I just bought and hooked up an optima yellow top. I didn't notice anything running wierd or anything it seems to be doing just fine and better than befor. but i have heard that your supposed to use the red top for cranking and yellow top for extras, My question is will there be any adverse affects of me hooking up this battery and cranking off of it, as in will it fry my electrical system or will it cause the battery to be damages. Any help on this subject would be appreciated.

Thanks Syeth

 

Hey Syeth, I’ve been looking into those batteries as well.
Here’s some info that I found that might answer you question. First the differences between the two, then some Q&A.
In my opinion… It seem that you should go back to the red top, as this is what it was designed for.
Your Ride looks to be “set- up” on the interior (no doubt it sounds sweet). The hi performance vehicles they mention, probably do not apply to our vehicles?
Your thought of using your Yellow Top for Auxiliary purposes is a good Idea.
Late…



RED TOP: Ultra high performance in cold or heat... Ultra shock resistance... High tolerance for accidental deep discharge... The OPTIMA Red Top series is the ultimate battery for any vehicle that really needs to start. OPTIMA batteries are preferred by emergency vehicle crews because they deliver more power in tougher conditions than any other battery. Collectors and RV owners appreciate the OPTIMA's ability to hold a charge up to 3 times longer than conventional batteries.

YELLOW TOP: The OPTIMA Yellow Top is the battery of choice for deep-cycle power needs. Compared to conventional batteries, voltage output is more uniform across the discharge curve, more deep cycles are tolerated, and they can be mounted in any position with zero corrosion and zero leaks. They recharge faster than conventional batteries, and typically deliver 1.5 - 2x the service life. Yellow Top batteries also offer excellent performance as starter batteries for dual-purpose applications.
What does deep cycle mean, and how are deep cycle batteries different?
Deep Cycle refers to applications that typically discharge 60 to 70% or more of the battery capacity. An automotive battery is an SLI battery (Starting, Lighting & Ignition.) Its plates are designed to deliver maximum power for a short duration. Starting an engine typically discharges an SLI battery 3% or less. When an SLI battery is used in a deep-cycle application or in a vehicle with heavy accessory loads, the battery life will be shortened proportionally to how deeply and frequently it is discharged.
The OPTIMA Deep Cycle battery uses a different chemistry for the plates' active paste material, and a slightly stronger acid. This chemistry allows for a much longer life in deep cycle applications with only a slight reduction in maximum power output.
When should a deep cycle battery be used?
The most common use of deep cycle batteries is in applications that require deep, repetitive drain, like powerful car audio systems, trolling motors, golf carts, electric wheelchairs, or RV house power sources.
Public safety and high performance vehicles are other applications that call for the special characteristics of OPTIMA deep-cycle batteries.

http://www.1st-optima-batteries.com/

 

The yellow top is great for those that like to listen to the stereo without the engine running. It can be discharged more often than the red top. It will be fine and has enough CCAs to start your truck.

 

Thanks for your imput guys I have the battery installed it cranks my truck way better than my old one did i was only worried that it would damage itself or my electrical systme over a long period of time but from what i have heard from others i doubt that will happen. I am extremely happy with my yellow top i no longer have to worrie about my battery going dead wohooo.


Thanks Syeth

 

Syeth,
I have been using a yellow top in my old 4X4 fro three years now and have had no problems. I crank with it but also run my winch, ham radios, stero and 6 KC outside lights. I do live in New Mexico so i don't see sub zero temp too often.