X2, that lack of connector corrosion is another benefit of an AGM battery I often forget to mention. They don't vent off sulphuric fumes which is what causes battery connector corrosion. Some say it's hydrogen fumes but whatever, AGM batteries don't vent it and you don't get corroded connectors with an AGM battery.
The last one I turned back in to Costco was like 9 yrs ago. They wouldn't swap it out for another because they stopped carrying Optima altogether. And frankly, I wasn't going to go thru the routine again anyway (failing battery, recovery, then the warranty process).
You are mixing up battery terms. Wet= flooded, dry is a typical flashlight battery, gel is actually that, the electrolyte is a gel between lead plates, and the one you are after is AGM or absorbent glass mat. AGM has fiberglass mats that hold the electrolyte between the lead plates so they are considered "non-spillable". Non-spillable in quotes because they are not wholly sealed. Instead they are what is known as a VRLA or valve regulated lead acid type that utilizes a one way check valve to vent the battery. They are typically able to be mounted in any position except terminals straight down due to the valve.
Thank you for letting me know I was misunderstanding terms, I appreciate it!
To put the efficiency of space into a very clear perspective, think about how much more beer you would get in a typical 6 pack if the cans were square instead of round for the same height. That's a lot more beer.Thank you for letting me know I was misunderstanding terms, I appreciate it!
I also appreciate you clarifying how things work. This site never ceases to educate and help me improve my understanding of things
I don't think I said they are the way to go, did I?
To be fair with regard to my comment and the picture, the cells are offset somewhat so they make a little better use of the space than the pic shows but not much.Here's a good illustration to the difference between Optima's space wasting design and a conventional design.
View attachment 76266
And if you compare the weights of a Group 34 size Optima vs. a Group 34 size conventional battery like an Odyssey, Deka, Bosch, etc. the Optima weighs significantly less. To me that means you get less battery with Optima's 6-pack design. That plus my three prematurely failed Optimas means I'll never use another Optima.
And as a clarification to the often mentioned gel cell term, that AC-Delco battery you mentioned Tray is not a gel cell any more than Optima's batteries are gel cells. None of the batteries we use in our Jeeps are gel cell designs. It's not easy to convert to a gel cell battery, they require a different type of charging system. Not to mention gel cell batteries have a high "internal impedance" which means they're not suitable for high current uses like winches or able to take a fast charge rate like a lead-acid battery can. Odyssey, AC-Delco, Deka, Duralast, Diehard, etc. batteries are all lead-acid batteries. AGM batteries are lead-acid batteries.
Yes, though the significant weight difference alone shows how much more battery is packed into the same Group size conventional design.
Hey Jerry, sounds like you've forgotten more about batteries than I'll ever know. lolYes, though the significant weight difference alone shows how much more battery is packed into the same Group size conventional design.
I don't know, I'd contact Optima to see what they say. And no doubt there are billet battery hold downs made for non-Optima batteries. I'd rather have a long lasting battery than commit again to Optima just because of the hold down.