done) would be expensive as well. The battery I got from the local O'Reilly is a few inches shorter but is "listed" as the direct replacement for the OEM battery.

[MagnumRT05]

Dont go Kinetik cuz they are too expensive. Go the Powermaster route if you need another battery. No need for an isolator either. Buy some 0 gauge wire and connect both batteries to each other. Its that simple. I would have just gone with a larger (not in size) battery instead of a stock replacement so that you would have no problem with starting and your accessories at the same time. It would have saved the hassle of getting two batteries and buying 0 gauge and etc.

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

as I said, contact audioman...


I paid about 1/2 list price for my HC2000

[Doctor No]

Stock size is H-7 or R-94, difficult to find a replacement. R-49 is a good choice, right amount of start amps and reserve capacity. R-49 available in most brands. It fits Mercedes and BMW trunk mounts and has the trunk VENT TUBE.It is just slightly 2 inches longer but still fits into the trunk well. Optima batteries are over rated and over priced as they dont last any longer than regular batteries.

[Mr. iNCREDIBLE]

Optima batteries are over rated and over priced as they dont last any longer than regular batteries.

really... hmmm... well I have only used Optima up until I bought the 300.

In my 1985 Ford Crown Victoria it has been in there 8 years.. still strong..

in my moms 1994 Fords Tauras Wagon.. 6 years now, and she has left her lights on at least 9 times that I can recall and the Optima ALWAYS takes a full charge.. and that yellow top is going strong..


the thing about sealed gel batteries is that they can be killed and recharged where standard acid batteries once dead don't take a full charge..

kill it once you might be lucky, kill it twice and you will be purchasing a new battery..

$165 for a yellow top optima that has lasted 8 years. I think that says a lot about the quality of them, and the longevity of them.

[FloridaRT]

Someone posted that Autozone has a battery that will fit and has the vent tube.

Battery size 49-1 and is $77 + tax.

Bob