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AGM Batteries in ur Tundra

Discussion in '1st Gen Tundras (2000-2006)' started by wandering_boy, Apr 20, 2021.

  1. Apr 20, 2021 at 9:12 PM
    #1
    wandering_boy

    wandering_boy [OP] Junior Tech Wizard

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    Recently had my battery take a shit on me and before I go buy a new one I wanted to know/ see if anyone runs an optima or other AGM battery. I hear that there could be problems with just dropping it just in and I've heard it works fine. I was looking at the Optima red top group 35. Any recommendations or what I need to run an AGM would be super helpful. I really don't want to go back to lead acid since my old one leaked a bunch of nasty water out during a long road trip. Had to do some painting and buy a lot of new hose and shrink wrap, such a PITA.
     
  2. Apr 20, 2021 at 9:20 PM
    #2
    CodyP

    CodyP Such a n00b

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    AGM batteries cost a heck of a lot more and you really don't gain anything with them. Warranties are typically the same. Unless you run a lot of accessories I would just save your green and buy another lead acid battery.
    I've never had a battery leak on my though so I'm not sure what happened to you there. I have heard that you need to do a small mod to get the truck to charge the AGM batteries or something....I really don't remember.
     
  3. Apr 20, 2021 at 9:26 PM
    #3
    wandering_boy

    wandering_boy [OP] Junior Tech Wizard

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    I think the water inside started boiling or something. I topped it up before and I had to put "a lot" more in when I got there. It was super weird. My two reasons behind going for an AGM is for that extra capacity because I plan to do a bunch of camping out of it this summer and I go off to college in the fall in AZ and wont be able to bring it with me (I'm heart broken) so it's going to sit for a while and Iv'e heard the AGM's hold a charge a bit better. and then it going to live in AZ with me so I won't have the same time to check the battery water level all the time. And $275 (after fees and core charge) isn't bad for a battery that could last me 7-10 years. Plus if I ever decide to go for a dual battery setup I can stuff it sideways somewhere or even upside down and backwards :)
     
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  4. Apr 20, 2021 at 9:32 PM
    #4
    CodyP

    CodyP Such a n00b

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    My truck came with an AGM and it lasted 5 years. Most lead acid battery warranties are 3 or 4 years so you would have to get 10-12 years out of an AGM to break even according to costs. Also, not sure if you would have access to an outlet but a battery tender while not being driven would do wonders. An AGM won't give you more capacity unless you get a bigger battery, but you can do the same with the lead acid too...
     
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  5. Apr 20, 2021 at 9:59 PM
    #5
    wandering_boy

    wandering_boy [OP] Junior Tech Wizard

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    It's all so complicated. and I wont have access to a trickle charger since it going to be left out on a street. And it only $100 more after fees and taxes compared to a LA battery before fees and taxes. So besides the potential compatibility issues it just seems like so much less of a PITA.
     
  6. Apr 20, 2021 at 10:00 PM
    #6
    CodyP

    CodyP Such a n00b

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    Up to you. I would still take either battery out of the truck and put it in the garage/house on a battery tender.
     
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  7. Apr 20, 2021 at 10:01 PM
    #7
    wandering_boy

    wandering_boy [OP] Junior Tech Wizard

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    Don't let a kid out smart you.
    I'll probably end up doing that.
     
  8. Apr 20, 2021 at 10:02 PM
    #8
    CodyP

    CodyP Such a n00b

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    If you have access to Costco, they sell the interstate AGM batteries for a lot cheaper than Optimas
     
  9. Apr 21, 2021 at 3:15 AM
    #9
    KarmaKannon

    KarmaKannon Master of None

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    Solar charger an option?
     
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  10. Apr 21, 2021 at 3:49 AM
    #10
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    I have this one in my Tundra now. Brought it over from my 4Runner when that vehicle was traded for the Tundra. Used the 10% off code by ordering online and it was also on sale at the time I purchased it. Battery has been great but it's only around 3 years old now, so hopefully a lot of life left.

    I do put it on a battery tender around once a month but I also do that with just about every vehicle battery I own. This practice seems to help with the longevity. If you are thinking about AGM, check this one out.

    https://www.batteriesplus.com/produ...ndra/2019/v8-5.7l-710cca-optional/sli27fagmdp
     
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  11. Apr 21, 2021 at 3:57 AM
    #11
    tvpierce

    tvpierce Formerly New Member

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    These two statements are telling you your battery is being overcharged. A properly filled battery (with care taken not to overfill) should never leak electrolyte if the charging system is functioning properly. It sounds like your regulator is not sufficiently tapering off the charge current as the battery gets full. As a result, it's boiling the electrolyte which will cause the water to evaporate at an accelerated rate.
    If this is indeed the problem, it'll ruin your new battery too.
     
  12. Apr 21, 2021 at 4:58 AM
    #12
    KarmaKannon

    KarmaKannon Master of None

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    I'll check, but I think the standard wet battery in my tundra had a 14 date on it. Still going strong. I thought I'd replace it after the winter of 2019 and I didn't and then I thought I'd replace it after this year and we'll see. It all depends on if the battery fits in one of my other vehicles that I don't drive often. I'd like to do a bigger battery though. Seems like an easy upgrade considering batteries don't seem to vary all that much on price within a certain range of sizes.
     
    wandering_boy[OP] likes this.
  13. Apr 21, 2021 at 5:01 AM
    #13
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    If that's the case, it may not hurt to put a voltmeter on it while it's running.
     
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  14. Apr 21, 2021 at 5:41 AM
    #14
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Here, let me derail that for you

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  15. Apr 21, 2021 at 5:57 AM
    #15
    FirstGenVol

    FirstGenVol Brake Czar

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    The only other benefit I've heard is that if you offroad a lot, the AGM battery won't leak. Apparently if it gets rough enough a normal battery can leak. I still don't know that the AGM battery is worth the price tag though.
     
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  16. Apr 21, 2021 at 8:24 AM
    #16
    wandering_boy

    wandering_boy [OP] Junior Tech Wizard

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    thanks for the link! I was already looking for an external regulator but the s terminal trick seems interesting. need to figure out if it will work on the first gen tho.
    It's probably a bit of both. My battery is from 2012 which doesn't help but I've never seen my stock volt meter spike or sit any higher than normal. But I will run an electronic voltmeter which every way I decide to go.
     
  17. Apr 21, 2021 at 8:27 AM
    #17
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Here, let me derail that for you

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    I have not done the voltage booster, but it will work and it has been done on the first gen. I have the GM booster ready to go in I just want to test everything first. I just stick an agm charger on once a month.
     
  18. Apr 21, 2021 at 9:10 AM
    #18
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    :eek:
     
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  19. Apr 21, 2021 at 9:17 AM
    #19
    wandering_boy

    wandering_boy [OP] Junior Tech Wizard

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    Don't let a kid out smart you.
    So are you running an AGM with modifications to the truck at all or did you HAVE to do some stuff?
     
  20. Apr 21, 2021 at 9:24 AM
    #20
    Glock 40

    Glock 40 I'm here to break shit

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    I've been using a Deka Intimidator AGM in the Tundra and Jeep, no modifications... excellent battery. Gives me many hours of blasting redneck music when the truck is parked and I'm dewing stuff.
     
  21. Apr 21, 2021 at 9:25 AM
    #21
    wandering_boy

    wandering_boy [OP] Junior Tech Wizard

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    *2014
     
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  22. Apr 21, 2021 at 9:31 AM
    #22
    bmf4069

    bmf4069 Yup, that's car parts in a dishwasher

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    :eek:
     
  23. Apr 21, 2021 at 9:38 AM
    #23
    Barrett50

    Barrett50 New Member

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    So no voltage mod or even top off once and a while? Was thinking about that Deka
     
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  24. Apr 21, 2021 at 9:38 AM
    #24
    Mustanley

    Mustanley Two time totaler

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    I switched out a failing flooded cell battery for a Group 94R AGM by ACDelco almost 3 years ago and no problems. I didn't bother to "mod" anything in the process. I've had interior halogen lights left on for 24 hours and it doesn't phase this battery either. It's more accommodating to these types of mishaps than flooded cell batteries. I do put a harbor freight battery charger/conditioner on it every 6 months or so for added peace of mind. I probably would not have made the switch to AGM for $275 but this one only cost me $175 which seemed worthwhile.
     
  25. Apr 21, 2021 at 9:46 AM
    #25
    Glock 40

    Glock 40 I'm here to break shit

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    No need to do anything. I use AGM for marine stuff too, it rules. Requires AGM-friendly charger for marine or powersport use if slow discharge is desired. Good technology.
     
  26. Apr 21, 2021 at 10:03 AM
    #26
    Randy Morton

    Randy Morton Life takes its toll, please have exact change.

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  27. Apr 21, 2021 at 10:16 AM
    #27
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Here, let me derail that for you

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    There is plenty of people complaining about early failures on tacoma world. The common denominator is none of them topped them off or did the voltage mod. To get the best lifespan you have to boost the charging voltage at least every once in a while.
     
  28. Apr 21, 2021 at 10:23 AM
    #28
    wandering_boy

    wandering_boy [OP] Junior Tech Wizard

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    Alright lets make sure I got everything figured out-

    I should be able to just drop an agm battery in with no problems but it could last not quite as long if I don't fuck with it. But if I either top the charge off with a trickle charger or run a battery booster/ external voltage regulator I should enjoy long battery life.

    Right?

    Also does anybody on this forum run a booster or external voltage regulator or does it seem like everyone just drops it in?
     
  29. Apr 21, 2021 at 10:29 AM
    #29
    onesojourner

    onesojourner Here, let me derail that for you

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    I have seen lifespans under 2 years. I would not do this without a plan to top off.

    The voltage mod has been done by a first gen guy in the last 3 months I think. Who was that?
     
  30. Apr 21, 2021 at 10:32 AM
    #30
    Black Wolf

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    Never used an add on voltage regulator on any of my Optima's. Driven daily. No issues. FYI....you can't deep cycle lead acid batteries like you can with AGMs.
     

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