battery

When I initially built my jeep up, I installed a dual cycle yellow top optima battery. However, several years later it has died. Won't hold a charge. I need to replace it. I have a 57 CJ5 with a 283 engine. Have a warn winch, a couple of lightforce of road lights. Don't really use the winch much, but have it for when I do/might need it. Are most people running dual batteries or a dual cycle? Any options? Do I even need a deep cycle with limited use of the winch?
Thanks,
Paul

 

I also ran an Optima red top for years (12) and it worked fine. When it finally died I decided to go dual batteries mainly for peace of mind. I have 1 hooked up to the winch and off road lights directly. Pics here:https://picasaweb.google.com/jzeber5/JeepStuff#5692782709518624978

 

With the price of batteries now I'm about ready to just use a bunch of D cell Duracells in series..

 

With a good battery and a decent alternator, you don't need duals, even with a winch and whatever else. However, I don't think Optimas qualify as good batteries any more. Sears Diehard platinum or Odyssey.

 

I have a 130 amp Alternator so it should not be a problem with a good battery, but I know a few friends that spent a ton of time winching at night in the snow and drained the battery and the alt could not keep up. Plus I am looking at a plug in off road fridge!
I bought 2 Interstate batteries for mine. 98% of all Interstate automotive batteries are made in the USA. I think Optima was sold off and manufactured outside of the US.

 

Yes, the newer Optima quality is much less than they were. The older ones were good but they don't hold up very well anymore. Interstate and the Sears Diehard are good batteries. Odyssey is pretty much at the top of the food chain but money. Worth it if you can afford it though.


Sent from my iPhone

 

so does one need a dual cycle battery? Or just a regular one and leave the jeep running when winching? Will a regular battery work as well with winching?

 

Depends on the on/off duty-cycle and how hard you are pulling. At full load and constant draw, an electric winch can kill any battery(s) and/or alternator set-up. Why I prefer a PTO.

A conventional battery is best for high amp output, but a full discharge is harmful. A deep cycle is better for surviving deep draw-down, but at lower amperages. I suppose a "dual cycle" is a compromise cooked up by the sales department...

 

I almost always leave my Jeep running when using the winch. On the Rubicon trip I had to do a quick pull backward on Cadillac and left it off. The nice thing about the dual batteries is I have an extra in case one dies completely. I am using a Marine isolator that allows 1, 2 or both to be charged. I am not running dual cycle batteries.

 

I went through the PTO versus electric winch debate when I bought my first Jeep, in 1969, and went electric. After 44 years, I would make that same decision again and in fact have done so a number of times since. In all those years, I have never had alternator/battery problems due to winch use. In fact, Delco's are hard to kill at full rated output for extended periods and I always leave the engine running when using the winch. As with most things, if you are using them hard, you should give them a break but in my experience, just the re-rigging time has always been sufficient but my experience here is only with Warn's. I have never used a deep cycle battery. A normal starting battery with the most cold cranking amps you can fit work the best. And again, to me, dual batteries is just packing around another 60 to 70 lbs of un-needed weight and I like to keep things as light as possible

 

Did a lot of checking on my son's TJ. Just look for an AGM (Absorbant Glass Mat) battery. Much more long lasting and higher cranking amps. O'reilly's had an AGM with the same spces as the Optima at a much better price. Will get one for the 64 when I get the body back on the frame again.

Dave