My Wrangler is in need of a new battery. The one that's been in it is a blue top Optima with light grey body; they advertise this as their starting and deep cycle battery. I got seven great years out of this battery, and three more years on the struggle bus, for a total of about a decade. It won't hold a charge at all anymore. This vehicle does not get driven regularly, but, when it does, it sees regular winch use, and serves as a powers source for an amplified VHF/UHF radio. I was admittedly not disciplined about keeping a tender on the vehicle, during this battery's tenure; I intend to be better about this moving forward. The vehicle does not have any other accessories; no stereo, no extra lights.

I was initially going to replace it with another of the same, as I have had a very good experience with this battery. However, I am seeking alternative suggestions, and I am leery of potential changes in quality of the Optimas. I don't know that they're any different, but it's not unusual for stuff like that to be "not made like they used to be", and the price has certainly gone up (though likely not disproportionately to anything else nowadays).

Does anyone have more recent positive experiences with Optima? Are there suggestions for other brands? Can I get away with a decent battery for my needs without spending $350? I do not want to make significant compromises, in the name of spending less, but I am definitely open to something that does 80% of the performance at 50% of the cost (as an example).

Let me know if I am forgetting to mention anything that would impact the decision making.

From what I have heard Optima quality has gone down hill. I would look at Odyssey as I have used them in the past. Had one in my last Wrangler (2017) until I sold it. And my vehicle used to sit weeks at a time between uses.

If you’re gonna spend Optima $$$, I’ve had very good use out of X2 Power from batteries plus. You can usually get a code for some % off.

Not sure I'd worry about what battery before I replaced some cabling (on a '95). Not just the main power and ground but the cable that supplies you fuse box(es). I make my own using a solder plug (you can get them at NAPA, and then a vise to cinch the connector well while it's still hot. Welding cable works really well for this. Use red heat shrink to mark the ends.

You might be amazed at the amount of corrosion inside the cable jackets or just plain hiding in other spots.

Much of the battery-related cabling was replaced when all the winch and rear power plug stuff was installed, about ten years ago. I am unsure about fuse box supply. I'll look into that; thanks.

As long as the engine is running when you’re operating the winch or radio system (it should be), the battery doesn’t have to be anything special.

Another vote for Odessey. The one I had lasted about 10 years.

With wet batteries your lucky to get 5 or more years out of them.

Consider this...
$250 for a decent wet battery over 5 years is $50/yr.
$480 for the Odessey AGM over 8 years is $60/yr.

https://www.quadratec.com/products/17003_2003_07.htm

If your running a battery to dead, a deep cycle type might be a consideration.
They can handle that abuse better than a normal battery.

I put an Optima battery in my car it did not even last 2 full years. I've never had a car battery last such a short time. No Optima battery for me ever again.

Well, maybe I will steer clear of an Optima. I'll look into Odyssey. They've got a lot of options; maybe I'll contact their CS, and see if they can give me a recommendation for my application. I appreciate the feedback from everyone.

I do try to keep the vehicle running, when using the winch or other accessory, but I have used the winch with the vehicle off a few times in the past. I can't remember why the circumstance favored that approach, but I'd like to retain that option, if I can.

The absolute best AGM battery is Lifeline. Odyssey would be next.

quote:

Originally posted by gearhounds:
As long as the engine is running when you’re operating the winch or radio system (it should be), the battery doesn’t have to be anything special.

This is especially true if you have a high output alternator. No harm having a strong battery too.

If it is within your budget, Dakota Lithium batteries.

No personal experience but I've heard good things about Hawker batteries.




https://hawkerbattery.com/

I'm still using an Optima red top that I got in 2011. No problems so far...

quote:

Originally posted by Beancooker:
If it is within your budget, Dakota Lithium batteries.

From what I’ve read, LiFePO4 batteries don’t do well with the heat in a car’s engine bay. They also have a different charging profile than lead acid and can cause problems with a car’s alternator.

Using one as a secondary battery not in the engine bay and charging it with a DC-DC charger could be a solution. It would be an expensive one though with no real benefit for a seldomly used vehicle.

For that vehicle I would just go to COSTCO get the highest CCA-rated battery that will fit.

I ended up ordering an Odyssey ODX-AGM24. $410 darn dollars.

I am going to have the local mechanic do a sort of overall inspection of the vehicle as well, with a focus on things that might be problematic in a thirty-year-old vehicle.

Aside from the battery installation, the suspension bushings is the other big-ticket item. Based on my research, it seems I'll be on the hook for another few hundred; I hope he can find a bit cheaper route.

I appreciate everyone's comments. I ended up with the Odyssey due to recommendations here. We'll see how it works out. I expect to get years of good service out of it.

Sounds like you could also benefit from a dual battery system and a beefier alternator.

quote:

beefier alternator

That is something I have considered as well.

My plow truck with a Myers plow used to eat batteries every year or 2 until I put in a high output alternator, going on 4 years on the same battery now.