Dead battery, I'm done with Optima!

[moviewithnotitle]

With the second battery install, did you run an isolator, or just run them in parallel?

Do you think that replacing the 8ga feed to the fuse panel with a 4ga feed made a difference?

Just an Isolator. I don't venture far off the beaten path anymore to warrant any higher accountability on the system.

I think I would recommend to EVERYONE that they upgrade the feed to the fuse panel under the hood. It's only a 8Ga wire directly from the battery. I found the mount at the fuse panel to be a bit loose, although I have never touched it. It also has some very minor wire corrosion creep at the fuse panel connector. I noticed that my blower motor does work a little better and that interior lights seem brighter as well. This was just off the single battery when I tested it during the work.

My truck was built in 1995, I can't help but think that some of the OEM is getting old and worn out, even though some of the wire still looks good (looks are deceiving).

 

[retorq]

My truck was built in 1995, I can't help but think that some of the OEM is getting old and worn out, even though some of the wire still looks good (looks are deceiving).

I just fixed a friends 2002 Ford Taurus cables, they were rotten on the inside, green dust all up and down the cable even thought the ends looked good.

 

[sparg93]

i just read a number of reviews on the Optima Yellow Tops and they tend to last <2yrs!

I'm also looking into new batteries...why do you guys prefer MTP-78 to other batteries?

---------- Post added at 12:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:56 AM ----------

This might be a REALLY dumb question...so please bear with me.

The MTP-78DT is a 12volt battery. My Tahoe indicates 14volts...why the difference?

 

[retorq]

Your gauge is measuring alternator voltage output when the truck is running. Put a digital gauge across the battery when it's not running and it'll be right about 12 volts. when running it should show 14.

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/alternator.htm

 

[moviewithnotitle]

i just read a number of reviews on the Optima Yellow Tops and they tend to last <2yrs!

I'm also looking into new batteries...why do you guys prefer MTP-78 to other batteries?

---------- Post added at 12:19 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:56 AM ----------

This might be a REALLY dumb question...so please bear with me.

The MTP-78DT is a 12volt battery. My Tahoe indicates 14volts...why the difference?

I liked the specs on the MTP-78's. Higher CCA, good reserve etc. The warranty is also a big plus. Interstate does well backing their products too. Price is a good consideration too. My MTP's were $107/each. I got both new batteries for just a little more than the price of a single Optima.

Regarding the Volt issue, Retorq nailed it.

 

[sparg93]

I paid a little more, but I'm picking up a new MTP-78DT tomorrow...i needed the one with the dual terminals b/c of my accessories.

I was thinking of running a dual battery setup, but I'm not sure if I need it...
1500w Amp powering x2 subs, 35w/55w HIDs, 135w offroad lights. I may install another 1000w amp in the future, but not right now.

Any need for a dual battery setup? Most of my driving is on the highway so it's rare I have all my lights on and I never crank the system near the limit.

---------- Post added at 12:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:51 PM ----------

forgot to mention - thank you for the info above!

The interior gauge vs battery certainly makes sense!!

 

[oakrdrs187]

I was told from a battery salesman, that the deep cycles need to be abused and pushed hard for them to lasr. Otherwise its like a laptop thats always pluuged in. Which kind of makes sense, maybe if you had big audio equipment it will lasr longer, im sure the wife will understand.