My 03 U320 has Optima Yellow Tops for starting batteries that I believe are original. Does anyone know what size they would be? What group and possible CCA's? Or where I might find this info? The batteries are located in a tight spot and cannot get info off batteries.
Bill, this is what I used to replace the yellow tops in my 2001 U320 . Group 31.
Optima Batteries 8050-160-FFP D31T YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery
12-Volt, 900 Cold Cranking Amps,
Size: 12 13/16" x 6 1/2" x 9 3/8" tall,
Weight: 59.8 pounds,
Steel Stud and SAE Post
Reserve capacity of 155 minutes for constant performance
Some use the red tops. More starting power but less deep cycle capability.
Roger
Not supposed to be a deep cycle use. If no way to trickle charge the start batteries maybe the discharging of them might benefit from the yellow tops.
Install a trickle/high frequency charger at the main 12V bus. Easy as our U300 had a 120v outlet a few inches away. All you have to do is identify which cable is the engine/start battery. Only thing to do then is check the manufacturer's web site to see what they recommend for float voltage and make sure your trickle charger is close to that.
Pierce
Thanks for your replies fella's. Coach would not start without boost on after sitting for about 5 weeks while we were at the in-laws place. After letting it sit for a couple hours or so with he boost switch on the voltage came back up to 13.7 VDC on DIC and dash gauge. But after driving (boost off) to get a leaking valve stem fixed and then back to Rayford Crossing, the DIC and dash gauge was reading only 12.2 VDC. I checked alternator output and it measured 14 VDC so seems ok. Was thinking I may have a bad cell or battery dragging the others down. Was going to disconnect them and check but they are very difficult to access...behind muffler on driver side. Crawled under coach today and decided it was a job for those more equipped than I. I could hardly see the tops of the batteries. So hopefully can find a qualified and honest person to check and replace if needed. Thanks for the info John. I do have the yellow top D31T's. I was able to get a s/n and with help from Optima determined the batteries were manufactured in 2010. I was hoping they would last longer.
Optima determined the batteries were manufactured in 2010. I was hoping they would last longer.
You're not the first to say the same about Optima batteries of recent manufacture. I don't understand why people pay SO MUCH to get them instead of other batts w as good or better warranty. As I understand it, they have a lesser warranty than they once did.