New truck battery

[addicted]

Almost home but sounds like i'll be fixin problems right out of the gate.  WJ wouldnt start for my wife the other day and my buddy came by and said the terminals look pretty corroded. The battery is older than i've owned it so it is probably due to be replaced.

What do you guys suggest?

What is the difference between the red, yellow, and blue top optima batteries?

I'll probably change out the cables as well.

[Woodchuck]

Don't waste the money on an Optima. 

[jackelope]

Don't waste the money on an Optima. 

For the application it's not worth the money  .
What you would want if you gotta have an Optima is the red top one. I think the blue ones are deep cycle. I can't remember for sure though.

[elkinrutdrivemenuts]

Just go to les schwabe and get one, they last a long time, it about the only the they still sell that isn't over priced

[Armadillo]

ive got Napa Gold series in my older diesel (diesels need good batteries) and so far its been good. For your application it sounds like any battery would probably work just make sure the battery has a warranty and your good to go. Quality of batteries isnt as varient as it used to be they are all pretty good unless you get a lemon. The optima red tops are good because you can let them sit for a year dead and they will still charge but the price is extravagant. 

[jeepasaurusrex]

Red top Optima's are for vehicle starting. Yellow top are RV. Blue top are deep cycle marine. I run dual red tops in my Jeep. They do have to be charged differently than lead-acid batteries. Since the Jeep is in Germany, is there any place on post that sells batteries? If not, try and find a good local one until you can get back to the states and get what you really want.

[whacker1]

Since the Jeep is in Germany, is there any place on post that sells batteries?

 

[AndyCAK]

Kirkland Signature batteries from Costco have received top reviews from Consumer Reports.  Everybody in my family uses them without complaint...

[FC]

Kirkland Signature batteries from Costco have received top reviews from Consumer Reports.  Everybody in my family uses them without complaint...

Kirkland Signature batteries are the ones we always replaced most and generally within 3 months of purchase. I would rather use Walmart batteries...

[Special T]

there are only like 3-4 batterie manufactures! everything is in the wrapper... Here in the states Costco is the cheepest... For best quality Interstate... If you compare 2 comperable batteries choose ther heavier one. LEAD is the key important factor. Optimas really only shine in SEVERE offroad aplications... Off camber, can place it anywhere, vibration resistance and severe duty... In most cases a good interstate will work as good if not a generic like the costco brand.

[dscubame]

Earlier this month had the battery go bad.  It is from Costco and had one month left on the 3 year guarantee.  Wife left Costco that day with a brand new battery nothing out of pocket.  Good for at least another 3 years.

[gaddy]

personally I'd address the cable issue first. corrosion can cause all kinds of malfunctions. get a good charge & have system tested.
Batts do go bad but in my experience its usually caused by something. I personally go with a mid range batt with a good warranty unless your needs require more.

[7mag.]

I've had great luck with Optima's, I prefer the red top. The blue top is a deep cycle, not meant for constant charging in a passenger vehicle. I don't like the yellow top's at all, they don't seem to last as well. I also have had great luck with Interstate. I am on year 8 in my wife's Tahoe, still no issues.

[Rick]

Optimas went down hill when they were bought out by Johnson Control. There is a guy on many of the Jeep forums that works for JC,gets a sizeable discount on Optimas and still won't run them.

When someone works for a company,and won't buy their own product,thats tells me something.

Odysseys have replaced Optimas on the top of the heap for that style of battery.

Sears sells the Odysseys as Die-Hard Platinums. I put one in my Wrangler and its been oustanding. Its held up to winching duties perfectly.

They also have more power,and a better warranty than Optimas.

As far as using one for a starting battery,there are much cheaper options.

[jackelope]

Get the corrosion issue dealt with directly!
Those are not battery cables, they are pieces of the engine wiring harness. You really need to be careful with that corrosion ruining that cable end or the cable. If you do need to replace the end, cut the cable as close to the cable end as you can and replace it with one of those universal clamp on ends from Napa or the like. There's not a lot of cable to play with and if you do it wrong or don't cut it close enough, you're going to buy an engine harness or have to cob-job it back together.