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Topic: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12? (Read 709 times) previous topic - next topic

optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

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.....
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #1 –
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
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #2 –
Chuck:

Our two red tops are 12 volt in parallel.

Bob
Winter: Texas Rio Grande Valley or Foley, AL
Summer: The Gardens RV Community of Crossville, TN
2000 40 FT U270, Xtreme FBP
2017 C-Max Towed

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #3 –
Thanks Bob and Dick.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #4 –
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
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #5 –
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
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #6 –
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
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #7 –
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
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Dan J. Stansel –
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
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #9 –
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.
Ted & Karen
2001 U270 36' - sold after 12 years full timing

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #10 –
Ted:  Have new Red Tops coming.  Could not find AGMs at a cheaper price.  Tks DAN
Dan & Shirley Stansel
2002 U295 4020 AGDS Build#6054
Towing Buick Enclave & M &  G Braking
Emerald Bay, Lake Palestine, Texas
MC# 16650

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #11 –
Don't forget Amazon. Three Red Tops delivered for <$450 fall of 2013. We are a Prime member. 
The selected media item is not currently available.Kent Speers
Locust Grove, OK
1993 U300 SSE 40' (Restored at FOT 2009) Build 4323
720 watts Solar
6V92TA DDEC Silver Engine
2014 Subaru Outback

Re: optima red top start batts, 6v or 12?

Reply #12 –
Quote from: Kent Speers –
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
1993 U225 36' Unihome GV with PACBRAKE exhaust retarder, Banks Stinger and Solar Panels.
Toad: 1999 Jeep Wrangler 2-door soft-top.

"No one has ever had to evacuate a city because the solar panels broke."