Whats the best Heavy duty battery
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 148
Likes: 2
From: Echo Summit, CA
I've had nothing but trouble with numerous Optima and Exide Orbital batteries. I've officially given up on them, as have most other hardcore 4wheelers. It's a long read, but it'll give you an idea of the problems to expect and the silly answers Optima gives.
I switched to Deka Intimidator AGM batteries (which are rebadged and sold as several different house brands) and not had a single issue with any of the 5 I've bought over the course of several years. The only other brand I would consider is Odyssey (or its Sears Die Hard Platinum rebrand).
I switched to Deka Intimidator AGM batteries (which are rebadged and sold as several different house brands) and not had a single issue with any of the 5 I've bought over the course of several years. The only other brand I would consider is Odyssey (or its Sears Die Hard Platinum rebrand).
Last edited by Ryan0260; Mar 9, 2013 at 02:24 PM.
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 4
From: Israel
I've had nothing but trouble with numerous Optima and Exide Orbital batteries. I've officially given up on them, as have most other hardcore 4wheelers. It's a long read, but it'll give you an idea of the problems to expect and the silly answers Optima gives.
I switched to Deka Intimidator AGM batteries (which are rebadged and sold as several different house brands) and not had a single issue with any of the 5 I've bought over the course of several years. The only other brand I would consider is Odyssey (or its Sears Die Hard Platinum rebrand).
I switched to Deka Intimidator AGM batteries (which are rebadged and sold as several different house brands) and not had a single issue with any of the 5 I've bought over the course of several years. The only other brand I would consider is Odyssey (or its Sears Die Hard Platinum rebrand).
This, I'm sorry to say, is a myth. Optima used to have a higher than normal percentage of faulty batteries when production was moved to Mexico. The production problems had been solved. Current production is as good as ever. Notice the dates on that link.
Last edited by GJeep; Mar 9, 2013 at 01:05 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,320
Likes: 0
From: WI
I got an AGM from Autozone, good price, great warranty, and it holds voltage and really cranks my Rubi over.
I have a HAM radio so the crank voltage is noticeably higher with this battery as the radio does not reset if I leave it on and restart the jeep.
I have a HAM radio so the crank voltage is noticeably higher with this battery as the radio does not reset if I leave it on and restart the jeep.
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 4
From: Israel
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 142
Likes: 0
From: MA
I recently swapped out my Optima yellow with an xs power 3400, and get higher voltage at both idle and while driving, with no dimming even with my stereo going full tilt. I will be replacing the Kinetik in my car with one as soon as I get it back on the road. A little pricey, but from what I gather so far, a much better battery.
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 192
Likes: 0
From: United States
JK Junkie
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 2,145
Likes: 4
From: Israel
I have dual yellow tops, so voltage drop isn't an issue.
They're relatively small and therefore it's easier to install two of them in a crowded '12+ engine bay.
Last edited by GJeep; Mar 10, 2013 at 12:20 PM.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 1,435
Likes: 2
From: south carolina
after being sent anded top instead of the yellow top i ordered , i went to sears and got the diehard platinum agm , nothing but good reviews and supposedly better than the optima anywYs , full four year replacement with no prorating