My 2002 2500 crew cab LT didn't start the other day so I charged up the battery & plugged in the heater. Started right up after 4 hrs. Son- mechanic- used the truck & tested the batteries for me. Said the Passenger battery is about dead & the other is ok. Told me to replace both batteries. Any ideas about what to replace them with?? Michigan has bad / cold weather so I want a high cranking battery- 750/ 800 c.c.a.? Any brands that you like? I have read where some are getting the Opt. red tops - How much do they run? I even called about the Duracel GOLD from Sears= $79.99 795 C.C.A. Sound Ok. Consumers report says the Advance Autocraft Titanium= 800 C.C.A. 36/84 is the one to get BUT they are $118 each. Should I get the Opt. instead? Thanks for the Help, Howard:D :D :D

Howard, optimas.

I concurr, I just installed 2 Optima Red tops with dual posts for accessories

ebay= new optima cheaper with free shipping.

Howard,

If you have to buy and really don't want to worry about them, listen to Eric and buy the Optima's.

If you can get them replaced under warranty and don't want to shell out a lot of cash. Get the dealer to replace them.

I have bought Diehard's for many years and had only one that was a turd. But the service is good and you can get them replaced just about anywhere.

I had an Interstate once in the vette that was the biggest pain I've ever had. Interstate makes good batteries, just not for me.

Personally, when my batteries need changed, I will go for the Optima Red Top original's which are 800 CCA'a and I think are 100 Amp @ the 10 Hr. Rate. The Red's are not deep cycle type and unless you do a lot of "engine not running running DC loads", I would never recommend a Deep cycle battery. Deep Cycle type batteries don't do well in Automotive float voltage applications. Plus, the Optima's are a sealed type unit that you won't have to worry about electrolite leakage or topping off levels. They're really a "Plug and Play" battery.

OK, For all you guys with Yellow Top's. Yes you can get away with running a Deep cycle battery in automotive service, it just won't last as long as if it was used in Deep cycle service, (trolling motors, golf carts, back-up power supplys, etc.). :rolleyes:

How much service life one loses using a deep cycle battery in float voltage application is dependent upon float voltage, battery construction, ambient temps, etc.

Long story short Howard, go for the Red's, you've earned them. Go Splurge! :D

Deep cycle or RV/Marine have no place in our trucks. Later! Frank

Thanks for the back up Frank! :)

At least I've tried to set them straight.

THANKS FOR ALL THE INPUT!! I bought the 36/78 Optima red tops. Paid $118 each. I shouldn't have any trouble for a long long time.. They replaced the orignal Delco that where in it.

How do the Optimas fit? Does the stock battery hold down work on these? Do the pos and neg leads fit right up, or do you need to buy adaptors?

MaineMax,

They bolt right in. Pull out Delco drop in Optimas. The lead location is the same. I would recommend the dual post set up in case you want to add accessories or require a quick 12V source. The side posts make that tough.

MaineMax, the 36/78 have both posts included. Couldn't find a single top post on that battery. Everything was exact replacement. I keep the new hold down pieces,cause the old ones looked great.

What the heck is wrong with replacing with Interstate batteries?

I looked into them & went as far as Consumer Reports. They weren't rated that well. & everyone is rating the Optimal very, very, high!!