What batteries are people running these days?

[Grendel]

I used to run Optima, but won't any longer.

What group size and manufacturer should I get for the dual battery tray in my CJ8?

I do have a winch, big stereo, all the fun gizmo's and a 260amp alternator.

 

[barrys]

Dekas are good batteries and made in the USA.

 

[Grendel]

What group size is really what I am looking for.

I think OEM was group 55? Some say 24?

I am looking for two AGM batteries to stick in my dual tray, but the tray manufacturer doesn't say what size to buy.

I have a Rugged Ridge Dual Battery Tray Kits 11214.5

 

[Grendel]

Found it: Two group 34's

 

[barrys]

Found it: Two group 34's

Get the 34/78 for a few bucks more and gain side posts also. I heard best not to use side posts for winches though. Good for hooking up other lesser draw items though.

 

[bigwalton]

Odyssey is my go to now.

I did end up with a Deka Intimidator and it has been good as well.

 

[ag4ever]

Getvthe 34/78 for a few bucks more and gain side posts also. I heard best not to use side posts for winches though. Good for hooking up other lesser draw items though.

I have seen this first hand. Side terminals melted of the battery on a low stress straight line pull.

 

[Grendel]

I have seen this first hand. Side terminals melted of the battery on a low stress straight line pull.

Yeah, me too. They have a very thin connector from the top post, to the side terminals.

If the battery is side terminal only, that's fine.

 

[Grendel]

Getvthe 34/78 for a few bucks more and gain side posts also. I heard best not to use side posts for winches though. Good for hooking up other lesser draw items though.

They're 100 more, not just a few bucks... but they're also 120 CCA more, per battery, so I swapped my order for those.

 

[TexasAg77]

So wanting to get an Optima type battery. Stock size is 56. Will 34 fit the stock tray? Will check into the other brands noted, but with the A/C I need more storage and of course a bigger alt. Getting a Powermaster 170A one, but have to modify the bracket to fit the 4.0 bracket. Non jackass suggestions appreciated.

 

[wm69]

34 fits perfectly. I have 34/78's in all of my CJ's. Have starter hooked to side terminals, and winch to the top terminals.

Don't get an Optima. They are hot garbage now that the original company was bought out, moved production to Mexico.

Odyssey is top of the line, but $$$

Deka would be my next choice. Last battery I bought was a Duracell 34/78 from Sam's. They're made by East Penn/ Deka.

 

[TexasAg77]

34 fits perfectly. I have 34/78's in all of my CJ's. Have starter hooked to side terminals, and winch to the top terminals.

Don't get an Optima. They are hot garbage now that the original company was bought out, moved production to Mexico.

Odyssey is top of the line, but $$$

Deka would be my next choice. Last battery I bought was a Duracell 34/78 from Sam's. They're made by East Penn/ Deka.

Thanks. Will check out the Deka. Also, Duracell is sold at Batteries+ and we have one of those in my town...

 

[gauder the goof]

Princess Auto has batteries up here in Canada now

 

[PetesCj-8]

I have an Interstate Batteries dealer between my house and work. I go there and grab a blem for cheap all the time. Have yet Tobe disappointed

 

[rubclt]

34 fits perfectly. I have 34/78's in all of my CJ's. Have starter hooked to side terminals, and winch to the top terminals.

Don't get an Optima. They are hot garbage now that the original company was bought out, moved production to Mexico.

Odyssey is top of the line, but $$$

Deka would be my next choice. Last battery I bought was a Duracell 34/78 from Sam's. They're made by East Penn/ Deka.

I second 34 and agree Optima not what is used to be 20 years ago. I have good luck with Odyssey, cost more up front but last longer and less maintenance being a dry cell...

 

[TexasAg77]

May order an Odyssey. Whilst I don't like to waste $$ my dad always told me, "It only costs a little more to go first class". I figure a higher capacity battery along with a 170A alternator my voltage drop issue will go away when I have the A/C on. And after driving around the past couple of days in SE TX, I am wondering why I waiting as long as I did without A/C...

 

[Belizeit]

That a/c thing is just part of getting old i believe. Riding with no top and no a/c for 40 years never bothered me at all until about now. I’m starting to notice the heat and humidity more and more now.

 

[TexasAg77]

That a/c thing is just part of getting old i believe. Riding with no top and no a/c for 40 years never bothered me at all until about now. I’m starting to notice the heat and humidity more and more now.

20 years in ETN where they think 88 is hot has acclimated me to that and mid 90s with humidity sucks…

 

[gr8dain]

Are you looking AGM? Do they sell batteries that are not AGM anymore? If they do, I would go AGM regardless. I have had one I got with employee discount at Pep Boys 3 years ago and have been very happy. I used to run interstate and loved them as well.

 

[Grendel]

Odyssey, all the way.