battery compatibility...

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Oct 14, 2003 | 02:54 PM

HandOfGod

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 149

Likes: 0

battery compatibility...

I've got an Optima Red Top, only a couple weeks old, and I was considering doubling up with another battery to double the power capacity. But the real question, is, if i double up, with my old battery, which is plenty good, only like, 1-2 years old, would that battery be compatible with the Red Top or would it drain off of the red top when sitting, and cause problems?

Last edited by HandOfGod; Oct 14, 2003 at 02:57 PM.

Oct 14, 2003 | 07:09 PM

DirtyRican987

New User

Joined: Sep 2003

Posts: 2

Likes: 0

i have heard that batteries should be the same age and type but as for reasons y i do not kno im sure someone will fill u in

Oct 14, 2003 | 07:27 PM

dbc

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 87

Likes: 0

From: SoCal

You need to use a battery isolator like the ones in RVs. The batteries will "fight" each other to charge or stay charged. Batteries should only be in parallel for short periods of time.

Oct 14, 2003 | 07:58 PM

HandOfGod

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 149

Likes: 0

hmmm i hope that helps me some, i'm not familiar with RV systems very well, ahaha but i'll look into it? is it similar to what they use in boats? because, there i have some experience

Oct 14, 2003 | 08:09 PM

dbc

Junior User

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 87

Likes: 0

From: SoCal

Yes. It is basicaly a set of diodes in a heatsink to prevent the batteries from discharging, but allows the alt to charge both. Some have a field connection, some don't. It depends on the application.

Oct 14, 2003 | 10:07 PM

_GEEZER_

Senior User

Joined: Aug 2003

Posts: 229

Likes: 0

I would advise replacing the older of the two with a newer battery when doubling up. For ~$120, it's better to be safe than sorry.

Oct 15, 2003 | 12:00 AM

HandOfGod

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 149

Likes: 0

the red top is brand new.... the older battery, a 75 month Die Hard, is only maybe 15 months old... not to be picky, but that aint all that old, should it matter that much? especially if i get an isolator?

Top 10 Fords at 2026 Carlisle Ford Nationals

Joe Kucinski

3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership

Brett Foote

10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches

Pouria Savadkouei

Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained

Brett Foote

10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love

Joe Kucinski

10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)

Michael S. Palmer

Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath

Verdad Gallardo

Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer

Joe Kucinski

2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)

Brett Foote

Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies

Joe Kucinski

Oct 16, 2003 | 11:48 PM

mzimmers

Elder User

Joined: Jul 2003

Posts: 544

Likes: 0

From: Cupertino, CA

You want to look at:

http://www.surepower.com/

Their stuff is excellent in quality and their customer service is quite good.

The only snag I see you getting into is (and I'm assuming this, since you're posting in this section)...neither the Red-top nor the DieHard is a deep-cycle battery. If you're hoping to add a second battery so you can drain it while using the sound system, your "second" battery should be a deep cycle, like an Optima Yellow-Top or a DieHard Deep Cycle model. Otherwise, you're just going to wear out that second battery very prematurely.

Oct 20, 2003 | 12:11 AM

#10

HandOfGod

Thread Starter

Senior User

Joined: Oct 2003

Posts: 149

Likes: 0

i'm not looking to drain the other battery while i have the other hooked up to the starter/alternator. I am only looking to increase storage capacity, thereby increasing playing time before my battery runs dead... i will check out your site however, thanks