Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Starting Batteries (Read 472 times) previous topic - next topic

Starting Batteries

We have a 2006 FT Nimbus with a 400 HP Cummins. Our starting batteries are no longer holding a charge. We have to use the boost to start. We have three Exide batteries.  I've read other forum contributors use Optima batteries. What is the difference between red top and yellow top batteries? What is recommended by other owners?
RollinO's - Bruce & Pat Olson
2007 40' Nimbus 340
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #1 –
You will get lots of different opinions on this subject. The red tops are for high starting amps and not so much for deep cycle. If you have AGM's for the house batteries the Optima's are a good choice.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #2 –
A good search will help you here, as some recent chat was about the Red, Yellow, and Blue.

My understanding is the Red are for starting, lots of cold cranking amps.  The Yellow are more dual purpose, mixed use and needs.  The Blue are for deep cycle, long time use, like a trolling motor, or RV camping needs.

I went with new Red tops for engine starting when I replace mine last year.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #3 –
In my research, I'm finding different red tops (starting) for RV 's versus cars, trucks etc. has anyone heard of GM Glass "mast" starting batteries for motor homes ?
RollinO's - Bruce & Pat Olson
2007 40' Nimbus 340
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #4 –
How many years does one get out of their starting batteries? We have no idea the age of these Exides.
RollinO's - Bruce & Pat Olson
2007 40' Nimbus 340
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #5 –
Dave, what kind did you replace with? Model number? Did you need three new ones?
RollinO's - Bruce & Pat Olson
2007 40' Nimbus 340
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #6 –
Go to battery forums and read the reviews on both. To me, either one is a total waste of money with a commercial 31 series a better choice. With three 31 series batteries, you should never have to use boost to start. For that matter, having to use boost to start indicates a shortcoming the the starting loop.

We have three 34 series that are 6 years old and never have a problem with winter slow cranking with our 9 liter engine without ever using boost. If all starting components are adequate and the batteries have been properly maintained over off season storage periods, there should be no problems for many years.

Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #7 –
Oops, that's AGM (absorbent glass mat) batteries.
RollinO's - Bruce & Pat Olson
2007 40' Nimbus 340
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #8 –
 ;) great suggestion on less expensive commercial 31 batts. I was looking at $250.00 each!
RollinO's - Bruce & Pat Olson
2007 40' Nimbus 340
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #9 –
Quote from: RollinO –
Dave, what kind did you replace with? Model number? Did you need three new ones?

I bought Optima's, the largest case size that would fit the steel frame size.  I don't remember the Group #, maybe 34?  I went back with 2 as per spec. on the build sheet to replace the 2 ancient ones or which one had failed.  I also have an older 98, 8.3C, 325 hp, and it might be way easier to start than your new and larger engine.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #10 –
Quote from: Pierce & Gaylie Stewart –
Go to battery forums and read the reviews on both. To me, either one is a total waste of money with a commercial 31 series a better choice. With three 31 series batteries, you should never have to use boost to start. For that matter, having to use boost to start indicates a shortcoming the the starting loop.

We have three 34 series that are 6 years old and never have a problem with winter slow cranking with our 9 liter engine without ever using boost. If all starting components are adequate and the batteries have been properly maintained over off season storage periods, there should be no problems for many years.

Pierce
I use them on my crane,s but because of the inverter charger needing the same type of battery to set voltages I went with the Optima AGM's
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #11 –
RollingO,

Double check that your starter isn't part of the problem. I had to replace my staring batteries too early (4 years old). I didn't realize all the years of slow cranking was the starter and I think it pulled my batteries down early. Now with a new starter it spins over much faster.
Previous coach - 2007 Phenix 45'
 

Re: Starting Batteries

Reply #12 –
I have three group 34 optima red tops which are at least 8 years old. My cat engine starts instantly. If you shop you should pay about $200 each. 
1995 U320 40', 2013 chevy sonic toad, my real love are corvettes have owned 30