Optima Battery

[kuslamb]

Currently, I drive a 2015 Yukon Denali XL 6.2L. In my 2001 Tahoe, I replaced my OEM battery with an Optima Red Top - Worked like a charm, much stronger starts, and it last a really long time. I walked to work a ton, and left my car parked in the very very cold in a 13 story parking garage, and had no issues.

Reading some of the recent threads on batteries dying, I think I am looking to replace my battery in advance. I have a 2015 with 45,000 miles so I really do not think this is significantly premature.

Using the Optima website, they show no batteries for the 2015+ Yukon. Doesn't matter which motor you pick. I also tried with the 2015+ Suburbans, and had the same luck. Any experts out there have any idea which battery is the replacement for my vehicle? Bonus points on recommendations on whether to get a red, yellow or blue top.

 

[BlackDenaliXL]

Nother sure which exact one to get, but unless you're running a heavy duty stereo, you're probably looking at the red top.

Blue is for marine application and yellow usually for big current draw, IE: upgraded stereo

 

[TechSupport]

Red top is good for everyday driving and if you leave it without driving for a few days. Blue top is marine grade. Yellow top is deep cycle good for large electronic draws amps lights etc and if you leave your truck parked for weeks at a time without driving it.

 

[NowZoomer]

Don't have an Optima but have a AGM deep cycle Odyssey that's been great

 

[mizzouguy]

Your truck takes a 48 series or 94R series, you'd have to verify. Optima doesn't make one that size specifically. It would depend on how/where it is mounted as to whether you could use a 34 or not. Thats gonna be the closest in size, its a hair taller and not as wide. Also the posts aren't recessed into the corners of the battery itself so that would be much higher, needing more slack in the cables. And positive and negative locations are switched, again, would need more slack in cables to either turn the battery around or route differently.
Hope this all makes sense.

Edit: I'd look for another brand that makes the right size.

 

[kuslamb]

Thanks all - The last time I changed my battery, is was to a red top and pretty damn simple (2001 Tahoe). I looked at the battery last night, as Optima told me to just get the dimensions of the existing battery, and then find one of similar size, and ensure that there was appropriate CCA based on the existing battery. What I didn't know about was the crazy distribution block that sits on top of the battery now. I didn't pull the cover or anything, but I think that getting an Optima to fit, and safely incorporate all the distribution crap that is mounted to the top of the OEM battery is going to be a challenge.

 

[ISU-152]

Personally I wouldn't change it yet. It's barely 2 years old. If it ain't broke don't fix it.

Running a yellow top

 

[eagle-co94]

In my experience red tops don't like to sit so if you're going to park the car for a while I would recommend a yellow top. I've had much better luck with them. I no longer buy Optima batteries though as they seem overpriced especially when I can get a five-year warranty on the Duralast Gold for much less. Even better is the Walmart equivalent to the Duralast Gold which is $10 to $20 cheaper still.

 

[kuslamb]

Thanks for all the valuable responses.

 

[Yukon John]

All of this reminds me that my next upgrade will be the dual battery set up used in the PPV Tahoes/Yukons/Suburbans.

Meanwhile...anytime I'm on the road away from home, I try to always carry my fully charged Jump Box. It has saved me before and it's nice to be able to help someone who truly needs a jumpstart to get home!!