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Best main battery?

58Willys

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I replaced my stock batteries with East Penn made batteries from NAPA. Been in there over three years, all good. I did put the larger main in, also replaced the aux same time. I’ve had good luck with NAPA batteries.
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2018JLUsed

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EverStart Platinum AGM H7. $200 and way more cranking power than factory battery. It’s only been a month, but it’s solid so far.
 

mwilk012

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I installed an interstate MTZ-48/H6 and MTX-Aux14 4 years ago and have driven around 3000 miles since then. Never charged the battery. The ESS works within about .5 miles of my house.
 

zouch

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yup.

i used to love Optimas, and the first couple i had lasted me close to 8 years apiece in my old J**p.
that was until my last one; a Yellowtop that failed like it had fallen off of a cliff, with no warning whatsoever. there's been plenty of evidence that they aren't made like they once were, even though they have since come back a bit from the worst they were.

now, i have a difficult time convincing myself to spend $100 more for a Deep Cycle battery that is only rated to have ~10% more Cold Cranking Amps and Reserve Capacity, all with the intent of using it as a Starting battery. (i wasn't able to find an actual Red Top Starting Battery in an H7 on the Optima website.)


I may be alone and probably comparatively overpriced for what it is but I choose Optima https://www.optimabatteries.com/products/yellowtop-dh7
 

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Casper_

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yup.

i used to love Optimas, and the first couple i had lasted me close to 8 years apiece in my old J**p.
that was until my last one; a Yellowtop that failed like it had fallen off of a cliff, with no warning whatsoever. there's been plenty of evidence that they aren't made like they once were, even though they have since come back a bit from the worst they were.

now, i have a difficult time convincing myself to spend $100 more for a Deep Cycle battery that is only rated to have ~10% more Cold Cranking Amps and Reserve Capacity, all with the intent of using it as a Starting battery. (i wasn't able to find an actual Red Top Starting Battery in an H7 on the Optima website.)
Same with Odyssey - not what it used to be. Now I just go for longest un-prorated battery warranty.
 

roaniecowpony

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Optima batteries were a leap above flooded lead acid batteries. But modern AGM batteries more or less leveled the field.
 

Faded glory

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yup.

i used to love Optimas, and the first couple i had lasted me close to 8 years apiece in my old J**p.
that was until my last one; a Yellowtop that failed like it had fallen off of a cliff, with no warning whatsoever. there's been plenty of evidence that they aren't made like they once were, even though they have since come back a bit from the worst they were.

now, i have a difficult time convincing myself to spend $100 more for a Deep Cycle battery that is only rated to have ~10% more Cold Cranking Amps and Reserve Capacity, all with the intent of using it as a Starting battery. (i wasn't able to find an actual Red Top Starting Battery in an H7 on the Optima website.)
I’ve heard similar stories about the reliability of Optima batteries and I think if it had affected me the same, I also would be shopping for competitors. I do keep a Norco just in case.

But this current battery yellow top, endures South Florida heat and a Cleveland winter and, although not long, it has sat for 2-3 weeks while getting corrosion repair, still cranks reliably.
Hoping to see similar longevity as my prior car batteries but so far so good.
 

smokeythecat

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When I bought my Genesis dual battery system I got the Full Throttle FT750-25 batteries to go with it. Frankly, I don't geek out on batteries all that much, but I can say I have had no problems with these. They've been in the Jeep for about 2.5 years now.
 

wcjeep

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Just replaced lead acid batteries in my Dodge Diesel from 2011. Very ancient in terms of batteries. With lead acid batteries there is not much actual variety. Lots of different stickers on the same product. Check the fluid level and keep them properly charged.
 

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ArmyRN

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I would make sure that whatever you choose, to source it locally in the event the battery is defective. No hassles with shipping and claims that way.
That's why I get my batteries at Walmart. There's always one somewhere when you need them.
 

roaniecowpony

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I’ve heard similar stories about the reliability of Optima batteries and I think if it had affected me the same, I also would be shopping for competitors. I do keep a Norco just in case.

But this current battery yellow top, endures South Florida heat and a Cleveland winter and, although not long, it has sat for 2-3 weeks while getting corrosion repair, still cranks reliably.
Hoping to see similar longevity as my prior car batteries but so far so good.
Optima was a battery developed by Gates Rubber. They had a superior design and technology over flooded lead-acid batteries. They were the first automotive AGM batteries. So they were highly respected. Then the ownership of the company became musical chairs. I believe today they are owned by Clarios, owners of Johnson Controls and are produced in Mexico.

Today the main difference between Optima and the other AGM batteries is the spiral wound design of the plates, which is advertised as more physically durable.
 

YBABRAT

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It looks like it's about time for me to finally replace the original main battery. Any thoughts on what's the best choice when prioritizing longevity / durability over cost?

And yeah, I'll finally rip out the aux when I replace the main. Fortunately it's supposed to be simple with the EcoDiesel.
I guess an H8 would do... assuming some slight modding to allow the extra length. I am looking at replacing soon too.
 

Faded glory

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Optima was a battery developed by Gates Rubber. They had a superior design and technology over flooded lead-acid batteries. They were the first automotive AGM batteries. So they were highly respected. Then the ownership of the company became musical chairs. I believe today they are owned by Clarios, owners of Johnson Controls and are produced in Mexico.

Today the main difference between Optima and the other AGM batteries is the spiral wound design of the plates, which is advertised as more physically durable.
You could still argue they have their advantages due to that Spiralcell design. It’s great knowing the battery should be capable of tolerating abuse. Hopefully, the changes in ownership hasn’t affected its longstanding reputation and build quality.

https://www.americantrucks.com/optima-vs-interstate-which-battery-performs-best-at-tech-guides.html
 

SaintNick

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I've had no signs of battery issues, but I have 38K miles on my jeep and live in extreme heat parked outside. I'm wondering if I should just preemptively change it to avoid any issues?
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