Optima Yellow Top - Urgent

[TJ]

Hi, my stock battery just died today and I need a replacement urgently. Can't start it. Might as well get the proper one, so where would I be able to buy Optima Yellow top on a Sunday in Auckland central? And how much should I expect to pay.

[Sadam_Husain]

it seems that they cost shitloads

viewtopic.php?f=15&t=9886

[TJ]

I am planning on getting a winch at some stage in neat future (could be slightly more than near future ), so thought if I spend the money on a decent battery now that I need it, I won't have to change the battery with the winch. Wranglers need a 660CCA starting anyway, so a cheapy is not going to last.

[TJ]

Bump....

Any source for an Exide Orbital???? I need a battery.

[vitara888]

I wouldn't recomend an Optima yellow top considering the price premium you have to pay. I bought one when I fitted my winch and it only lasted three years, about what you would get out of a standard battery. If you check Optimas warranty conditions on their website, the yellow top is only covered for one year, and the red tops are covered for three years I think, indicates to me that the deep cycle battery has some length of life issues.

I am just using a standard lead-acid truck battery at the moment because I needed a battery in a hurry as well one day. I think Endurant have some maintenance free truck size batteries which might be a better buy than a standard battery, they also have some 4wd batteries but most auto electricians don't have them on the shelf.

[TJ]

Endurant sizes are physically too big, it does not fit. I have been through that 'cause I did like the specs on them. I have very limited space between the fender, a/c lines and the computer on top (all within the engine bay - Jeeps are wonderful).

[DaveM]

Why the Yellow top?
I thought they were deep cycle, so good for running fridges etc as a second battery, but not that good as a main battery, and they will die quickly if used for that.

From another forum:
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

we use optima batteries at work (by the dozen) they are fantastic up until they drop a cell and only put out 8V. This can happen after a sudden blow, one year, two years or whenever they feel like. Just use a sealed calcium and solve all your problems. One of the biggest risks with sealed batteries (especialy Optima) is your charge voltage must be limited to stop gassing, a slightly dicky regulator will kill a sealed battery bloody quick where as a wet cell led acid will just need a water top up.

[vitara888]

I have a 13 plate NS 70 battery in my 97 TJ, it fits and I winch with it as well. I don't have AC though.

Shelf life is an issue with Optimas so maybe just buy it when you actually need it. I was considering getting a red top when I was quoted $215 but they have gone up now.

[TJ]

Why the Yellow top?
I thought they were deep cycle, so good for running fridges etc as a second battery, but not that good as a main battery, and they will die quickly if used for that.

Yellow tops are not true deep cycle (i.e. marine deep cycles), they are a hybrid where they can provide the SLI function as well as take the abuse of deep discharge (i.e. winching or big amps and subs). Thats my understanding and that is why they are popular with users of heavy electrical loads. As for the regulator, well the one that has died in mine last night was the factory battery (lasted over seven years - though no winching).

[TJ]

I have a 13 plate NS 70 battery in my 97 TJ, it fits and I winch with it as well. I don't have AC though.

Shelf life is an issue with Optimas so maybe just buy it when you actually need it. I was considering getting a red top when I was quoted $215 but they have gone up now.

I do need a battery now, and thought if I get the proper one I won't have to change it again. I got it started in the morning with a jump from my wife's car and then took it for a spin for about half an hour at motorway speeds. Seems to be holding charge at the moment, we'll find out tomorrow morning when I try to start again. The battery is original and seven years old, its about time it died a natural death.