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Battery choice

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Old 08-21-2016, 07:16 PM
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Default Battery choice

I'm doing research for a new battery, running a winch and a few lights. What are the best bang for buck. Dual battery is out of price range right now.
Old 08-21-2016, 07:23 PM
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I've been running an Optima Red Top for a few months now since my original battery went out. Used the winch a few times, and my light bar a little. No issues. If I ever have it in my budget to get a dual battery set-up, I will add a Yellow Top as the secondary, but for my primary, I am very happy with the Red Top.

Happy Jeeping!

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Old 08-21-2016, 07:23 PM
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I'm running an Interstate AGM battery (absorbed glass mat) just like Optima and odyssey but was easier to buy as it was available at my local garage, about $200. Has great CCA's and hasn't let me down yet. I do have a winch on my rig as well.
Old 08-21-2016, 07:44 PM
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I've had an EnerSys Odyssey AGM (Sears Diehard Platinum) for 5 years. Still going strong.

Last edited by ronjenx; 08-21-2016 at 07:51 PM.
Old 08-21-2016, 08:17 PM
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I think you already see a trend, it's like asking what your favorite oil is. You'll soon get reports on Optimas being made in Mexico to which you'll wonder how I've had the same "Mexican made crap battery" for probably 10 years now between different trucks. I recently jumped to dual optima reds because they're "so terrible".
Old 08-21-2016, 08:28 PM
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Originally Posted by karls10jk
I think you already see a trend, it's like asking what your favorite oil is. You'll soon get reports on Optimas being made in Mexico to which you'll wonder how I've had the same "Mexican made crap battery" for probably 10 years now between different trucks. I recently jumped to dual optima reds because they're "so terrible".
Same battery for 10 years? That's a pretty good "bang for the buck".
Old 08-21-2016, 08:34 PM
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Yessir- had it in my Bronco for 3 years, my TJ for 1 year, and the JK since I bought it. I won't cry or complain an ounce when it dies.
Old 08-22-2016, 04:29 AM
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I've always used the best Walmart battery available. They never let me down.
Old 08-22-2016, 04:38 AM
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I guess there's good Optima experiences and bad. My red top crapped out 3 years and 1 month, Just outside the warranty and the company wouldn't do anything for me so I'll never purchase another one. I went with an Advance Auto Parts Gold battery but traded in my TJ so not sure of the longevity of it. Never had any battery crap out in three years though.
Old 08-22-2016, 04:54 AM
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Curious which to get because the other night I had recover somebodies jeep buried to the frame. I had my 20" rigid light running and pulling the winch at the same time. And my lights would almost go out with the jeep running at the same time. So wasn't sure if I need a deep cycle battery or not. I've read both good and bad with optima, odyssey is expensive, and hard to find the Diehard Platinum.

I read JP Magazines battery shootout, but that was a year ago I believe. Time to shop around for the best prices.


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