New Battery- Red or Yellow Top?

[ScarabEpic22]

I think it is about time I get a new battery, as my TB is taking a little longer to turn over and Ive noticed my lights are dimming a lot more than before. Ive never noticed the dimming until last week, but it is steadily getting worse every day. My question is, what are the differences between a red- and yellow-top optima battery? I know a few guys here have the yellows, but which model # do you have? ALso, where is the best and cheapest place to get them?

Thanks

[tblazed]

You need to pick the one you buy based on how you will use it. Red Top is specifically made for starting applications like a conventional car battery. Yellow Top can withstand deeper discharges but sacrifices a little in the Cranking Amps to do so. Red Top has a 3 year free replacement period to the warranty and then prorated. I got to use that warranty on a 1 1/2 year old Red Top that died a few years ago. Yellow Top has a 2 year full replacement warranty and prorated after that. They know users of the Yellow Top (and Blue Top) will be abusing them more so the free replacement period of the warranty is shorter.

[Valkyrierider]

I have redtops in my Daily Drivers, and a yellow Top in my T-Bird for the system. Unless you are using a lot of ACC or have a system that you run for extended periods of time without the car running Red top is the way to go.

[ScarabEpic22]

So basically if I just drive around crazy and pump the stereo I will be fine with a redtop? The stereo is just the factory, but it still gets pretty loud when I want it too!:D

Also, what are the differences in prices, and where should I get one?

[Alfb]

So basically if I just drive around crazy and pump the stereo I will be fine with a redtop? The stereo is just the factory, but it still gets pretty loud when I want it too!:D

Also, what are the differences in prices, and where should I get one?

Unless I'm missing something, I am unsure why you would want to buy a high performace battery like this with a high dollar price tag with a factory stereo. There is no reason a standard replacement battery will not do the job just as well at a much lower cost. Is there something I'm missing here?

[Black Ice]

Unless I'm missing something, I am unsure why you would want to buy a high performace battery like this with a high dollar price tag with a factory stereo. There is no reason a standard replacement battery will not do the job just as well at a much lower cost. Is there something I'm missing here?
Exactly! i have a small system in my truck, the factory battery is doing just fine, but when that battery dies, i will pick up a red top for the truck, get yellow if your really get into something serious!.

[DouglasEsh]

Unless I'm missing something, I am unsure why you would want to buy a high performace battery like this with a high dollar price tag with a factory stereo. There is no reason a standard replacement battery will not do the job just as well at a much lower cost. Is there something I'm missing here?Why do we buy anything high performance. I mean, the 16" tires that came on my TB worked just fine along with the OEM intake, exhaust, and PCM. We buy it because we want it. I use to have battery issues with my truck until I switched to a redtop. Now I don't have to jump off if I let the truck sit for a couple days. There is also the potential that a higher quality battery will last longer than a OEM replacement so if you can get a reasonable deal on a better battery it might be cheaper to go that route than an OEM replacement.

Besides, when has it ever been bad to have more capacity than you need?;)

[ScarabEpic22]

Yeah, I mean cmon, why buy anything performance related for a reson, it is for wants and bragging rights. (Nothface Clearance Lights :raspberry )

So, on that note :laugh: , I think I will get a redtop when I replace my battery. Thanks guys.

[sp3edr4cer]

not doing anything serious with mine so i will not only go with the standard black battery i got with my local battery dealer that sells blem batteries. i get a stock battery with a scratch and a 90 day free replacment with prorate after that for 20 bucks. (never had to take a battery back to this guy for any reason)

[Alfb]

not doing anything serious with mine so i will not only go with the standard black battery i got with my local battery dealer that sells blem batteries. i get a stock battery with a scratch and a 90 day free replacment with prorate after that for 20 bucks. (never had to take a battery back to this guy for any reason)

Smart. Think with your head and not your heart and save some money to spend on something that makes a difference. :)

[ScarabEpic22]

Smart. Think with your head and not your heart and save some money to spend on something that makes a difference. :)
On that, I think before I get an Optima battery I will do the Big 3 upgrade and see if it helps with my dimming problem.

[ScarabEpic22]

not doing anything serious with mine so i will not only go with the standard black battery i got with my local battery dealer that sells blem batteries. i get a stock battery with a scratch and a 90 day free replacment with prorate after that for 20 bucks. (never had to take a battery back to this guy for any reason)
Hey, if I could get one of these locally, that is probably exactly what I would do.

[chasmanz28]

what do yellow tops average in price?

[chivistb]

I paid for mine $150 out the door

[ieatglue]

I'm pushing 2 12's with my stock HU using the stock battery. I wired up the remote to turn the amp on ONLY when the truck's on. Hopefully that will keep it from dying ;)

[Motives]

I killed my stock battery within the first year with my system. I went and bought the Optima Yellow and have had nothing but great things to say about it. It has never left me waiting to get a jump, I can't say that about the stock battery. I'm pushing about 1500 watts rms btw.

[Dacomputernerd]

What about lots of Aux lights? When all is said and done, i hope to have 2-4 grille guard lights, and 4 roof mounted lights in addition to what i have now.

When my battery goes, what is a better choice for me? Red or Yellow? I will most likely be running all of the lights only on desolate roads, but will be running most on a fairly constant basis. I dont plan to leave the lights on with the truck off, but it would be nice to have the roof lights on when setting up camp when we are camping (with the truck off). (on for about 20-30 min) (roof lights probably will be 4x 55watts)

[Dacomputernerd]

What about lots of Aux lights? When all is said and done, i hope to have 2-4 grille guard lights, and 4 roof mounted lights in addition to what i have now.

When my battery goes, what is a better choice for me? Red or Yellow? I will most likely be running all of the lights only on desolate roads, but will be running most on a fairly constant basis. I dont plan to leave the lights on with the truck off, but it would be nice to have the roof lights on when setting up camp when we are camping (with the truck off). (on for about 20-30 min) (roof lights probably will be 4x 55watts)

*BUMP*

[Valkyrierider]

With all the lights on with the truck off, you would want a yellow top.

[tblazed]

Yep with 4 X 55W of lighting on, that's about 18 Amps. You want a battery with maximum reserve capacity and one designed to be deeply discharged and recharged on a regular basis without damage. Possibly a "Blue Top" combo Deep Cycle Marine-RV-Starter battery might be one to consider too.

[ScarabEpic22]

I got 2 Red Tops on Fridays last week (only 1 for the TB) and installed it Saturday morning. Cost me $105+tax at Costco, and it is about the same price to get a Red Top at Costco as a regular battery from Sears, so I dont feel bad about getting a better battery.:D

BTW, Red Tops at Sears were $135+tax, so Im glad I was at Costco before I went to Sears.

[Dacomputernerd]

So for lights, go with a yellow top?

[ScarabEpic22]

So for lights, go with a yellow top?
:yes:

[djkenace]

I use a optima red top just for general purposes but i do like the quicker crank on ignition. I do have the premium BOSE system in my LT there is actually a small amplifier on the right hand side of the cargo area under the plastic trim which is bolted to the frame. Although i did have to cut the plastic housing for the battery for the side terminals. In my opinion it does help a bit the Bose amp does suck a little more juice and i always run the AC too.