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Red Top battery

Quick question:

What model number of the Optima Red Top batteries would be the best for starting batteries please?

Thanks
Bob
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: Red Top battery

Reply #1 –
Bob, What is in there now?  I am not sure what they put in the Nimbus.
In my U320 they used Optima Batteries 8050-160 D31T YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery.. Group 31, Threaded studs on top.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Red Top battery

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Bob, What is in there now?  I am not sure what they put in the Nimbus.
In my U320 they used Optima Batteries 8050-160 D31T YellowTop Dual Purpose Battery.. Group 31, Threaded studs on top.
I have these batteries replaced before so who knows what was original. Some Excide batteries in there now going bad. So, I am thinking of Red Tops 34/78. Three to be exact.
Bob
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: Red Top battery

Reply #3 –
Next time I'll replace them with a single 8D AGM, identical to the house batteries.
Tom Lang K6PG (originally  KC6UEC)
and Diane Lang
2003 38 U295 build 6209
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Ecodiesel
still have tow-ready 2006 Acura MDX 
Temple City, California
Motorcade 16681 California Chapter President
SKP 16663 member of SKP Park of the Sierra, Coarsegold California
FMCA F071251
Retired electrical and electronic engineer

Re: Red Top battery

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Tom Lang –
Next time I'll replace them with a single 8D AGM, identical to the house batteries.

Folks say not to use the yellow top optimas because they are deep cycle /start not just start like the red tops.  But then some use an 8D same as house, very much a deep cycle battery.  There are steady state parasitic draws on the start batteries.  Some deep cycle capacity is OK.  Check with FT to see what was original equipment.

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Red Top battery

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –
Folks say not to use the yellow top optimas because they are deep cycle /start not just start like the red tops.  But then some use an 8D same as house, very much a deep cycle battery.  There are steady state parasitic draws on the start batteries.  Some deep cycle capacity is OK.  Check with FT to see what was original equipment.


Thank you for your suggestions. I too have heard about parasitic draw on starting batteries and have placed a battery shut off like we have on MCI busses. As to Foretravel, I was informed that when this coach was built in mid 2006, anything that was around was used on coaches so consistency was not adhered to nor accurate records. For example, my dash AC/Heater system upfront was one of three prototype units used and not available for parts since these units were built for FT as a possible production model. They should not have been used but what the heck, they were hard pressed for parts so they used them. That is another story for another time. 
Bob
Bob & Kathy
2007 Nimbus
Full Timers
Retired Charter Bus Owner/Operator

Re: Red Top battery

Reply #6 –
My three Yellowtop Optimas (as they were in the original coach, second set in 15 years, one of the old ones still charges and passes load tests!) spin my ISM11 on their own. I rarely use the boost.  Once in a while if the BatteryMinder hasn't been connected.  Clean terminals and studs and good cables are critical.  I am going to add an extra 4/0 cable from start battery plus to the starter plus and the battery negative to the starter negative post.  They are 3/0 now.  Cleaner, easier amps to the starter, easier on everything.

Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Red Top battery

Reply #7 –
When we bought our coach five years ago it had two 8D batteries from Battery Mart here in town. One was new, the other old. Old went south so they replaced both--one free--the other $200. Each 950 CCA and one year warranty. Obviously not top of the line but they worked.
The coach battery went bad after two years so I moved the 8D engine start battery over to the coach battery position and bought a 1000 CCA truck battery with a seven (7) year warranty for $97 for an engine start battery. Less than half the weight and maintenance free. Turns over our 8.2L DD just fine. And longer warranty at $103 less!
This one I can lift in & out when necessary.
Nitehawk,  Demolition Lady, & our NEW master, Zippy the speeding BB cat.
1989 Grand Villa 36' ORED
Oshkosh chassis, 8.2 DD V8
2006 Saturn Vue AWD
 

Re: Red Top battery

Reply #8 –
I use OEM Group 34 Red Top Optimas as start batteries.
Peter & Beth Martin
No Forrest? What have you done?
MC# 15890 until Dec 2016; FMCA #F329677
Cincinnati, OH