Starter battery recommendations?

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From David Ribbans:

After six years and 75,000 km, our starter battery is going soft. They don't make things like they used to.
It is a maintenance free item and it was on the vehicle when we bought it in Nov. 2003. It has no markings or identification of any kind except 09/03 written on the top, which is presumably its installation date.
What starter batteries/make/capacity do Oka owners recommend, or not?
Regards,
David Ribbans
May 25, 2010 at 9:12 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From Peter_n_Margaret:

David, I suggest you go and speak with Independent Batteries on Marion Road.
The biggest issue with 'garden variety' batteries is that they fall apart inside because the plates are not held together top AND bottom.
Corrugations kill them.
So called "4X4" and "Marine" batteries are supposed to be tougher in that regard, but.......you need to get a "better one of the better ones"......
The other possibility is some of the Gel or AGM batteries. The gel construction makes them more resilient, but only some types are good for cranking..
More questions than answers there,.......
Cheers,
Peter
OKA196 Motorhome.
May 25, 2010 at 9:14 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From David Ribbans:

Thanks Peter,
I will do that.
I was researching the Optima range and although they are pricey ($3-400), they seem to be bullet proof and have all the right credentials. (Used by the US military, see here (caution 1.8Mb), SAAB buses in Asia, Melbourne Firies etc, even the Presidents personal car).
I can get a cheaper one but how beneficial will that be when you need it most? Batteries never fail at convenient times and on our travels there will never be a convenient time.
In the past six years we've gone through about three so-called deep cycle batteries, collectively more expensive than one Optima Yellow Top. The decision is becoming easier.
David
May 25, 2010 at 9:16 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From Tony Lee:

>> In the past 6 years we've gone through about 3 so called deep cycle batteries <<

This could either be due to rough treatment mechanically - corrugations and rough roads, or rough treatment electrically - poor charging regime, over discharging, lack of timely recharge, or even overcharging.
Trick is to know what needs fixing to stop it happening again with very expensive batteries.
May 25, 2010 at 9:28 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From David Ribbans:

Tony, it's probably mostly the first two, like when just one cell fails (internal short) and we end up with a very powerful 10 volt battery, just outside its warranty period. Note our starter battery has lasted six years, but not the deep cycle ones.
We have a Smart Alternator Regulator which charges heavily but correctly. However, like most motor homes our Oka does have long periods of inactivity but I do keep the batteries charged.
I suspect most batteries are not really designed or manufactured, despite the marketing hype, for off-road Oka type travelling, hence I'm looking at Optima AGM batteries, which are mechanically and electrically tough. There may well be other makes with similar characteristics, such as Fullriver.
If I can break springs and spring bolts regularly, why not battery plates?
May 25, 2010 at 9:30 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From Peter Davis:

Hi David
I've got two Optima Large Marine batteries, 900 CCA deep cycle. They haven't missed a beat for the time I've had them, 2-3 years. (knock on wood). They were expensive but they run the fridge and overnight lights, have been on thousands of kms of corrugations. Have tried cheaper deep cycle batteries in the past but more trouble than they're worth, and won't start the truck if the main cranking battery dies.
Cheers
Peter
May 25, 2010 at 9:32 PM Flag Quote & Reply

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From David Ribbans:

I eventually determined that our soft starter battery was actually a SuperCharge Gold MF95D31R.
It has not missed a beat for over six years across all sorts of rough and hot terrain and I've never put any water in it (maintenance free). It seems to be a fairly rugged design ("expanded calcium grid technology") and there's very little adverse comment on the web about them.
Since they are a reasonable price and ours at least is a well proven one, we've gone for the same type again, 760 CCA, 105AH, and $155 at Batteries Direct (Cell-Tic Adelaide, not the NSW mob).
I'll look into deep cycle batteries next year if either of our two house batteries need changing.
May 25, 2010 at 9:34 PM Flag Quote & Reply

4oka
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With regards to starter batteries I would like to go back to a single starter battery and leave the other battery space for a AGM Deep Cycle. The deep cycle is not an issue as there are heaps of options available to fit the space.

The issue is that with the space available (I have approx. 425Lx190Wx185H as my measurements). The vehicle is currently fitted with Century Batteries in parallel. I would like to fit Century again but looking at their website there doesn't appear to be any CCA 700 plus to fit (all too high).

I would still like to be able to slide the battery box out for inspection. Is anyone aware of a 'low' standard lead acid 700CCA+ battery that will fit (without modifying the battery box/enclosure)?

Thanks,

Richard.
August 9, 2010 at 2:14 PM Flag Quote & Reply

4oka
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Ignore my previous post. The height is actually 285mm (have to try to measure things during daylight hours in the future).
August 9, 2010 at 4:12 PM