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Let's talk car batteries

Discussion in 'General Tundra Discussion' started by Tracker, Dec 14, 2017.

  1. Dec 14, 2017 at 4:57 PM
    #1
    Tracker

    Tracker [OP] New Member

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    I thought I would start a discussion about the best batteries tried and tested for all kinds of uses. So what info do you guys have on batteries for multiple eletronics to include winches and also the best battery for regular Joe who just likes the dealer features.
     
  2. Dec 14, 2017 at 5:03 PM
    #2
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    The 956, TEXAS
    None yet
    I run Interstate Batteries in my Tundra n T100 zero issues
     
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  3. Dec 14, 2017 at 5:06 PM
    #3
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    A good AGM battery.

    Odyssey

    X2

    North Star
     
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  4. Dec 14, 2017 at 5:09 PM
    #4
    Tracker

    Tracker [OP] New Member

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    I watch movies in my truck but i noticed where I used to go 2 hours without starting it my battery now only goes 30 mins and I have had to jump it 3 times now. I considered optima yellow top but after reading comments it sounds like they are nothing special but high costs.
     
  5. Dec 14, 2017 at 5:13 PM
    #5
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

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    I should be getting my Northstar from the group buy shortly. I'll let you know my thoughts.

    Optimas used to be tits, but have heard they were bought out and the new owner bled the brand dry. I have had an old red top that i've had for 10+ years that's still going strong. YMMV
     
  6. Dec 14, 2017 at 6:18 PM
    #6
    ColoradoTJ

    ColoradoTJ Certified tow LEO Staff Member

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    They are now made in Mexico, recycled lead is used, and the quality isn't there anymore. 10-12 years ago the yellow tops were not bad. I had a yellow top two years ago and it lasted 1 year. I dumped that darn thing and went to an X2Power. Haven't looked back. My Jeep pulls a lot of amps and cycles the battery a lot, especially when off. The engine fan and transmission fans cycle if the temp is within the limits. My Ford Taurus 3.8L electric fan can pull up to 100a on high. So far, awesome performance.

    https://www.batteriesplus.com/batte...ndra/2015/v8-5.7l-710cca-optional/sli27fagmdp
     
  7. Dec 14, 2017 at 6:19 PM
    #7
    n2deep

    n2deep Pavement Princess

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    That's all you need to know right there.
     
  8. Dec 14, 2017 at 8:15 PM
    #8
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    I did
     
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  9. Dec 14, 2017 at 8:17 PM
    #9
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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  10. Dec 14, 2017 at 8:19 PM
    #10
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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  11. Dec 14, 2017 at 8:20 PM
    #11
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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  12. Dec 14, 2017 at 8:28 PM
    #12
    Danimal86

    Danimal86 Looks clean even when its dirty!

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    csuviper[QUOTED] and ColoradoTJ like this.
  13. Dec 14, 2017 at 9:04 PM
    #13
    ColoradoTJ

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    The white color alone will add 5 HP, since it is the most powerful color.
     
  14. Dec 14, 2017 at 9:08 PM
    #14
    Eclipsed & Floating

    Eclipsed & Floating Over it.........

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  15. Dec 15, 2017 at 4:19 AM
    #15
    Redbeard321

    Redbeard321 ballin' on a budget

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    Typical lead acid batteries for vehicles are not meant to be used that way, and as you have discovered it will take a toll on them. Watching movies with your car off for extended periods of time on a regular basis draining your battery down low, is a death sentence for your typical vehicle battery. A good AGM battery may help, but if you really want to use it that way I would suggest doing some research into different types of batteries that can supply a current for electronics over a period time which is completely different than starting your engine.
     
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  16. Dec 15, 2017 at 4:21 AM
    #16
    MotoTundra

    MotoTundra The Ocho

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    -TRS Mini D2S Retrofit on TRD Pro Headlights (Apollo 2.0 Shrouds, 35w XB Ballasts, 5500k Bulbs) -Baja Designs Squadron R Sport Aux lights. -TRD Pro Grill -TRD Rear Sway Bar -BakFlip VP Tonneau w/BakBox -Dipped wheels & bumpers -Iron Cross HD steps -Undercover Swingcase -SunTek Paint Protection film -Tinted glass -Bedmat -OEM Towing Mirrors
    I have had good luck with Interstate. I will stick with them until them do me wrong....

    Just put one in my truck a few months ago...

    It also happens to match the color scheme of my truck, ha!

    IMG_20170929_135838414.jpg
     
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  17. Dec 15, 2017 at 8:19 PM
    #17
    Mr Swervlin

    Mr Swervlin "Yes....In Dee Face"

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    Great thread! Like to have this info for when it's my time. I agree also that Optima batteries have seen better days.
     
  18. Dec 16, 2017 at 6:31 AM
    #18
    Buildn

    Buildn 2022 Tundra Limited CM 6.5 Bed TRD Off Road

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    Question,

    What’s the typical life span of a stock battery? In my past Tundras I changed them out at 4 year mark. I read a few threads on here and see that some guys are switching out earlier?

    Is there a defective batch in some Tundras?
     
  19. Dec 16, 2017 at 7:52 AM
    #19
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Optimas used to be made here in Aurora, CO by Johnson Controls. Johnson Controls unfortunately decided to relocate the Optima manufacturing line to Mexico which sucked for the employees big time and Johnson Controls/Optima battery division was a large calibration client at my work. There were the typical re-start up quality issues in Mexico at first several years ago. I recently bought a Yellow Top and I am quite pleased with build quality and amp load. Most important is that re-cycled lead is NOT used as reported. Only pure virgin lead is used. Optima would have been sued big time by now if that were the case since Optima states that 99.99 % pure lead is used. The same now as was used when made in Aurora. Those early complaints after relocation were warranted in some cases but not any more. There are lots of decent AGMs out there at various price points. Some of the best are already mentioned here. Leaving the Optima Red/Blue/Yellow Tops out of the list just doesn't make any sense based upon some early manufacturing issues back in 2009. Still some of the best batteries out there. I guarantee if Toyota ever decides to add another truck plant down south there will be start up issues at first.
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2017
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  20. Dec 16, 2017 at 8:05 AM
    #20
    csuviper

    csuviper Moderator Staff Member

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    4 years is about right
     
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  21. Dec 16, 2017 at 8:14 AM
    #21
    14burrito

    14burrito IG @14burrito

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    Just bought a Johnson Control from Advanced Auto the other week AGM group 24f.

    I was like $150 or so out the door and I got coupons for future purchases save $60 when spending a hundred and fifty in the future. Which is fine because I need to buy some grease guns grease Mike stock up on some oil might stock up on some tools.

    If I remember correctly it came with the 4-year warranty... maybe 3 I can't remember I'd have to look at the paperwork
     
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  22. Dec 16, 2017 at 8:27 AM
    #22
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I believe mine came with with the 3 year free replacement. Prorated after that. It's quite possible that a lot of mfrs will move back to US with a 20% tax rate.
     
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  23. Dec 16, 2017 at 8:34 AM
    #23
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I replaced my 07s OEM battery in 2014 with a Bosch (Exide). The OEM was of course 7 years old and a Johnson Controls. Not sure who makes Toyotas' Tru Start batteries. Battery was still working quite well but thought it was time to change. The Bosch sucked big time so went to AGM. I think the only non AGM I'd go with is Interstate although Interstate makes a decent AGM. DieHard used to be the only battery I would use for years but wouldn't be on my want list anymore.
     
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  24. Dec 16, 2017 at 8:41 AM
    #24
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    I recently found out that if you buy an Optima battery and the new Optima 1200 AGM battery charger at the same time you get an additional year added to the free replacement warranty. Dang it..
     
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  25. Dec 16, 2017 at 8:42 AM
    #25
    14burrito

    14burrito IG @14burrito

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    Yeah I didn't feel like spending $100 more for optima personally.

    I think and hope the JC will suit me just fine. IIRC the 24f is a 88ah rating which should be plenty for running accessories with the engine off.
     
  26. Dec 16, 2017 at 8:44 AM
    #26
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Nothing wrong with the Yellow Top or any Optima battery. Most of what you hear about Optima is old news and no longer relevant and Optima does use 99.99% pure lead.
     
    Last edited: Dec 17, 2017
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  27. Dec 16, 2017 at 8:46 AM
    #27
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    That's a great battery. Very good reviews. And..think about it.. AGM technology is pretty much the same battery to battery. It basically comes down to build quality and how pure the lead is. The good AGMs utilize non recycled virgin lead.Hence the higher costs associated with AGM manufacturing. It was very interesting going to Optimas battery plant here before it closed. Got to see how they were made. We still have a few Optima test batteries at work.
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2017
  28. Dec 16, 2017 at 1:17 PM
    #28
    rons23

    rons23 Get The Led Out!!!

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  29. Dec 16, 2017 at 1:54 PM
    #29
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    Not if they continue to pay nothing manufacturing elsewhere, where wages are lower.
     
    Last edited: Dec 16, 2017
  30. Dec 16, 2017 at 2:02 PM
    #30
    Sunnier

    Sunnier Pity the warrior that slays all his foes

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    Interstate. I had one fail in the last 30 years, and I'd left the headlights on all day (duh!). Jumped it, drove it to work and kept it running several hours, hoping to save it. It started several more times but didn't last. No problems and no questions asked; got a swap-out replacement under warrantee.

    I see only 3 of us have responded 'Interstate' so far. Can you serious off-road guys (extra draw for accessories; bigger risks if it won't start out in BFE) say why these don't make your short list?
     
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