what kind of batteries is everyone using in their vehicle? Any suggestions for a reliable battery for desert trips?

 

You can't go wrong with Optima.

 

Optima red top 34R. Works just fine and looks coo!!

 

i too have the 34R

 

W/O hesitation, Optima.

I had the Red Top in my first vehicle when I was 15. I sold that car when I was 20 and bought a 4Runner. I swapped the 4R battery w/ the car battery before I sold it and put the optima in the 4Runner. I then sold the 4R w/ the optima when I was 25 to buy another 4R. I left the battery in the 4R I sold and was very pleased w/ it. I got 10yrs out of it, and could've got more I'm sure, but hey 10yrs was good for me.

I now run an Optima Yellow Top, Deep Cycle that I've had for 2yrs w/o problems.

 

one more Optima Red Top 34R here

 

Red Top 34R for me as well

 

I recently found out my Optima has been running my 4Runner for several months, but itself, without help from the alternator. Drained it eventually, but after a recharge it is back running strong.

FWIW, I'm doing an upgrade to run dual batteries. One red top Optima will be my start battery, and a yellow top will be the deep cycle running accessories. Optimas are well worth the price IMO.

Ed

 

i guess there is no other choice. I read the optima website. Is there any downside to running a yellow top on its own?

 

I have the Orbital Gel Cell in mine from Checkers...I was in a pinch, and nobody around here sells Optimas. So I got this one, and have had it in for about 2 years without a hiccup! Gel/Dry cells are the only way to go!!
Brett

 

optima blue top. yeehaw, i like it.

 

I've run a yellow top on its own for over 2yrs now w/ ZERO problems. Is there any downside to running a yellow top on it's own...yeah always knowing your vehicle will start and thus having to drive to work day, after day, after...

 

again, more info on yellow and red tops (don't know if you caught this on their site)

http://www.optimabatteries.com/publi...utomotive.html

 

Another Optima Yellow top here!!

 

Yellow and red tops are designed differently. You're going to get better engine cranking amps out of the red top, but the yellow will usually do the trick as others are testifying. However, it (the yellow) is not designed as a starter battery. The main problem would be if you're doing a lot of short trips -- the red top has the ability to charge quicker to full capacity than the deep cycle yellow top. Repeated short trips on a nearly drained yellow top can leave you with a dead battery, and in any case will reportedly shorten the life span of the yellow top since it never has a chance to fully recharge under those circumstances.

Ed

 

The blue top optima and the yellow top are the same battery with the exception of the terminals They will both "survive" being completely depleted better than a red top. I've had too many optimas fail in my line of work to reccomend them. My favorite battery for my 'Runner is an Interstate group 24F (same as I used on my last Toy as well) ZERO problems. The last Optima I had in my truck failed in under two years and I had to fight to get it warranteed out under the two year free replacement warranty. When I did, I sold it and have used Interstate's ever since.

 

why is everyone using the "R" type, from what I gather this is a reverse post battery.

 

Another vote for the Orbital. Had mine for a couple years now.

 

Yup. I actually have a red top but it's not the "R" version. I waited a few months and the 34R was constantly on back order. When I upgraded my sound system, I went w/ the other red top (I think it's the 34/78) and the audio shop just extended my cables. You can get the 34/78 for about $100 if you have a Costco near you. Here's a pic:

 

Optima red top. And yeah, reverse terminal because the oe cables aren't long enough otherwise.