Deep-cycle batteries

[Splinter]

If you've been following my threads at all, you'll notice Im putting a fair amount of gear into my Sub.

Since I'd like to leave the CarPC on Stanby instead of Hibernate whenever possible, I want to install a second battery in the trunk in an isolator, to make sure I don't drain the starter.

The issue I'm having is, should I go deep-cycle? The battery may be left slowly draining away for a day or two occasionally, so may run pretty low, I hear thats pretty bad for regular batteries.

But with deep-cycle, can you charge it the same as a regular battery, or will I run into problems?

[Legacy777]

Get an optima yellow top. You should really have a sealed battery anyway.

[Splinter]

Just looked that up, they look about perfect.

So I don't get grifted, what kind of prices should they run?

[Legacy777]

I think I got mine for around 140 or so back in 99 or 00. Check out www.summitracing.com

They had the best prices when I was looking...and free shipping....just a handling charge.

[Splinter]

What about the Kirkland (costco) equivalent?

They're a lot more competitively priced, and Costco usually sells good quality stuff.

[Legacy777]

Don't know....never seen them. Are they sealed spiral wrapped gel deep cycles?

[BAC5.2]

I paid like $143 for my battery at Sears in 2003.

If it's in the trunk, it HAS to be a sealed, dry or gel cell battery.

I can't even tell you the number of times my battery has accidentally gotten turned on it's side.

[sillyp]

you could get one that isn't sealed if you put in a sealed box which is vented to the outside.

not that you would ever want to do that

[Legacy777]

you could get one that isn't sealed if you put in a sealed box which is vented to the outside.

not that you would ever want to do that

Still wouldn't recommend this if it's in the passenger compartment or trunk.

[BAC5.2]

I'm with Josh. Just man up and get a dry/gel cell battery.

[Splinter]

I had no intention of getting an unsealed battery

I just want to see what's gonna be the least expensive

Im gonna have to check the specs on the costco batteries

[sillyp]

you could get one that isn't sealed if you put in a sealed box which is vented to the outside.

not that you would ever want to do that

Still wouldn't recommend this if it's in the passenger compartment or trunk.

agreed

The only reason i mentioned it is because thats how it is in Volkswagon Eurovan Campers. Those things cost like $36,000. The battery(not sealed) is right underneath the bed in a sealed case with a hose to the outside and also this drain looking thing underneath. Seems like Winnebago would know how to do it.

but most certainly the best solution is a sealed battery

sorry, i shouldn't have said anything anyways

[voorhees]

i have a red top for my car and a yellow top for my steroe in the trunk under 150 is a good price....had mine for 6+years now

[wiscon_mark]

are you following me voorhees???

I've heard great stuff about the optimas.

www.sl-i.net/FORUM
Go to vendor links (near the bottom on the main page)
Go to the thread where it says you can get good prices on optima batteries. I'm too lazy to look it up and link you directly

[tris91ricer]

Word. Red Tops are the shizzle, I wouldn't give mine up for anything. So glad I have it. I'll probably snag a yellow later, when I get decent stereo gear going in the back.

[sullione]

Ok, I hate to hijack someone's thread but I need help with this one. I set out to purchase a yellow top yesterday but none of these batteries was listed for my car. What gives? Do you guys have a part number that I can use to pick one up? The guy was pretty adamant about not being responsible for "bad things" happening if I purchased one.

[Legacy777]

The sales guy is an idiot. The yellow top will work. The only issue is that it's slightly longer then the stock battery, which really isn't an issue if you've removed the battery tray/holder.

Also, the battery terminal posts are on the far side when the battery is oriented properly. So you may have to stretch the positive cable a little. But those issues are not big issues at all.

[sullione]

Thanks Josh. I just checked summitracing and the have two that look the same both cosmetically and spec wise. The only difference that I can see is one has both top and side mounts for the posts. Does it matter which one I get? How do I keep it in place if I toss out the battery tray?

[Legacy777]

I got the one with both side & top mounts. That way I can hookup more stuff to the battery.

You still need a battery hold down. I don't know if the original setup came with a tray type thing that encompasses the battery or not. As long as you have the hold downs, you should be fine. I've had mine like that for years.

One other tid bit. I put some metal plate under the battery to raise it up in addition to some plastic holder thing. I did this originally to clear the lines coming to the transmission add on filter. I still think if I didn't have the plastic holder it would sit too low. So do keep that in mind.

Your old battery may have that holder. I believe that's where I got mine. That or you can creative with some wood products.