1. Welcome to Tacoma World!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Tacoma discussion topics
    • Communicate privately with other Tacoma owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Best Battery

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by george3, Oct 18, 2009.

  1. Oct 18, 2009 at 10:30 AM
    #1
    george3

    george3 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2008
    Member:
    #7173
    Messages:
    4,516
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2008 2.7 Manual Trans Tacoma
    Seat belt beeper, Cabelas (Weathertech) floor liner gray, Covercraft Seat Savers in Taupe, Protecta Heavy Duty Rubber Truck Bed Mat, Pop n Lock PL5200, Pace Edwards Full Metal JackRabbit, Wolverine oil pan heater, Scangauge2, afe pro dry s filter, Remote Underbody 4 Piece LED Light Kit (White) used as Bed light, DIY Washable Cabin Air Filter, PA15-TOY, 4x4 Illuminated Switch, full synthetic, Redline Tuning Hood Support, Smittybilt Nerf Steps black powder-coated
  2. Oct 18, 2009 at 10:45 AM
    #2
    gupster88

    gupster88 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 2, 2009
    Member:
    #16692
    Messages:
    3,792
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Brett
    Almost Heaven, WV
    Vehicle:
    2021 Cement Grey Off Road
    Stock
    thanks for the info. i was looking at consumer reports and they had the duralast gold as the number one battery for our group. honestly i think it's all based on opinions.
     
  3. Oct 18, 2009 at 11:09 AM
    #3
    medic2230

    medic2230 @Koditten Pirate Radio member #002

    Joined:
    Oct 13, 2008
    Member:
    #9942
    Messages:
    63,981
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Murph
    Bama! Roll Tide
    Vehicle:
    2011 Taco 4x4 DCLB 2019 TRD PRO 4runner 2018 RAM 2500 mega cab
    20% Tint, OME 3"complete lift with Dakar's, Light Racing UCA's, 285/75/16 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 10 HP TW sticker, Ultraguage, B.A.M.F. Rock Sliders, MedicFab Bed Rack, Relentless front bumper, Air Flow Snorkel, Ham comms, Tech Deck
    Well I just had to rid myself of mine 2 weeks ago. I had a optima red top and it failed completely. I was kinda dissappointed in it. I had done all the research and saw people getting 7-8 years out of them. Of course I know I live in the south and the weather it hard on batteries but I only got 4 years out of mine. The battery place I got mine at quit carrying them due to too many failures. I tried going to autozone as they sold them...and the only warranty the 1st 3 years not the prorated warranty. They said you had to deal with optima about that. From what I've heard optima isn't fun to deal with either. The place did knock $25 off the price of one of their batteries but it's still not the same as what I wanted. I would have liked to stay with optima but now I'm considering going with something else next time. The guy at the battery place said I was lucky to of gotten 4 years out of it. I think it kinda sucks that you buy that expensive of a battery and when it fails while still under warranty that the dealers won't honor the whole warranty (autozone). Now I have a crappy regular battery back in my truck cause I needed one then and found out all this when I got there. I guess it's back to research time again for batteries. I was thinking well I'll get a new truck before long but, I'm thinking I might just keep this one a little longer and will not be looking forward to getting another battery sooner than expected.

    Murph
     
    Hobbs likes this.
  4. Oct 18, 2009 at 11:12 AM
    #4
    98_Mud_bug

    98_Mud_bug 98_mud_bug

    Joined:
    Aug 9, 2008
    Member:
    #8431
    Messages:
    3,191
    Gender:
    Male
    lucedale Ms.
    Vehicle:
    98 tacoma sr5/ 06 x-runner
    3 inch suspension lift, night shades corner and blinkers projector headlights with halos and 3 led's 18 inch kmc xd rockstar wheels,275/65/18 kelly safari tsr's, bush whacker fender flares 7 inch touch screen, 2 kenwood 12's, Magnaflow exaust single in dual out,
    ive always heard alot of good things about the optima yellow top. since it is a gel battery and not acidic it is more likely to not fail on a trail truck with alot of lights and toys and things
     
  5. Oct 18, 2009 at 11:18 AM
    #5
    ColtsTRD

    ColtsTRD Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 13, 2009
    Member:
    #17177
    Messages:
    17,884
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Scott
    AZ
    Vehicle:
    2005
    Optima FTW :thumbsup: Thanks for the info guys
     
  6. Oct 18, 2009 at 12:20 PM
    #6
    george3

    george3 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2008
    Member:
    #7173
    Messages:
    4,516
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2008 2.7 Manual Trans Tacoma
    Seat belt beeper, Cabelas (Weathertech) floor liner gray, Covercraft Seat Savers in Taupe, Protecta Heavy Duty Rubber Truck Bed Mat, Pop n Lock PL5200, Pace Edwards Full Metal JackRabbit, Wolverine oil pan heater, Scangauge2, afe pro dry s filter, Remote Underbody 4 Piece LED Light Kit (White) used as Bed light, DIY Washable Cabin Air Filter, PA15-TOY, 4x4 Illuminated Switch, full synthetic, Redline Tuning Hood Support, Smittybilt Nerf Steps black powder-coated
    Wow ! I said Arguably. Now I have to re-think after your post. Just about any battery will get you 4 or 5 years and for less $.

     
  7. Oct 18, 2009 at 12:25 PM
    #7
    Canuckoma

    Canuckoma Cunuckoma 98 - 425,000 Miles

    Joined:
    Sep 20, 2009
    Member:
    #23033
    Messages:
    86
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    98 Tacoma 425,000 miles
    Delo 400 Syn, Plywood Box Sides
    When my alternator went after some serious mudbogging not only did my red top get me home, but I drove the truck for 2 days before having to charge the battery manually. I use my truck in the arctic and the red top has lots of cranking power and good reserve. They are cheap at both Costco and Walmart. Resist the temptation to buy a cheap battery at Costco the Kirkland brand aren't all they are chalked up to be.
     
  8. Oct 18, 2009 at 12:41 PM
    #8
    george3

    george3 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2008
    Member:
    #7173
    Messages:
    4,516
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2008 2.7 Manual Trans Tacoma
    Seat belt beeper, Cabelas (Weathertech) floor liner gray, Covercraft Seat Savers in Taupe, Protecta Heavy Duty Rubber Truck Bed Mat, Pop n Lock PL5200, Pace Edwards Full Metal JackRabbit, Wolverine oil pan heater, Scangauge2, afe pro dry s filter, Remote Underbody 4 Piece LED Light Kit (White) used as Bed light, DIY Washable Cabin Air Filter, PA15-TOY, 4x4 Illuminated Switch, full synthetic, Redline Tuning Hood Support, Smittybilt Nerf Steps black powder-coated
    Well there's one vote for and one against. Now I don't know which way to go.:confused:

     
  9. Jul 18, 2010 at 11:41 AM
    #9
    Huntr Pat

    Huntr Pat Green Taco

    Joined:
    Dec 17, 2009
    Member:
    #27737
    Messages:
    93
    Gender:
    Male
    Emmett*Idaho
    Vehicle:
    99 2.7 xtra cab
    K&N,Warn winch w/combo system,3"Revtek bilsteins,Marlin Crawler Nilights LEDs fog & flood Yakima roof racks. 31'"BFG K02's
    I currently use a red top in my taco. I think its great! Now I'm researching some exhaust mods and headers. I currently have a revtek kit on my 98 taco but also have an inch height difference between from and rear. I may have to got with the toy teccoil overs for the xtra winch/ bumper kit with the 5100 bilstin.
     
  10. Jul 18, 2010 at 11:43 AM
    #10
    WhatThePho?

    WhatThePho? Greg Graffin 2016

    Joined:
    Jun 30, 2009
    Member:
    #19096
    Messages:
    5,357
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andre
    HCMC, VN
    Vehicle:
    2006 STi
    The things required to pull bitches
    Get a Sears Die Hard Platinum. People are saying they are made my Odyssey batteries.
     
    tracker366 likes this.
  11. Jul 18, 2010 at 11:52 AM
    #11
    dexterdog

    dexterdog My pee parts itch

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2009
    Member:
    #19571
    Messages:
    4,917
    Gender:
    Male
    Oly WA
    Vehicle:
    2012 F150
    I'm sure it's due to the fact that Autozone probably wouldn't see any reimbursement from Optima and that is the reason they probably didn't honor the manufacturer's warranty.
     
  12. Jul 18, 2010 at 12:02 PM
    #12
    hendooman

    hendooman The Stroker Ace

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2009
    Member:
    #14421
    Messages:
    3,042
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jeff
    KC
    Vehicle:
    2009 Tacoma OR (SOLD); 2015 TRD PRO 4Runner
    Toytec TRD PRO LIFT with 1.5 SAW in rear, 255 Coopers, Baja Rack, Southern Style Front Bumper, Warn Wireless Winch, DeMello Sliders.

    X2, pretty sure Sean with silverback uses Odyssey and swears by them.
     
  13. Jul 18, 2010 at 7:25 PM
    #13
    CtTaco

    CtTaco Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    May 4, 2008
    Member:
    #6392
    Messages:
    630
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Eric
    Connecticut
    Vehicle:
    2010 4x4 Doublecab Sport Longbed Supercharged
    3" lift, Tundra wheels with BFG ATKO's, Viper Remote starter TRD Supercharger
    optima yellow top, I've had one in a truck for almost 10 years now, great product that just works...
     
  14. Jul 19, 2010 at 5:16 PM
    #14
    george3

    george3 [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Jun 8, 2008
    Member:
    #7173
    Messages:
    4,516
    New Jersey
    Vehicle:
    2008 2.7 Manual Trans Tacoma
    Seat belt beeper, Cabelas (Weathertech) floor liner gray, Covercraft Seat Savers in Taupe, Protecta Heavy Duty Rubber Truck Bed Mat, Pop n Lock PL5200, Pace Edwards Full Metal JackRabbit, Wolverine oil pan heater, Scangauge2, afe pro dry s filter, Remote Underbody 4 Piece LED Light Kit (White) used as Bed light, DIY Washable Cabin Air Filter, PA15-TOY, 4x4 Illuminated Switch, full synthetic, Redline Tuning Hood Support, Smittybilt Nerf Steps black powder-coated
    10 years is great. Just curious, googled yellow top, said deep cycle, red top starting battery. Don't we need a starting battery for our truck ? Isn't deep cycle for marine use ? Curious George.
     
  15. Jul 19, 2010 at 6:58 PM
    #15
    Timber

    Timber Crankey Old Yacht Jockey

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2010
    Member:
    #31147
    Messages:
    235
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Tim
    San Pedro Bay Ports
    just a couple comfort items.
    What he said !! I have had a group 31 Die Hard platinum for a little over two years now which is no big deal. But I have run a Engle fridge 24/7 since the first day with no problems. It also runs the winch longer and the big 12V onboard Compressor without worries. I do know of a couple people that have had problems with them but mine has been golden so far!
     
  16. Dec 11, 2014 at 5:02 PM
    #16
    Florida2001

    Florida2001 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 6, 2014
    Member:
    #137736
    Messages:
    5
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jimmy
    Clearwater Florida
    Vehicle:
    2001 4x4 3.4L 2 inch level 285/70/16 Nitto's
    2 inch level kit, 285 Nitto's, Pioneer sound, Painted flares Black with red metalflake, Flowmaster super 40 muffler
    I am needing a new battery for my 2001 Taco..I have read the optima is now made in Mexico and is no longer the battery that a lot of you have owned for years..My mechanic friend told me since he knew I would be keeping my truck to think about investing in a X2 ...just hate to go through the local Batteries Plus..He told me they are by far the best Gel batteries out there...Not sure what to do..
     
  17. Dec 11, 2014 at 6:05 PM
    #17
    GZ1

    GZ1 My Frame Isn't Rusty

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2014
    Member:
    #141988
    Messages:
    129
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    SWFla
    Vehicle:
    '13 PreRunner TRD sport
    Window tint count?
    My family owns an auto electric repair shop in south florida. Have been dealing with batteries and battery companies since 1979. I wouldn't put an optima in my vehicles even if it was given to me. Had so many vehicle brought in for no start/drain symptoms that were optima related.

    What I really don't like is how I've seen then be fine one day and take a dirt nap the next. No warning. For what they are priced I am not impressed. We have good luck with excide batteries for normal vehicles and use odyssey batteries in boats and offroad buggies/toys.
     
    Crosis likes this.
  18. Dec 11, 2014 at 6:35 PM
    #18
    GZ1

    GZ1 My Frame Isn't Rusty

    Joined:
    Nov 9, 2014
    Member:
    #141988
    Messages:
    129
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Andy
    SWFla
    Vehicle:
    '13 PreRunner TRD sport
    Window tint count?
    Our excide rep has been trying to get us to use these. Just haven't had anything to put them in. He said that it was their "answer" to the odyssey line. I may put them in my flats boat next. Until then I don't have much first hand info on them.
     
  19. Dec 11, 2014 at 6:49 PM
    #19
    Shmellmopwho

    Shmellmopwho Well-Known Member Vendor

    Joined:
    Apr 10, 2014
    Member:
    #127399
    Messages:
    11,663
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Lomita CA
    Vehicle:
    2013 White DCLB TRD sport
    Bunch of stuff
    I've heard good stuff about the exide, but I went with the odyssey extreme. Love the battery. Great starting power and runs my lights, air compressor, and fridge really great!
     
  20. Dec 11, 2014 at 7:29 PM
    #20
    steelhd

    steelhd Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Dec 15, 2013
    Member:
    #118650
    Messages:
    3,386
    Gender:
    Male
    Eastern WA
    Vehicle:
    2011 DCSB TRD OR
    Not entirely true. Regardless of brand name on the label most US batteries are made by only three companies...Exide, Johnson Controls, and Delphi. And there is a simple test to tell which battery of a particular group size is best. Weight.
     

Products Discussed in

To Top