Ok, so my dash lights and head lights dim when the sub hits hard. I have a old battery in there now thats rated at 540 CCA, id like to upgrade and was wondering what a decent battery would be. And yes the alternator is fine, we checked the power at the alternator and batt when eveything is at max draw and the batt dips to 11.6 but the alternator stays aorund 14.1+.

So what battery should I go with, the audio shop said i shouldnt get a optima when i mentioned it.......

 

I just bought batteries fro 2 trucks. Got the Sam's Club Interstate, 850 amps, $80.

 

I'm gonna swing by discount auto and see about getting one of the platinum batteries, I think they were the same as yours. Thanks

 

Interstate batteries are great batteries.

Have you contemplated getting a capacitor for your system, sounds like you need one to me.

 

Actually I have found that Interstate makes good long term batteries. However I do not know any popular store that sells them, but that may be in this area. I have specified them directly for multi-battery arrays in Remote Broadcast & Recording Trucks for many years. I have a multi-battery installation in my Exp. using two Sched-65 Interstate Batteries.

 

I think the Interstate is about as good as you will find and I get them at Sam's Club. If I could not get the Interstate, I would just go back with a Motorcraft.

 

I have always used the Interstate brand in my trucks. The 850 is a good battery that should last you several years with a proper alternator current and a good VR in her.

 

The main thing to check on the battery is the date it was filled. Some batteries are filled a year or two before they are sold. If I remember right Interstate and Diehard batteries are manufactured by Johnson Controls who also make the batteries that are sold at Sams club and Walmart.

 

Optima yellow top a good battery for this? D34/78? I found a guy local thats selling one hes never used for $130 brand new.

 

The only downside to the Optima Yellow top is the cold cranking amps (I think it is around 700) but living in Florida you don't have to worry about that. If it fits your truck I would go for it.

 

Agreed

 

cap would be a good idea, as far as battery brand, i personally am impressed by the neverstart in my 91 ranger. theres no date stamp on it BUT! it was in there before i bought it in 2001. its still going btw.

 

Whatever you do, don't get sucked in by the people who say you need a deep cycle battery.

I'm not much for big chain parts stores, but Duralast Gold batteries are really surprisingly good. Most of them are made by Exide which is a very good name. Interstate is great as well. If you get an optima, you won't be disappointed... as long as you don't get a deep cycle.

I will also echo the need for a capacitor. So many times people try to compensate for stuff like this with bigger batteries and larger alternators, but that isn't the right way to do it.

Short-burst draws like subs need capacitors. Long-term draws like police lights or ambulances need the battery/alternator upgrades.