Sonnenschiensnoozen vs. Optima question

[berettafan]

Looking for new batts and i see the sonnenschein DF-75 is about $150 shipped (x2 i suppose).

Is there any reason to use 2 of these or am i fine with one?

Also, how do these compare to the Optima red top.

I DON'T care about originality in this area but DO care about leaking, dead batteries and other associated miseries.

Thanks for the assistance-

[HarryD]

I would go with one red top or two Sonnenscheins. I am not sure I have enough reserve with just one Sonnenschein.

[boxster03]

FYI

Interstate makes a battery that fits and is less $ than the Sonnenschein

[HarryD]

FYI

Interstate makes a battery that fits and is less $ than the Sonnenschein

Agreed but when I checked with my local fellow, the Interstates are not that much cheaper (maybe about $60 for the pair vs the Sonnenshein).

[edmayo]

I am an admitted advocate of the dual Sonnenscheins. Even though you're not as concerned about originality as I probably am I just don't care for the mess that mounting an Optima on its side creates. As to the interstates, or any other lead acid battery, be sure you factor in the cost of a new front pan in the future if using liquid electrolyte types.

[berettafan]

Thanks all. Just ordered two of the last 4 sonnenschnoozenfufers left at batterysales.com. Did it via phone to be sure i got automotive posts and the fellow was very helpful. if i can get a full 3yrs out of these i'll be pleased.

just finished my pan recently so i'll be darned if i'm going to do another one (at least not on THIS car).

ed can i leave both batts in the car during the winter w/ a battery maintainer gizmo? if so do i need one gizmo or two? we get the odd nice day in february and i'd like to be able to take my baby for a ride when that happens.

[edmayo]

Beretta Fan, the one thing you need to avoid with these batteries is overcharging, both from your cars charging system, and from battery chargers. The battery charger needs to have the automatic shut off when full charge is reached. You can hook your charger leads to just one battery and it will charge both. If you think the car may be down a couple months during the dead of winter then I would suggest unbolting the ground straps, otherwise if it's usually only a few weeks to a month then don't bother. I've been using these batteries for more than fifteen years now, and unless they're abused someway they've been lasting up to six years.

[Allen Henderson]

But I like and have used Odyssey.

All charged up guys,


http://www.odysseybatteries.com/


They have one that fits, it is pretty small in fact. Very powerful but expensive batteries.



-Allen-

[reed]

I also like
http://www.odysseybatteries.com/


Odyssey. They have one that fits, it is pretty small in fact. Very powerful but expensive batteries.



-Allen-

The Odyssey batteries are now available from Sears under the Diehard Platinum name. I'm not sure of the price difference, but they're much easier to locate since they're available at Sears.

I bought one for my 4Runner over the winter and was really impressed with the quality. We'll see how long it lasts.

[berettafan]

thanks reed. i looked at the sears website and they appear to be $189 but there is no mention of sizing, etc.

looking forward to having my non-leaky sonn's in the car next week!