Anyone using Concorde or Optima Yellow-Top batteries...

[caseydog]

I found a lot of posts with Optima, and the Yellow Top comercial deep-cycle Optima is one I am looking at.

But, I find a lot of good talk about Concorde at other websites. They seem to be the "choice" battery for the tree-huggers, so to speak. They turn up in a lot of home solar system applications, it seems.

I want an AGM-type battery that can take the bouncing of a light trailer -- as we all do. I'd like to get some feedback on these two.

[asianflava]

I'm using an Optima Blue top. Got it at Sam's Club.

[Guy]

Are not the blue top the true deep cycle batteries and the Yellow top the "dual purpose" marine starting / deep cycle one. Everything I have read says "stay away from the dual purpose batteries".

[madjack]

...everything you wanna know about Optima batteries...
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/
madjack

[goldcoop]

...everything you wanna know about Optima batteries...
http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/
madjack

Holy Crap-

Red & Blue Starting, Blue & Yellow Deep Cycle?

In referencing applications they seem to point ya in any one of the three different directions!

There doesn't seem to be a real clear line of delineation as far as color VS application.

They all sorta seem to run together OR is it just me?:roll:

Anyway...I bought the BIG honking yellow top & I love it.

Cheers,

Coop

[Larwyn]

I got the same blue top from Sam's club as Rocky. Even though the Escape Pod is still under construction I have put the battery through it's paces, using the lights and fantastic fan at times. It is always maintained via the Deltran charger. I think I am going to like that battery.

I recently replaced the battery in my Silverado with a Red top Optima. The main reason is that I have another truck that I use for work and often leave the Silverado neglected for weeks at a time. The Optima does seem to hold a charge at a higher voltage than the original battery that came with truck after such neglect.

So far I am a fan of the Optima battery.

[asianflava]

I think it is
Yellow= combo start/deep cycle
Red= starting
Blue= deep cycle

Then I find out that there are combo blues. It gets confusing. It's best to read their website.

[Dooner]

Are not the blue top the true deep cycle batteries and the Yellow top the "dual purpose" marine starting / deep cycle one. Everything I have read says "stay away from the dual purpose batteries".

Optima only makes starter batteries (red=vehicles/blue=marine) and dual purpose starter/deep cycle batteries (yellow/blue=marine). So you can't stay away from the dual purpose if you want a battery designed to take a deep discharge.

Thanks for that link Madjack. That cleared alot up for me.

[madjack]

Thanks for that link Madjack. That cleared alot up for me.

...your welcome...we do aim to please(whenever possible).......................................

[caseydog]

Well, I am really looking for a true deep-cycle battery. I don't need cold-cranking amps -- just long-lasting power.

The solar energy batteries, like the Concorde, are this type, but I don't know how they will do when bounced around in a light trailer. Most sites that talk about them are in reference to home solar systems.

But, I may be trying to get more than I need. That's why I asked about the Optimas. I thought the Yellow top line might have a deep-cycle only model, but maybe not.

I'm looking at a simple set-up. I just want lights, a fan, and the ability to plug in my laptop. No audio/video or air-conditioning. I may not need as much of a battery as I think I do.

CD

[Dooner]

Hey CD,
The Optima deep cycle is considered a true deep cycle battery. Don't let the dual purpose fool you. It shows to have a store charge life of at least a year. It is also designed to be discharged down to 10.5 volts and won't hurt it if you don't charge it right away.
I don't think you will go wrong getting one of these. I've made up my mind, I'm getting at least one for my GB when I get ready for it. It has a price, but you get what you pay for.

[rasp]

the brand i have is trojan. they were recomended by some rv friends. little more expensive than the ones from the box stores but they should do a fine job. and they do have a romantic name
http://www.trojan-battery.com/

[asianflava]

I've never been without battery power. The longest we've camped without plugging in was 4days at IRG. We usually plug in when we run the aircondidioner, the battery is for the lights and fantastic fan.

[Dooner]

I've never been without battery power. The longest we've camped without plugging in was 4days at IRG. We usually plug in when we run the aircondidioner, the battery is for the lights and fantastic fan.

Asianflava,
What model # are you using? You say it is just for lights and fan? How many lights? Are they just regular 12 volt lights or LEDs? And I'm guessing one fan. You don't run any audio or video?

We are going to have to get together sometime, so I can get an upclose and personal view of that TD of yours. I have some inlaws in Georgetown. And your only about 45 minutes from me.

[toypusher]

You might want to read this thread:http://www.tnttt.com/viewtopic.php?t=7021&highlight=optima