I've been thinking about re-locating my battery lately to my driver storage bin, since all I keep in there is oil. I've been trying to find small batteries, but I cant seem to find them for anything less than 150. I've found oddesy pc680 batteries that you can mount upright, or flat, which is neat, but it comes down to price again. even if I don't mount it back there, I'd at least like a smaller one. batteries are huge and obnoxious. I'd prefer sealed if I do go the interior mounting route, but I know I can't always have my cake and eat it too.
what have you guys done or what do you guys use?

 

I have my full size acid battery in the drivers bin. Takes it all up but fits nicely. Had to trim storage bin but no biggie.. Open the bin and full access to it. When it spills i'll change it lol...

 

you can run a normal battery, but it MUST have a vent tube.

actually a 1990-2005 miata battery is small and has the vent tubes.

 

I've always seen this^^. Why does it need a vent tube??

 

when you use a lead acid battery it discharges gasses, like hydrogen, which are bad for you AND flammable

 

Good thing I roll with windows down and sunroof up haha.

What I thought. Knew they let out gasses, didn't know it was flammable. Good to know. Yeah, mine don't have a vent tube. Damn.

 

Or use an Optima. They are sealed dry cell batteries so they do not vent any fumes.

 

hmm, i vaguely remember hearing needing vent tubes, which is why i wanted to go the sealed route. I wanted a small battery so i could shed a few pounds and still keep oil in that storage bin

 

Only problem is Optimas cost an arm, a leg, and your first born. here's a few in the $100-150 range...well one of em is $160 but yea.

Edit: I forgot the last two links but all can be found on HRPWorld.


Braille Auto -- $150.10
Casing: Carbon Composite Shell & Polymer Plastic
Weight: 11.5 lbs
Length: 5.8
Width: 3.4
Height: 5.8
Pulse Cranking Amps: 904
Cranking Amps: 486
Cold Cranking Amps: 360
Amp Hour Rating: 15
Warranty: 1 Year Free Replacement
http://www.hrpworld.com/index.cfm?tp...action=product

Odyssey PC 545MJ (motorcycle battery) -- $136.99
545 cranking amps
Short circuit current over 1200A
19 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load
Female brass terminal w/M6 SS bolt
With metal jacket for severe use
Dimensions: Length 7.00"x Width 3.37"x Height 5.17" Weight: 12.6 lbs
http://www.hrpworld.com/index.cfm?tp...action=product

Odyssey PC680MJT (Small Battery) -- $159.99
680 cranking amps
Short circuit current over 1800A
25 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load
With metal jacket and automotive terminals
OA Length 7 1/16"
OA Width 2 15/16"
OA Height 7 3/16"
Weight 15.4 lb

Odyssey PC680 Powersports -- $129.99
680 cranking amps for 5 seconds
595 cranking amps for 10 seconds
525 cranking amps for 20 seconds
Short circuit current over 1800A
17 amp hours
Short circuit current over 1800A
25 minute reserve capacity with 25amp load
Female brass terminal w/M6 SS bolt
Length 7 1/16"
Width 3"
Height 6 9/16"
Weighs less than 15 lbs

 

Optima makes some smaller batteries for like Hondas that can't hold an adult size battery. Go around to your local part stores and check the dates on the batteries if their date is year old they have to sell them at reconditioned battery prices. Most people don't know this and they sure wont share this with you.

 

Lol, after working at the tow yard I wont buy optimas, we sold them and they would **** out so fast, at least in the cop cars. Lol.

I've been looking at the Odyssy's, but all that info confuses the **** out of me. the cranking amps are more than sufficient for our cars I would imagine, but whats all this reserve capacity and amp hour stuff? :O being this is my daily car am I affected? would my pitiful 200 watt amp for my sub dampen my battery power? currently i have no light dimming issues, but all that stuff makes me wonder if I would with that.

 

yeah the optimas are junk. the odyssey's are ok, but a little small, if the car needs to crank more than normal its not good. they seem to live shorter lives too.

just buy a 90-05 miata battery

 

...and that's why I have an optima

 

Maybe i will get a miata battery. Don't want to Drill any holes in the body, guess I'll have to route a vent tube to the back with a T split and attach it to the liftgate drain if I do that.

 

I've run alot of optimas in alot of rigs. Never had a problem with one. And I can let them sit without starting the car for longer periods of time. They don't deteriorate as bad as a standard battery when drained.

 

I had one in my scout, and i never had problems with it, I'm just cautious after seeing so many go bad so fast. I'll probly' end up getting the small one and calling it good.