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Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Chuck Pearson on November 12, 2014, 07:45:45 pm

Title: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Chuck Pearson on November 12, 2014, 07:45:45 pm
Found my house, shop, boat and coach broken into, lots of stuff stolen.  Cables for start batteries cut.  At this point we just want to get our coach rolling and get the h out of d and let usaa sort it out but for the life of me can't remember if the two red tops were parallel 12 v or series 6v.  What's the most common setup?  Brain not working so well right now as I contemplate the wreckage.....
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Dick S on November 12, 2014, 07:53:35 pm
Chuck, very sorry to hear this news. Sure hope you get it straightened out without too much trouble.
I don't have red tops, so can't help there.
Dick
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: BobW on November 12, 2014, 08:01:41 pm
Chuck:

Our two red tops are 12 volt in parallel.

Bob
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Chuck Pearson on November 12, 2014, 09:28:05 pm
Thanks Bob and Dick.
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Dan Stansel on November 12, 2014, 10:45:15 pm
I have three 12 volt 34/78 red top Optima batteries.  I am in the need of replacing as I tried to start the coach today and even though I have had a tricle charge on it , would not go had to use the boost switch to start.  Will be going to Sams/ABC/Oreily to see best price.  DAN
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Keith and Joyce on November 13, 2014, 01:42:19 pm
Sorry to hear about the theft.

On mine it's 3 in parallel.

I think that Red Tops are overrated for the price but if insurance is paying...

Keith
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Dan Stansel on November 13, 2014, 01:48:27 pm
Keith:  I am looking for three crank batteries.  Currently have three redtop optima 34/78 AGM. What other battery is as good?  These things at stores are $200 each and then add tax that makes it about $650.00 to replace.  currently looking on line for batteries.  DAN
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Keith and Joyce on November 13, 2014, 02:06:25 pm
Dan,

You want the highest CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) available that will fit.  They will also have the best reserve capacity.  One thing to consider is warranty replacement.  Buy from a national chain such as auto stores or supermarket/discount club, then if they die prematurely you will be able to get replacement pretty much anywhere.  Duralast batteries are good - so are Interstate.  You can spend a lot of time and effort researching batteries but it all comes down to buying from a well known supplier as there are very few actual manufactures.

Some people like to use a dual purpose cranking/deep-cycle battery as it stands not being charged while in storage better.  If you keep a battery charged and don't deep discharge it along with a charger that will de-sulphate it occasionally you will be OK and not need this type.

Keith
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Caflashbob on November 13, 2014, 02:09:53 pm
Keith:  I am looking for three crank batteries.  Currently have three redtop optima 34/78 AGM. What other battery is as good?  These things at stores are $200 each and then add tax that makes it about $650.00 to replace.  currently looking on line for batteries.  DAN

None IMO
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Ted & Karen on November 17, 2014, 11:01:13 am
Dan:

I just replaced my dead Red Tops with Duralast Platinum AGM's. They seem to have the same specs and Yellow Tops, with more reserve and 750 CCA.  I negotiated with Autozone and got them for $150 each.  Just be very sure your connections are tight.  I had an issue with my old connections and had them replaced with the military/marine style- much more heavy duty and should not vibrate loose. 

Best of luck with your hunt for batteries.
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Dan Stansel on November 17, 2014, 11:09:39 am
Ted:  Have new Red Tops coming.  Could not find AGMs at a cheaper price.  Tks DAN
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: Kent Speers on November 17, 2014, 01:32:42 pm
Don't forget Amazon. Three Red Tops delivered for <$450 fall of 2013. We are a Prime member. 
Title: Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?
Post by: wa_desert_rat on November 17, 2014, 03:26:46 pm
Don't forget Amazon. Three Red Tops delivered for <$450 fall of 2013. We are a Prime member.

I bought Red Tops from Amazon. Free shipping for Prime! Excellent pricing, too. Make sure the configuration matches your cabling!

Craig