Hello, I’m new to dual battery setups here. I have what I think is a Optima 34/78 redtop that’s 3 years old and running well. Do I need to get two new batteries? Or would I be fine with a yellow top 34/78?
Dual battery question
- Thread starter PintSize
- Start date
Yes. I would be using the red optima as my starting battery and the yellow optima / deep cycle as the accessory battery. I guess I’m answering my own question.
Influencer II
If you are running a winch, Warn recommend a yellow top for that. https://www.warn.com/blog/2012/05/10/the_different_optima_batteries_explained.shtml but I think it’s also recommended to run the winch off your starting battery to get maximum input from the alternator.
I stopped using optima for my accessories because I needed more capacity.
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I stopped using optima for my accessories because I needed more capacity.
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Explorer I
i have the same setup in my Jeep - a red top for the starting and vehicle systems battery and yellow top for all my accessories.
Influencer II
I’ve been running a 89ah Numax... basically because it was cheap and fitted in the space. Served me well for a couple of years and get about 1.5 days out of it running the fridge, phone charging and led camping lights. Ultimately looking for something around 105ah when I can afford it. Something like this; http://www.fullriver.com/products/admin/upfile/DC105-12.pdf
I’m also considering a bcdc type charger for it rather than a voltage sensitive solenoid. Just so I get the best out of it.
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Well I ended up getting an Optima Yellow Top 34/38 to match up the good Red Top I already have. Went to a commercial shop and paid $45 less than the auto stores prices. I’m installing these side by side so similar sized batteries was a guiding factor.
Now time to fab up a tray!
Now time to fab up a tray!
Creator III
I gave up using Optimas, purely on economics. Expensive to buy and don't last any longer than a good quality deep cycle leisure battery.
Been running Numax 110aH deep cycle in both rigs now for several years and year on year, they've cost less than the same set up using Optimas.
I use the same battery for starting (and running the front winch) as I use for the twin auxiliary batteries in the back, that way I have commonality. Yes I know it's not recommended to run a deep cycle leisure battery for starting, but the one in my L200 has long outlasted the Optimas it replaced.
The only down side is their not fully sealed so don't like being upside down, but I don't intended to ..............
Been running Numax 110aH deep cycle in both rigs now for several years and year on year, they've cost less than the same set up using Optimas.
I use the same battery for starting (and running the front winch) as I use for the twin auxiliary batteries in the back, that way I have commonality. Yes I know it's not recommended to run a deep cycle leisure battery for starting, but the one in my L200 has long outlasted the Optimas it replaced.
The only down side is their not fully sealed so don't like being upside down, but I don't intended to ..............
Explorer I
I made a tray for my yellow top aux. battery, it's in my dual battery thread if you're interested.
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/dueling-batteries-a-dual-setup-on-my-07-lx.9245/#post-140811
https://www.overlandbound.com/forums/threads/dueling-batteries-a-dual-setup-on-my-07-lx.9245/#post-140811
Thanks, great information! I’m going to do a side by side install at the factory battery location.
I’m running both yellow tops in my Jeep
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Influencer II
I considered going that way too. My dual battery solenoid seems to work best when both batteries are the same type/characteristics.
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Isolate. There’s choices for Tacoma’s but I don’t want to spend much money. Building a dual tray right now. Almost done.
Creator III
Well the yellow / red Optima batteries are installed on a tray I made and I added a aux fuse panel with a 150 amp breaker to the house battery. I also ran a blue sea panel with 12v connections for the lights in the shell and the future fridge. Next up- solar...
Pathfinder I
