Replacement batteries?

[StrangeEngine]

What's the wisdom on replacement batteries? I did a quick forum search on the topic and all I found was some bickering about Optima red-top vs. yellow-top. :)

Seriously, my truck is 4.5 years old and the batteries are getting weak right on schedule.

Interstate MTP-78? I like their batteries for my BMWs but for the truck?

Anyone got an opinion here?

Thanks!

- Mark

[Buck]

Yellow top Optima batteries ;)

[DmaxMaverick]

Bickering????

Hey! I resemble that remark.

Either Red Tops, or Yellow Tops. Your choice. The Red Tops are for regular starting, just like an OEM replacement. The Yellow Tops are a hybrid--cranking and deep cycle.

I have the yellow tops because I do a lot of dry camping, sans generator. They haven't dissapointed me one bit. If I did no dry camping, I'd have Red Tops.

[EdHale]

I had a set of red tops on my '9i Suburban 6.5 that I just sold last month. The first set of red tops lasted 6 years and were still working, but getting a big weak, when I put on another set. My son in law bought it and they are still going strong. Ed

[Ranch55]

I agree on the Optima's.

[dieselrealtor]

O'Reilly auto parts has the red top on sale for $139.99 in their catalog,
there is a note at the bottom of the page of 10% off $100 or more purchase from the catalog.
The optimas are a little pricey, but this seems like a good buy.

[jjgmc]

Optima red tops is what I run

[DmaxMaverick]

Costco caries Optimas. I got a set of Blue Tops for the RV for the same price as Autozone Red Tops. Costco's Red Tops are considerably less. I had to replace my truck's batteries while out of town, and away from a Costco, and paid about $150 each for them. Costco's Yellow Tops were about $125. Wish I could have waited, but one was leaking.

[YZF1R]

Red tops for me.

Steve

[conway]

Costco red tops are about $100.

[StrangeEngine]

I actually ended up going with a pair of Interstate MTP-78s at about $80 each. They have 800 CCAs vs. the 780 of the stock batteries and were well-priced. Like I said, I am a fan of them in my BMWs (including my race car (http://www.justracing.com/homepage/mdadgar)).

Local distributor price on the Optima Red Tops was about $130 each (Costco didn't have the right size at the two stores I checked) and I just don't see the additional benefit for my truck.

Thanks, everyone!

- Mark

[AB_DURAMAX]

I just installed two red tops from Costco....

[nlp]

Red. They have a 3 yr warranty. The yellows only have 1, and less CC amps too.

[imsweetdaddy]

Depends on your application. I have always used the AUTOZONE 8yr batteries. $80 each. 5yr Free Replacement, 3yr pro rated. Purchase many of them for many different vehicles, and I have never had to take but one battery back, ($33 and change pro-rated). Had them on my 97 Ford F350, lasted 6 1/2years, and the other was still good when I sold the truck in Apr. 2005

If your stuck on the Optima's do they have 8yr Warranty? 5yr Free Replacement?
If you need the deep cycle go with a major name brand, if not try the ZONE's. I had good luck with them.

You other guys may think I am crazy, but I just had good luck with them!

I had a Camero that was a long term project, anyhow it sat for over a year, went out, figured battery was dead, WRONG fired right up!!!

Good luck bro!