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Optima VS. Group 31

T

TexasLefty

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Location
Denton County, Texas
I have read where people are converting there trucks to except group 31 batteries. I am familiar with the two battery trays in older International 8100's and Freightliner FL 50/60's. I feel like this conversion would be simple, inexpensive and could be completed in one afternoon. My question is, what is/are the advantage's of the group 31 batteries over the optima's?

Thanks in advance
John
 
A group 31 battery is just a larger battery. You can buy an OPTIMA in a group 31 as well as the smaller 34/78 and 75.
 
I have been a Mechanic since 1989 and know the difference in battery group size. I have never seen a group 31 optima, with that said I guess I should ask a different question. What is the advantage to running group 31 batteries (Other than more cranking amps and getting the batteries out of the engine compartment)?
 
I know they(optima) make a group 31 in both blue and yellow top batteries...not sure about red tops...I have a a group 31 blue top I put in my travel trailer...

I run a pair of 34/78 blue tops in my truck
 
What is the difference between a "c" and "d" cell... Not sure what your are really asking.
X2 on Optima being available in both sizes.

There is more difference between a Optima and plain old lead acid leaker battery than the group size would make.
Upgrading the wiring to the starter and alternator can make make a bigger difference than a battery change.

Getting the battery out of the "heat kills" engine compartment does you good in hot climates for longer battery life for all types. Even position in the engine compartment fails the hotter running battery first.

Other than cost there are no advantages to getting away from Optima. There are advantages to going with Odyssey AGM vs. the now lower quality and cheaper Optima's.

When you need to depend on a battery and hate the usual corrosion and leaks you can't beat AGM easily. I started my wrecked truck with one crushed Optima still wired in. It took a 2 weeks to dry out and fail and didn't acid bath everything. Light plants and general serious abuse I have only ever had one leak. I recommend Odyssey (Started by the people who left Optima.) if cost isn't an issue as Optima's quality has fallen off since Jonson Controls moved the plant to Mexico and changed the quality components for cheaper ones.
 
Personally unless you plan on upgrading and needing a deep cycle battery, I would stick with a group 34/78 style battery. The 34/78 battery is a heavy duty battery designed for rapid discharge(HIGH cranking amps), whereas a group 27, 29, and 31 is more of a deep cycle battery where you need alot of amps in reserve to run loads for long periods without the battery being charged. By going with a group 31 you will gain ampere hours, but most likely lose cranking amps. And I like the DEKA line of batteries myself. Johnson controls(the one who builds probably 85% of the batteries out there) is turning out some cut rate crap anymore. DEKA and the INTERSTATE brand batteries seem to be holding up better for my customers.
 
First off thanks for looking and responding. I have done very few modifications in my career. I have done a few repowers While working for CSPL but that's about it.

I am not familiar with the odyssey line but it looks like they run at least $250 each. I am pretty sure I can get two Optimas for around $300. I would prefer to stay away from a lead acid if possible however thats not set in stone.

Relocating the batteries is a high priority however.
 
If your on a budget, look into an AGM battery made by DEKA. It will be twice as good as the OPTIMA, for about the same money. I know NAPA, CARQUEST, and many private alternator and starter shops carry them. Also CATERPILLAR as I understand it turns out a pretty good battery for a fair price(I believe they are made by DEKA).
 
I called the local Batteries Plus and the SLI34AGMDP is $234.99 with a 5 year base warranty. The Optima yellow top is $219.99 with a 2 year warranty and no prorate thats it. I am 100% open to suggestion at this point.

I have had Optimas in my cars for years, I know they are not what they used to be so the Deka AGM may be the best choice.

Thanks again for looking and responding.
 
THEFERMANATOR said:
If your on a budget, look into an AGM battery made by DEKA. It will be twice as good as the OPTIMA, for about the same money. I know NAPA, CARQUEST, and many private alternator and starter shops carry them. Also CATERPILLAR as I understand it turns out a pretty good battery for a fair price(I believe they are made by DEKA).
Click to expand...

ALSO, THE DEKA BATTERY IS MADE IN THE USA by East Penn Mfg. in Lyon Station, Pennsylvania.
 
I have never seen anybody upgrade to a larger battery on here.

Us 6.5TD guys/gals barely have enough room for the batteries we got.

We do upgrade our battery cables and do the battery mod.
 
TexasLefty said:
I feel like my original question was never answered. Why are the so many people converting there trucks to except group 31 batteries?
Click to expand...


I also don't know of anybody switching over to a group 31 battery either. Teh group 34/78 size is what most all of us run, and seems to be MORE tha nadeguite to keep up. The only diesel truck I know of with a group 31 was teh first DODGE's with a CUMMIN's in them, and that is because they only have 1 battery. I would upgrade teh cables before the battery.
 
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