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Best battery question (not for the rx7)

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Old 07-07-11 | 10:58 AM
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Best battery question (not for the rx7)

Any opinions on what brand of battery will work well for my pickup that I don't drive often? I know I should really remove that batteries and store them inside but that makes using my truck more inconvenient than it already is.

I have 2 Optima red tops that are now dead after 2 years.

I should add that I have maintainers connected to them.
Old 07-07-11 | 11:00 AM
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I believe consumer reports listed Die Hard batteries as rated tops...but then again, they had optimas second.
Old 07-07-11 | 01:12 PM
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I've heard good things about Die Hard batteries. I've also heard good things about Costco Kirkland batteries.

I'm sure the root of my problem is that I have them connected to a battery maintainer constantly.
Old 07-07-11 | 01:40 PM
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possible your batt maintainer failed? Also, maybe you should look for any parasitic drain on your battery..maybe something is drawing more than your charger can handle (doubtful but just a check to rule it out may be good peace of mind)
Old 07-07-11 | 01:50 PM
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I purchased two maintainers in the fall and I just returned them. I replaced them with one Ctek 3300 charger to see if that helps. I think the batteries are toast though.

I'll check the electrical system for any possible parasitic drain. I agree, it's doubtful I'll find anything drawing power more than the maintainer could handle.

I just don't want to spend another $400 on two batteries to find the same problem next year....
Old 07-08-11 | 11:00 AM
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I use a 6 year old Optima Blue Top in the Cougar. It sits for months on end and still fires up at the push of a button. I don't use a maintaner or anything on it. I also have 13.8:1 compression on that motor and use race fuel, so it is a heavy task to get it running.

I also am running a tiny Canadian Tire Garden Tractor battery in the RX7. I need to jump it each spring to get the car running, but after that it self charges off the system unless I am doing something stupid like leaving on the electrics after I get out of the car. I also use a second jump battery on the RX7 with a quick disconnect when I am at the track and can't afford any starting delays.

I think disconnecting the battery when the car is not being used for a long period would help a lot.

Eric
Old 07-08-11 | 11:52 AM
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Eric - I think you're right about disconnecting the batteries. One of my plans was to use a maintainer on one battery that stays connected to keep things like the clock going and then use a disconnect on the other battery. I was hoping to not have to install a second maintainer on the disconnected battery.

First thing to do is replace the batteries.
Old 07-08-11 | 12:23 PM
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I disconnet the battery but I keep the juices flowing with a solar panel
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