Need a New battery.. Optima?

[TDI Guy]

My blue top optima took a crap and does not hold a charge after 3.5 years.. are these things worth it or should i just go to sears for a die hard? any other options out there

[rmuller]

I have dual yellow top optimas in my disco and a single yellowtop optima in my d90... all work fine for me... I did have to replace one of the yellow tops in the disco right after I bought it as it was defective.

That being said, a lot of people are saying 'optimas aren't what they used to be' ... there are a lot of people who say they die prematurely..

I believe the popular battery of the past year or two is the Odyssey.. I'd go into details about what makes it so good, but I can't compete with the write ups on http://www.expeditionexchange.com/odyssey/ ...

Another option is to get a Costco Kirkland brand battery... They sell ones that have specs that match and/or exceed optimas, cost about a 1/3rd of the price (I believe under $50), and I believe carry a 7yr warranty. A friend of mine did that on his Disco2 and is very happy with the battery. Plus, with the Costco warranty, it's easy to just go in there and get a replacement.

[DaveG]

I have dual red top in my disco and to be honest I don't see where they are better then the average battery. If I don't switch to charge mode (dual) every other week or so the second battery dies. I would understand this happening if I left it for months and months but not after a week or so. It is cranking a diesel on cold mornings, but the batteries are only a couple years old. X2 on sears / costco.

[mdmccallum]

Where else can one get one of these Kirkland brand batteries? I don't have a Costco near me. I guess I could google it. :eek:

Part #?

[TDI Guy]

i also saw that BJ's sells Exide batteries... don't they make orbital?

[Captain Spalding]

Odyssey PC 2150.

[oldscratchggf]

Am I the only one that thinks $300 for a battery is absurd?

[devinchi]

Am I the only one that thinks $300 for a battery is absurd?Nope, I agree. It hurt a lot just paying the near to $200 for the Blue Top for my boat.... and now my older yellow top in my D90 has crapped out. Havn't figured out what I want to do about it yet.

[flippedrover]

The blue and red top dual setup I have let me drive home 4 miles the other night when my alternator crapped out on me. So I can't complain about them.

[rmuller]

The dual yellow tops I have let me drive 300 miles home from PA w/ a shot alternator... just sat there w/ my dual battery manager counting down...

i'll try to find out the costco battery that works well... all I know, is when my Optimas go, I'm going with the costco battery.. cant beat the warranty..

As for a bit of battery porn, here is some before and after with my Disco2

Before:
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9827/battery1gd8.jpg

After:
http://img156.imageshack.us/img156/3951/batteryyj0.jpg

I run a TJM IBS system to manage them... the 2nd picture shows the JL Audio terminal connectors I have..

[cgalpin]

Just don't buy a Exide select 24-84N from NTB. A 3 or 4 year old yellow top let me run without an alternator much much longer than that brand new. Likewise on draining it by leaving the lights on all day. The optima showed a little life whereas the exide was dead as a doornail.

charles

[Cirbo]

7 years and running strong on an Interstate blem that set me back a whopping $38, with winching, starting, and now glow plug circuits and diesel compression.

[JimC]

All my cars have optimas, the only one that went bad was the one in my truck which took 5 months to get to Russia. It was flat beyond repair.

[TDI Guy]

just got my costco deep cycle marine battery..$48 How can I beat that.. and a 7yr warranty

[Cirbo]

I think you got me there....

[evilfij]

Calpin, that yellow top is at least 6 or 7 years old too.

For those with dead optimas, 9/10 they can be brought back with various charging techniques. slow trickle charge for a week sometimes works. Other times I have hit them with 60amps until they get hot and then trickle.

[PMHAH]

I've used Interstate Batteries for years. Only about $100. See: http://www.interstatebatteries.com/estore/main_application.asp?mscssid=X5LDWNUAKJGB9NT7G7D8P A4FGB5N3VD1

[Abrooks]

I've been effing around with the two redtops in the hunter for a month and a half trying to get them to take a charge. Yesterday I went to costco, spent $60 and now have a functional rig. Costco is now getting $190 for a yellow top, too.

[tomaco1]

I have dual yellow top optimas in my disco and a single yellowtop optima in my d90... all work fine for me... I did have to replace one of the yellow tops in the disco right after I bought it as it was defective.

That being said, a lot of people are saying 'optimas aren't what they used to be' ... there are a lot of people who say they die prematurely..

I believe the popular battery of the past year or two is the Odyssey.. I'd go into details about what makes it so good, but I can't compete with the write ups on http://www.expeditionexchange.com/odyssey/ ...

Another option is to get a Costco Kirkland brand battery... They sell ones that have specs that match and/or exceed optimas, cost about a 1/3rd of the price (I believe under $50), and I believe carry a 7yr warranty. A friend of mine did that on his Disco2 and is very happy with the battery. Plus, with the Costco warranty, it's easy to just go in there and get a replacement.do you know what model battery it is?
At Costco that is.
Thanks,
Tom

[rmuller]

do you know what model battery it is?
At Costco that is.
Thanks,
TomNo, I don't know the model number, sorry. Just try to find the specs for the equivelent Optima/Odyssey you want, and match it..

Optima 750U Yellow Top, 800U Red Top and Odyssey Group 34 sized PC1500 Battery are all about the same size.. length: 10", Width: 6.8", Height 7.8" (to top of terminal)...

Randy said he picked up their deep cycle marine battery for $48.. so that is an option as well.

[draaronr]

optima is crap, 3 bad in less than a year.

[Flagg]

I have an optima red. Just failed me. Lasted almost 5 years. I had a week of cold weather in which I was on vacation and did not drive it.

It still has some charge - just not enough to start. I am going to charge it up tomorrow or this weekend.

After reading all these posts - I am thinking of just going to Sears and buying their best die-hard or somethign...........

Why did they locate the battery under the Driver's side on US models. Seems like this makes charging, starting, jump starting, etc just a bit more difficult?

Flagg.

[Happyxhour]

Im in the market for a new battery...cant leave my rig too long without it losing charge. Good info...you can plug in your ride and get specs.

http://www.autobatteries.com/selector/index.asp?make=65&model=153&year=60&brand=37



http://autos.msn.com/advice/CRArt.aspx?contentid=4023696


WHAT'S AVAILABLE Most auto batteries are made by just three manufacturers, Delphi, Exide, and Johnson Controls Industries. Each makes batteries sold under several different brand names. Delphi makes ACDelco and some EverStart (Wal-Mart) models. Exide makes Champion, Exide, Napa, and some EverStart batteries. Johnson Controls makes Diehard (Sears), Duralast (AutoZone), Interstate, Kirkland (Costco), Motorcraft (Ford), and some EverStarts.

[cgalpin]

Flagg, the battery location is that same as on the RHD models (which for them means it's under the passenger seat). I guess they didn't think it needed moving.

charles

[Antichrist]

I've been running Exide Orbitals for about 6 years..come to think of it I reckon I'm due for a new one soon, 6 years is sorta long for a battery. Anyway, you can get them from Exide, NAPA, and some chain tire shop I forget the name of.
That said, for many years I ran a Diehard deep cycle in my Winch equipped Air Portable.

[Flagg]

Hummmm...........Went to hook up my battery charger today - and thought I should just give it one more shot. It was much warmer today.

The battery sounded weak - but started the truck. I let it run for a while, then took it for a ride. So at least my battery has some life left. But it is 5 years old. I need to take this as a warning and get a new one in there before the cold of winter really sets in..........

Flagg

[Flagg]

I called sears and Mr. Tire. Both have done tires or small work on other cars. They both sold different batteries that said would fit a 1995 D-90. Any opinions between:

Sears - DieHard Gold SUV (for vibrations they say). 8 year battery, 3 year full replacement. $109 + $30 to install.

Mr. Tire - Exide - 7 year battery. $92.92 + 46 to install.

Does it really not matter? Are they all pretty much the same. I was thinking of trying something other then an Optima this time - because there seems to be many negative reviews on this thread about the new ones.........

I am leaning toward the DieHard - I have had good luck with them on other cars........

Flagg

[rmuller]

$30-46 to install! Wow.. I didn't know it was that difficult to turn two bolts :)

[Treuwer]

First of all, you really can do this one yourself. Secondly I think just about any automotive battery would fit in that space. I have an optima yellow top so I can't help you choose between those two, but if you really do need to have it installed let me know and I'll come do it for you.

[DiscoDino]

$30-46 to install! Wow.. I didn't know it was that difficult to turn two bolts :)
Seriously!

[Flagg]

OK. Good points.........

Can do this myself. I was quoting what they quoted me without thinking and just typing. I am still leaning toward that Die-hard. Not really familiar with the other one.

Flagg.

[cgalpin]

Flagg, this is not a jab at you, but at "Mr. Tire". I think you all are underestimating the complexity and hazardous nature of such a procedure.

1. You need tools
2. You might get dirty
3. You might get electrocuted
4. You need to be physically strong enough to lift a battery (at least twice)
5. You might have to figure out how to open the hood
6. You probably have to undo 2 wing nuts or bolts in many applications. This means you need need to what direction to turn them or you could do significant damage.
7. You might even need advanced technical knowledge like to say turn off the car first.

So it's best left to a professional for $46.

LOL
p.s. Has anyone looked at a BMW lately? it looks like they really don't want you even know where the battery is, let along changing it.

[rmuller]

p.s. Has anyone looked at a BMW lately? it looks like they really don't want you even know where the battery is, let along changing it.Imagine someone looking at a D90 for the first time without a clue... I bet they'd never find the battery :)

[khouseal]

Last place the truck was at for other work they decided it needed a battery also. I noticed an HOURS labor (@76.00) ! I asked why and they said they had to unbolt the seat rails and all to get to it, wasn't just a pull and replace. I walked them out to the truck, pulled the seat bottom out and he stood there feeling like an idiot. So they took it down to half and hour. Ridiculous.

[themaxx]

Last place the truck was at for other work they decided it needed a battery also. I noticed an HOURS labor (@76.00) ! I asked why and they said they had to unbolt the seat rails and all to get to it, wasn't just a pull and replace. I walked them out to the truck, pulled the seat bottom out and he stood there feeling like an idiot. So they took it down to half and hour. Ridiculous.
This is reason #1 why I don't take the Defender to any service station.

My '87 BMW E30 had the battery located in the trunk and my '01 Buick Aurora, the battery was located under the rear seat.

Flagg, will they void the warranty if you install the battery yourself? It's amazing they'd actually charge for something crazy simple. Of all DIY projects, this is by far the easiest.

[Flagg]

Hey everyone,

You will be proud of me......I took my truck to Sears and changed my battery myself in the parking lot. I am not that mechanically inclined - so at least I am proud of myself. I took my Dad with me, and he made sure I did not screw up!

Just when I thought I was a full rover Mechanic - I decided to replace a rear turn signal light on my own. I took out the bulb, bought the correct bulb from Sears, and replaced it. No light....It was getting dark in the parking lot - so I will get back to this in the daylight.....

Flagg

[rmuller]

turn on the blinker and jiggle the light a little bit... mine (and another 90 I saw) had problems making contact.. When I put it back in, I think i only turned it 3/4's of the way to make it work properly..

[steinhnj]

turn on the blinker and jiggle the light a little bit
You forgot hop on one foot and say "God save the Queen" during installation.

[midturtle]

I was looking around Bass Pro Shop and found they have a deep cycle marine battery. Has anyone tried it or heard anything about it?


http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_58337____SearchResults

[dmarchand]

Odyssey PC 2150.

X2.

Can't beat it.

[CDeWan]

you may want to try Costco website for the rigth part number.
On a side note and not to high jack you thread - has anyone gone with the really small race batteries that the sell through summit or jegs. I would like to get more storage space in the drivers side under seat locker and a smaller battery would do the trick. Any suggestions?

[FlaD90]

My yellow top never has let me down, even after storing with a cut-off switch for months. Always starts right up even on the coldest days, even if coldest days for me is 48 Deg.

[flynn23]

I have to chime in here too. I run a dual red/yellow in my D90 that has NEVER let me down, including leaving my cabin lights on at the airport for 2 days! But I did have a yellow top in my Lotus that died after a hot summer. Tried recharging it and about blew the garage up. The top was cracked and bubbling and was leaking out green smoke! Looking over this thread, the Costco deal is very hard to beat. Optima's have gone up in price in the last year to the point where I replaced the warrenteed one in the Lotus with a $45 jobby from NTB and spent the difference on a fun night out.

[Antichrist]

Well, I do need a new battery. My Exide has finally died. I think I'm going to try the Diehard Platinum made by Odyssey.
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850065000P

[headdamage]

I have two red tops in parallel in my diesel 90. They are 10 years old and I can still leave the truck for a few months at a time and it will start no problem. They have seen a lot of winching and even spent one winter fully discharged due to a light being left on, it was tricky getting them to charge after that but once I got them going again they have been fine. I would buy them again in a second if I needed to replace them.

[Dennis]

I initially used the battery that came with my V8 before I re-powered to a 300tdi. I originally left the factory battery in place (to power the tdi), then changed to a red top. The original factory battery (Varta) was deffinantly bigger and had more CCA's than the red top. My red top has been in use since 2002, and still works about the same, yet is NOT as stong cranking as the original stock battery (due to lower CCA of the red top). Battery output is bound by physics. If you want more CCA, physically the battery will have to be larger.

Battery prices went way up last year due to dramatic price increases for lead. Lead prices, as with all commodities have come down, but I'll bet battery prices have remained high because of when the lead was purchased...last fall.

I know quite a bit about batteries as I am off grid and bought $6k worth last year for a new solar system. There are basically 3 types of batteries on the market. Optima's are of a type known as Absorbed Glass Mat or AGM. Your Dad's old car battery (that required you to add water) are called flooded. And then there are Gel Batteries, they make great stationary batteries and do well in cold climates. Each have their benefits and short comings. The East Penn Deka site is a good source of battery information. http://www.eastpenn-deka.com/assets/base/0139.pdf This is more than you would ever want to know about batteries.
There are other battery technologies out there, but too high priced for regular everyday users.

Most current day "maintenace free" batteries are AGM, either of flat plate technology or spirally wound cells. Most cars have the flat plate AGM's, which if not abused, should last 5+ years. AGM's are truely amazing batteries as long as they are not over charged. one good session of overcharing can distroy them! The old flooded would only last a couple, maybe three... if you made sure the plates were always covered with water.

Enjoy, Dennis

[midturtle]

Does anyone have any advice on the best way to re-charge a battery that has been dead for a while (3-4 months)? I've heard you can jolt them for a few minutes to see if they will hold a charge, then trickle charge for the next few days? Thanks.

[cgalpin]

Never tried it, but see this thread

http://www.d-90.com/forum/showthread.php?t=17804&highlight=revive+batteries

[Red90]

Does anyone have any advice on the best way to re-charge a battery that has been dead for a while (3-4 months)? I've heard you can jolt them for a few minutes to see if they will hold a charge, then trickle charge for the next few days? Thanks.

Get a light bulb and stick it inline between the charger and the battery. This gives the charger a load and will let it push current into the battery without tripping. Most chargers trip out when connected to a zero voltage battery. Some of the nicer ones can deal with it, but most won't.

[evilfij]

I have given up on optimas. In the last year I lost three of them.

[Red90]

I'm running dual Exide Orbital Marine Starting/Deep cycle batteries. No problems and it has been three years with hard use including one full discharge.

Group 34. Very similar to a Blue top Optima but cheaper and with a good reputation.... I just looked online and for some reason they are much cheaper in Canada, around $155 USD.

http://www.exide.com/products/marine_rv/orbital_deep_cycle.html

[COSteve]

I purchased an Opitma Red top and Yellow top in 2002, and they run "combined" with a Hell Roaring Isolator. My Red top started to not take a charge with a drop off in output. I put the tester on it showed only 11.4 volts, with the Yellow top above 12.
As I purchased at a Batteries Plus, they then checked with their load tester and the voltage dropped, so out it came.
The "rest of the story" .... In 2002 the Optima’s were manufactured in Aurora, Colorado...?? I am assuming due to the address on the tag, and no other "made in" info. The current units are of Mexico manufacture (surprise....HA).
When I purchased in 2002, the warranty was 36 months replace and 84 Months pro rate...... now Redtops are 36 month Replace and 72 Months prorate.
It stumped them for a while as their systems would not spit out a 84 Month pro rate calculation, so after a call to "oz" they pushed my purchase date up a year to make the system work... and I got a
$13.52 credit... so the Price Check in Colorado for Red Tops (Group 34/78DT) ....... $185.99

[chris snell]

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned the Sears DieHard Platinum PM-1. It's said to be made by EnerSys, who makes Odyssey's batteries. I would have preferred to have bought an Odyssey from EE but my Optima crapped out in a parking lot on a Saturday afternoon. I needed something really quickly, so I looked around and found out about this battery. I'm not sure if it's absolutely identical to the PC2150 but it's close enough and if you're stranded without a spare Odyssey, it's a decent bet and widely available.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850131000P

[discotdi]

thinking about getting an Optima Deep cycle blue top for a diesel disco. I see opinions vary greatly on the Optima brand and I would probably choose the sears platinum except I can get the Optima's at wholesale prices and they have a $25 mail in rebate going until August 31.
so the question is, is the blue top deep cycle suitable as a starting and deep cycle for the 300 tdi? I want the Deep cycle just because I run my Engel pretty much 24/7 in my Disco.

[Antichrist]

I'm surprised that nobody mentioned the Sears DieHard Platinum PM-1. It's said to be made by EnerSys, who makes Odyssey's batteries.And it's said by Enersys.
Some folks are claiming on the internet that the Platinum is a lower quality version of the Odyssey so I put in a call to EnerSys and they confirmed that the only difference between a Diehard Platinum and the matching Odyssey is the color of the case and labeling.
Obviously there are a lot more models of Odyssey than the Platinum, but if you find a Platinum that meets your needs, you should have no worries.

Prior to getting a Platinum I ran Exide Orbitals because the specs and warranty were better than Optima. Plus with Optimas history for the recent past, well.....

[woldd90]

I have been using Optima's for years, I have been very happy. If you can get one for cost, and a rebate, do it. Hell, get two. I run two in both my 90's, and my Yukon.

[rover4x4]

Ive had one go down on me, they prorated it thats why I got another. Its going to be the Diehard from here on out...

[revor]

Sears.. Diehard fancy sealed premium whatever.. Same as the Oddessy...
Keeps my fridge and other house battery stuff going for five+ days and still sits at 12+ volts..
Once the interstate dies the "coach" will get one too.

[ajh]

Been happy with my PC2150 in the D2, but... once I have recovered from the 110 reman financially I am considering making a NiMH cell pack to replace the lead-acid entirely. One problem with lead-acid is they are really only useful for the first 10% of their capacity, then they start getting damaged. With NiMH you can completely discharge them but for a limited number of times. I am most likely to end up with a hybrid setup of a lead-acid for the starter battery and flat-packed NiMH cells for aux services where being able to do a total discharge is very important. Solar cars use NiMH for the same reason and because you're packing AA cells (yes, nuts eh) together you can make them quite thin and bolt them in place out of the way. Lighter too.

[rover4x4]

Does anyone have the part number for the Diehard Platinum that will fit ?

[o2batsea]

There are three criteria you should look at when choosing a battery. Type, size and weight. Somewhere way down the list is price as the battery is almost as important a safety feature as tires and brakes, so you don't want to buy short.
Batteries are generally categorized as either starting or deep cycle. The difference is that with start batteries, the lead plates are often open grids which provides greater surface area, as opposed to deep cycle which have flat plates. The grids allow rapid discharge during start operation where high amp loads in short bursts are better. Deep cycle batteries are presumably discharged at slow, low amp rates, so they don't need to release energy quickly.

Type: the choice is nowadays between traditional wet cell and either gel or AGM (absorbed glass mat). Wet cells have the advantage of being readily available and are cheaper to purchase than the others. The gel and AGM batteries need no attention other than their charging needs, and will usually outlast a wet cell. These can also be installed on their side or ends which give more flexibility in installation.
Size: The factory will usually install the smallest battery that they can get away with. If you look in the battery tray often the battery that comes in the car from the dealer is quite a bit smaller than the tray. Buy the biggest battery that will fit regardless of what came as OE. the reason for this is:
Weight: You want the heaviest battery you can find. Why? Lead. More lead equals more reserve capacity which means greater storage. When you are at the battery store, put a start battery and a deep cycle battery of the same size side by side and try lifting each one. You'll find the deep cycle is far heavier. This is better because a battery will last far longer the heavier it is. By not discharging it beyond 80%, you can almost double the life of the battery. Adding a second battery of the same size and type will more than double the life expectancy. Less discharge equals longer life.
In addition a heavier battery will hold a charge when a lighter weight one will fail. A battery is considered dead when it drops below 12.2 V.

If you compare spiral batteries to flat plate batteries, you will find that the spirals will be anywhere from 10-30 percent lighter weight. There is just no way to fit as much lead in a cylinder as in a box.

Top quality batteries are made by East Penn (Deka) Trojan, and Rolls/surette in the USA. Cabelas, Sears and Odyssey are chinese made. Optima is made in Mexico.

------ Follow up post added March 10th, 2010 09:09 AM ------

Been happy with my PC2150 in the D2, but... once I have recovered from the 110 reman financially I am considering making a NiMH cell pack to replace the lead-acid entirely. One problem with lead-acid is they are really only useful for the first 10% of their capacity, then they start getting damaged. With NiMH you can completely discharge them but for a limited number of times. I am most likely to end up with a hybrid setup of a lead-acid for the starter battery and flat-packed NiMH cells for aux services where being able to do a total discharge is very important. Solar cars use NiMH for the same reason and because you're packing AA cells (yes, nuts eh) together you can make them quite thin and bolt them in place out of the way. Lighter too.

I think you will experience recharging issues with two different types of battery. Lead acid batteries have not gone out of favor for the simple fact that they do their job quite well. If you need lots of off grid juice for camping, get a little honda genny. For your truck, keep the lead.

[Manimal]

Top quality batteries are made by East Penn (Deka) Trojan, and Rolls/surette in the USA. Cabelas, Sears and Odyssey are chinese made. Optima is made in Mexico.


I can't vouch for the batteries mentioned above but for product manufacturing in general there is no correlation between country of manufacture and quality. High and low quality products are made in all of the countries mentioned.

[jijalicious]

:confused Bringing an old thread back...

So what's the final answer for battery size??? Some are saying 34, some 31 and some 29?????

Interstate says:

http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/Products/RT/PID-MT-34%28Automotive+Truck%29.aspx?dsNavigation=Ns~prod uct+Type|101|1|%2cN~21-4294493597-4294492777-2147384750&Title=Mega-Tron+34+Automotive+Battery+++75+months+++700+CCA (http://www.interstatebatteries.com/cs_eStore/Products/RT/PID-MT-34%28Automotive+Truck%29.aspx?dsNavigation=Ns%7Epr oduct+Type%7C101%7C1%7C%2cN%7E21-4294493597-4294492777-2147384750&Title=Mega-Tron+34+Automotive+Battery+++75+months+++700+CCA)

Sears says

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_02850034000P?prdNo=1&blockNo=1&blockType=L1

autobatteries.com says

http://www.autobatteries.com/selector/index.asp?make=2470&model=1153&year=20&brand=7

please.. anyone anyone? Bueller!

Gotta buy something in the morning! and 2 of them that is... :)

Thanks all,

~Ji

[hillstrubl]

honestly I have had 2 different red-top and 1 yellow top optimas in 3 different trucks and I never had one fail me that wasn't my fault (leaving lights on overnight, etc). It might sound like a label-slut comment due to their price and (lately) their Monster-cable esque (full disclosure: I blindly hate everything made by Monster) draw in the audio community, but I've had nothing but good experiences with them. I even had one sit totally dead on a garage floor that I forgot about for 6 months, I charged it for a day or 2 at a time on 1amp trickle and its still being used (as far as I know) 2 years later by the new owner of my old CJ.

I am by no means an expert on this.

[Antichrist]

So what's the final answer for battery size??? Some are saying 34, some 31 and some 29?????

My method has always been to buy the largest that will fit, regardless of what dealers spec.

[FlaD90]

Although I have had my optima for 4 years now, mostly with a battery kill switch to off when not in use...it has held up very well with sometimes a few months have passed before I can use the D90..and it starts up everytime.

Cosco is a very good option, you cant beat there return policy and warrantee.

[130Tdi]

My method has always been to buy the largest that will fit, regardless of what dealers spec.

exactly.

"Larger batteries will generally provide more of everything- cranking amps, reserve capacity, etc... However, because many of these batteries are used in commercial applications or abusive, deep-cycle applications, the warranties can sometimes have numerous exclusions, like minimum voltage levels or a limited number of cycles and shorter warranty periods."

[jijalicious]

So basically, if I'm doing a dual setup in my '94 D90.... you're saying measure the box underneath my seat and find approxmately the 2 largest batteries that fit comfortably with the solenoid?

[o2batsea]

Measure the space the battery will go in. Look up the largest battery size that will fit by group here (http://www.rtpnet.org/teaa/bcigroup.html). Go buy it.
You sure you can't stuff a Group 27 in there? Pretty common size, just taller than the 34.

Are you coming to the Happy Hour tomorrow? We can take a look at your hole.....Oops I didn't mean for it to come out that way.

[130Tdi]

two big a$$ed group 49's are the biggest that will fit.

I put one of the deka agm group 49's in my truck and it spins the hell out of the tdi engine

[dchapman]

Biggest batteries that will fit with the best warranty available., regardless of name-brand. The Kirkland brand batteries at Costco are actually not bad batteries and have a 3-year replacement warranty. The Sears PM batteries are good too, and have a nice warranty.

[jijalicious]

Did you say happy hour??

[130Tdi]

Biggest batteries that will fit with the best warranty available., regardless of name-brand. The Kirkland brand batteries at Costco are actually not bad batteries and have a 3-year replacement warranty. The Sears PM batteries are good too, and have a nice warranty.

The Deka group 49 agm battery I just bought has a 6 year warranty. I though that was absurd but closed the deal for me.